Written by The World Food Forum (WFF) has opened applications for its 2027–2028 Youth Policy Board (YPB), inviting young leaders worldwide to contribute to global policy discussions on food security, sustainable agriculture and agrifood systems transformation.
Established by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Food Forum is a global platform that mobilises young people, science and innovation to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Youth Policy Board comprises 40 young changemakers from diverse regions and backgrounds who help shape youth policy priorities, lead consultations and advocate for the inclusion of young people’s perspectives in international decision-making.
Why It Matters
The Youth Policy Board provides young leaders with an opportunity to influence international conversations about food systems, agriculture and sustainable development. Through regional consultations, policy recommendations and engagement with international institutions, members can help ensure that young people’s experiences and priorities inform decisions affecting food security, livelihoods and the future of agriculture.
For young Nigerians and other eligible applicants interested in agriculture, food security, sustainability and policy advocacy, the opportunity offers a platform to contribute to global development discussions.
Responsibilities of Selected Members
Selected members will contribute to youth engagement and policy development at regional and international levels. Their responsibilities will include:
- Leading regional youth consultations to gather young people’s perspectives on the future of agrifood systems.
- Coordinating youth engagement ahead of the 2028 FAO Regional Conferences.
- Collaborating with FAO Regional Offices, the WFF Young Scientists Group and WFF National Youth Chapters.
- Developing regional youth recommendations for intergovernmental processes and conferences.
- Representing the Youth Policy Board at relevant international policy meetings and advocating for youth participation.
- Documenting activities, outcomes and progress throughout the term.
Members will also contribute to the broader work of the WFF Youth Assembly, helping translate youth perspectives into policy recommendations and practical solutions.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have graduated from high school and completed or be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme at the time of application.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old as of 30 April 2027.
- Be a national of an FAO Member State.
- Demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English. Knowledge of other FAO official languages is an advantage.
- Have experience, knowledge or a strong interest in agrifood systems, policy advocacy and youth empowerment.
- Be available to attend at least one weekly meeting lasting one hour, scheduled between 09:00 and 18:00 Central European Time.
- Be able to commit approximately 25 hours per month to the role.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in an international, multicultural environment and communicate across cultures.
Applicants must not be employed by FAO, be immediate family members of FAO employees or be current or former members of the WFF Young Scientists Group or Youth Policy Board.
Who Is Particularly Encouraged to Apply?
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in youth organisations or youth constituencies.
- Experience supporting youth consultations and participatory processes.
- An understanding of international governance frameworks related to agrifood systems.
- Backgrounds representing underrepresented groups, including farmers, Indigenous Peoples and women.
Time Commitment
Selected members are expected to dedicate approximately 25 hours per month to their responsibilities.
Of this time, 20 hours will be devoted to their primary regional or thematic area of responsibility, while five hours will support their secondary area of work.
The commitment includes attending meetings, preparing policy documents, engaging stakeholders and participating in external activities.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of four rounds:
- Initial review: The WFF Youth Assembly Secretariat will assess applications based on eligibility and experience.
- Shortlisting: A committee comprising youth organisation representatives and, where feasible, National Youth Chapter policy focal points will evaluate applications. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide a CV, a letter of recommendation and a two-minute video explaining their proposed contribution to the Youth Policy Board and Youth Assembly.
- YPB assessment: The outgoing Youth Policy Board will assess candidates’ knowledge of agrifood systems, leadership abilities and policy expertise.
- Interview: Top candidates will be invited for interviews, with final selections based on interview performance and overall ranking.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the online application form before the deadline.
Application link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvlhmWuHR4GmBIt5yI-R-lnlFUQ0tRVTNNUjQ0RzJJTTQwVzVSNERCOVc1OC4u
Applicants can also consult the official World Food Forum Youth Policy Board page for further information about the initiative.
Application Deadline
Applications close on 30 November 2026.