World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028

The World Food Forum Youth Policy Board (YPB) 2027–2028 is an international youth leadership opportunity designed to give young people a meaningful role in discussions and decision-making processes concerning food systems, agriculture and sustainable development.

The World Food Forum was established in 2021 by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Its Youth Initiative brings together young leaders, researchers, organisations and other stakeholders to advance sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

The Youth Policy Board provides strategic guidance to the WFF Youth Assembly, an international platform through which young people collaborate on policy recommendations, consultations and advocacy activities.

For the 2027–2028 cohort, the Board will comprise 40 young changemakers from diverse regions and professional backgrounds.

Selected members will contribute to regional and thematic activities, helping identify challenges and opportunities within agrifood systems. Their responsibilities include engaging young stakeholders, coordinating consultations, preparing policy recommendations and supporting youth participation in international governance discussions.

Main Areas of Engagement

Regional Policy Work

Members will help organise youth consultations, gather regional perspectives and prepare recommendations relevant to the 2028 FAO Regional Conferences.

Thematic Policy Work

Members will contribute to discussions on agricultural sustainability, food security, biodiversity, climate change, nutrition, water management, fisheries and other important agrifood systems issues.

Youth Engagement and Advocacy

Members will support international youth participation through consultations, dialogues, policy documents and collaborative activities involving FAO technical experts and WFF partner organisations.

The Board operates through a year-long structure involving regular meetings and approximately 25 hours of work each month.

According to the official 2027–2028 Terms of Reference, applicants must:

• Be 18–35 years old as of 30 April 2027.
• Be nationals of an FAO member country.
• Have completed secondary school.
• Be currently enrolled in or have completed a Bachelor's degree programme.
• Demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Be available for at least one weekly one-hour meeting between 09:00 and 18:00 CET/CEST.
• Be able to dedicate approximately 25 hours per month to Board responsibilities.
• Demonstrate relevant experience, knowledge or strong engagement in agrifood systems, policy advocacy and youth empowerment.
• Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively in an international and multicultural environment.
• Possess strong intercultural communication skills.
• Not be employed by FAO.
• Not be an immediate family member of an FAO employee, within the relationships specified in the Terms of Reference.
• Meet the programme's restrictions concerning current or previous WFF Young Scientists Group and Youth Policy Board membership.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference is given to applicants who have:

• Experience with youth organisations or constituencies.
• Experience supporting youth consultations and policy dialogues.
• Backgrounds among underrepresented groups, including farmers, Indigenous Peoples and women.
• Knowledge of international governance frameworks related to agrifood systems.
• Relevant leadership, advocacy or community engagement experience.

The Youth Policy Board offers professional development and international engagement opportunities, including:

• Membership in a global youth policy advisory body associated with the World Food Forum.
• Opportunities to contribute to international agrifood systems discussions.
• Experience developing youth-led policy recommendations and outcome documents.
• Collaboration with other young leaders from different regions.
• Opportunities to engage with FAO technical experts and Youth Assembly partner organisations.
• Practical experience organising youth consultations and policy dialogues.
• Exposure to regional and international governance processes.
• Development of leadership, communication, collaboration and advocacy skills.
• Opportunities to build professional networks in agriculture, food security and sustainable development.
• Experience contributing to youth participation and representation in global decision-making processes.

Initial Application

The official application process requires candidates to complete the online registration form and provide the information requested, including their eligibility, background and relevant experience.

Applicants should be prepared to describe:

• Academic background and current study or qualification status.
• Relevant activities in agrifood systems, policy advocacy or youth engagement.
• Experience and motivation for joining the Youth Policy Board.
• Availability to fulfil the Board's responsibilities.
• Agreement with the application eligibility declarations and data privacy requirements.

Documents Required During Shortlisting

Candidates advancing to the second selection round will be asked to submit:

• An updated CV.
• A letter of recommendation.
• A two-minute video explaining how they would contribute to the Youth Policy Board and Youth Assembly.

The official selection process includes four rounds. Candidates are assessed based on:

• Compliance with the eligibility requirements.
• Relevant experience and engagement in agrifood systems.
• Knowledge of food and agriculture policy issues.
• Leadership ability and strategic thinking.
• Understanding of policy development, advocacy and global governance.
• Communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to engage diverse groups and work across cultures.
• Motivation to contribute to the Youth Policy Board.
• Quality of the documents and video requested during shortlisting.
• Performance during the final interview.

The selection process involves the Youth Assembly Secretariat, representatives of youth organisations, the outgoing Youth Policy Board and interview assessors.

• Develop international leadership and governance experience.
• Contribute to policy discussions concerning food security and sustainable agriculture.
• Work with a diverse group of young leaders and policy advocates.
• Gain practical experience organising international consultations.
• Strengthen communication, negotiation and collaborative policy-development skills.
• Engage with global agrifood challenges and sustainable development priorities.
• Build professional connections relevant to agriculture, public policy and youth development.
• Contribute to the representation of young people's perspectives in international discussions.