World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028: Applications Open for Young Leaders in Agriculture, Food Security and Sustainable Development

<p>The <strong>World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</strong> is inviting applications from eligible young people interested in youth leadership, policy advocacy, agrifood systems, and sustainable development. The Youth Policy Board (YPB) plays a governance role within the World Food Forum&#8217;s Youth Assembly, providing an opportunity for selected members to contribute to youth engagement and the organisation of the Assembly.</p> <p>The opportunity is intended for young people aged 18–35 who have completed high school and are enrolled in or have completed a bachelor&#8217;s degree programme. Applicants must demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English, have experience or an interest in agrifood systems, policy advocacy, or youth empowerment, and be able to commit approximately 25 hours per month to the role.</p> <p>The World Food Forum is connected to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and works through initiatives that engage young people in discussions and activities related to food systems and global development. Through the Youth Policy Board, selected applicants will take on responsibilities related to governing the WFF Youth Assembly.</p> <p>Applications must be submitted by <strong>30 November 2026 at 23:59 Central European Time (CET/Rome time)</strong>. Applicants should read the official Youth Policy Board Terms of Reference (ToR) carefully before completing the online application. The final selection is expected to be announced by April 2027.</p> <h2>World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028: Key Details</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Opportunity name:</strong> World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</li> <li><strong>Abbreviation:</strong> WFF YPB</li> <li><strong>Organising institution:</strong> World Food Forum, associated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)</li> <li><strong>Opportunity focus:</strong> Youth governance, agrifood systems, policy advocacy, and youth empowerment</li> <li><strong>Eligible age range:</strong> 18–35 years old as of 30 April 2027</li> <li><strong>Education requirement:</strong> High school graduate and enrolled in or graduated from a bachelor&#8217;s degree programme</li> <li><strong>Language requirement:</strong> C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English</li> <li><strong>Other language skills:</strong> Knowledge of other United Nations languages is an advantage</li> <li><strong>Time commitment:</strong> Approximately 25 hours per month, including weekly meetings</li> <li><strong>Application deadline:</strong> 30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/Rome time</li> <li><strong>Expected final selection announcement:</strong> April 2027</li> <li><strong>Application method:</strong> Online application form</li> <li><strong>Official contact email:</strong> <a href="mailto:youth-assembly@fao.org"><strong>youth-assembly@fao.org</strong></a></li> </ul> <p>Applicants should note that the announcement does not specify a salary, stipend, travel allowance, or other financial benefits. Prospective applicants should consult the official Terms of Reference for the full responsibilities, selection criteria, and conditions of membership.</p> <h2>About the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board</h2> <p>The World Food Forum Youth Policy Board is part of the World Food Forum&#8217;s Youth Assembly structure. According to the official application information, members of the Board will be primarily responsible for governing the WFF Youth Assembly.</p> <p>This governance responsibility distinguishes the Youth Policy Board from a general youth participation or event-attendance opportunity. Applicants should be prepared to review the programme&#8217;s Terms of Reference to understand the expectations associated with Board membership and the responsibilities of its members.</p> <p>The Board&#8217;s connection to the Youth Assembly places it within the World Food Forum&#8217;s wider youth engagement activities. The Forum&#8217;s website provides information about its work, news, events, resources, and opportunities for young people to participate.</p> <p>The application form indicates that applicants may be considered for either a <strong>regional or thematic position</strong> on the Youth Policy Board. Applicants must acknowledge this possibility and complete their application with that consideration in mind.</p> <p>The exact regional and thematic positions, their specific duties, and the distribution of available places should be confirmed in the official Terms of Reference rather than assumed from the application summary alone.</p> <h2>Why the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board Matters</h2> <p>Food systems are connected to a wide range of development concerns, including agricultural production, food security, nutrition, environmental sustainability, livelihoods, and public policy. Young people interested in these issues may want to participate in conversations that shape how youth perspectives are represented within international development initiatives.</p> <p>The WFF Youth Policy Board offers eligible applicants a way to explore a governance role within the World Food Forum&#8217;s Youth Assembly. Its stated purpose is not simply to attend an event but to take responsibility for governing the Assembly.</p> <p>The application criteria identify three particularly relevant areas of interest or experience:</p> <ul> <li>Agrifood systems.</li> <li>Policy advocacy.</li> <li>Youth empowerment.</li> </ul> <p>Applicants should reflect on how their experience, interests, education, or activities connect to these areas and how they could contribute to the Youth Assembly&#8217;s governance.</p> <p>The programme also requires a meaningful time commitment. Members should be prepared to dedicate approximately 25 hours each month and attend weekly meetings. This makes it important for prospective applicants to consider their existing academic, professional, and personal responsibilities before applying.</p> <p>The application material does not list specific benefits such as a stipend, travel funding, mentorship, or guaranteed participation in international conferences. Applicants should therefore evaluate the opportunity primarily against the responsibilities and conditions described in the official Terms of Reference.</p> <h2>Eligibility Criteria for the WFF Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</h2> <p>Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the application form and the official Terms of Reference. The application summary identifies age, education, language proficiency, commitment, relevant interests, and certain restrictions.</p> <h3>1. Age Requirement: 18–35 Years</h3> <p>Applicants must be between <strong>18 and 35 years old as of 30 April 2027</strong>.</p> <p>The specified reference date is important. Applicants should calculate their age on that date rather than relying solely on their age when completing the application.</p> <p>Anyone outside the stated age range should review the full Terms of Reference to confirm the programme&#8217;s rules before proceeding.</p> <h3>2. Educational Qualifications</h3> <p>Applicants must have graduated from high school and be enrolled in or have completed a bachelor&#8217;s degree programme.</p> <p>This means the stated criteria include people currently pursuing a bachelor&#8217;s degree as well as those who have already completed one.</p> <p>The supplied application summary does not specify a required degree subject, minimum grade, postgraduate qualification, or particular university. Applicants should consult the Terms of Reference for any additional educational conditions.</p> <h3>3. English Language Proficiency</h3> <p>Applicants must demonstrate <strong>C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English</strong>.</p> <p>This requirement applies to both oral and written communication. Prospective applicants should consider whether they can comfortably participate in meetings, understand programme communications, and express their ideas clearly in English.</p> <p>Knowledge of other United Nations languages is considered an advantage, but the supplied criteria do not make additional languages compulsory.</p> <p>The application summary does not specify whether a formal English-language test certificate is required. Applicants should consult the official Terms of Reference and application form for clarification.</p> <h3>4. Commitment of Approximately 25 Hours Per Month</h3> <p>Board members must be able to dedicate approximately <strong>25 hours per month</strong> to their responsibilities.</p> <p>The application also states that members must attend weekly meetings. Applicants should consider the combined time commitment when deciding whether to apply.</p> <p>Before accepting a position, prospective candidates should evaluate whether their academic studies, employment, research, family responsibilities, or other commitments will allow them to participate consistently.</p> <p>The exact meeting schedule and the distribution of monthly duties should be confirmed in the official Terms of Reference.</p> <h3>5. Experience or Interest in Relevant Areas</h3> <p>Applicants must have experience or an interest in at least the relevant areas identified by the programme:</p> <ul> <li>Agrifood systems.</li> <li>Policy advocacy.</li> <li>Youth empowerment.</li> </ul> <p>The supplied summary does not state that applicants must have professional employment in these fields. However, candidates should review the application questions and Terms of Reference to understand how the programme assesses relevant experience or interest.</p> <p>When preparing an application, candidates should accurately describe their actual background, activities, and motivations. Any examples of relevant experience should reflect their own work and ideas.</p> <h3>6. Restrictions on Eligibility</h3> <p>The application form identifies several categories of people who are not eligible under the stated criteria.</p> <p>Applicants cannot be:</p> <ul> <li>Employees of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.</li> <li>Immediate family members of FAO employees.</li> <li>Current or former members of the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group.</li> <li>Applicants seeking a third term on the Youth Policy Board.</li> </ul> <p>These restrictions should be reviewed carefully before an application is submitted. The reference to third-term applicants means that candidates should not assume they can apply for another term if they have already served two terms.</p> <p>For the exact interpretation of these restrictions, including any definitions or additional conditions, applicants should consult the <a href="https://youth.world-food-forum.org/docs/devworldfoodforumlibraries/track-youth-assembly/ypb-tors-2027-2028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Official Terms of Reference</strong></a>.</p> <h2>Who Should Consider Applying?</h2> <p>The opportunity may be relevant to young people who meet the formal requirements and are interested in contributing to youth governance, agrifood systems, policy advocacy, or youth empowerment.</p> <p>Potentially relevant backgrounds could include university students, graduates, young researchers, youth advocates, and people involved in agriculture or food-related initiatives. However, these are illustrative examples, not a separate official list of eligible professions.</p> <p>The decisive criteria are the stated age and educational requirements, C1 English proficiency, ability to commit the required time, relevant experience or interest, and compliance with the eligibility restrictions.</p> <p>Applicants should not assume that studying agriculture or working in a food-related organisation is mandatory, since the application summary refers to experience <strong>or interest</strong> in the identified areas. The full Terms of Reference should be consulted to determine how the programme evaluates candidates.</p> <h2>Regional and Thematic Positions</h2> <p>The application form states that candidates may be considered for either a regional or thematic position on the Youth Policy Board.</p> <p>This means applicants should complete the form with the understanding that consideration may involve one of these types of positions.</p> <p>A regional position may be associated with a geographical grouping, while a thematic position may be associated with a particular subject area. However, the supplied application text does not list the specific regions, thematic areas, or duties assigned to each position.</p> <p>Applicants should therefore review the official Terms of Reference before deciding how to present their interests and experience. If the application asks candidates to indicate preferences, those preferences should be based on their genuine background and interests.</p> <h2>How to Apply for the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</h2> <p>The application process is conducted online. Applicants are explicitly instructed to read the Youth Policy Board Terms of Reference before completing the application form.</p> <h3>Step 1: Read the Official Terms of Reference</h3> <p>Start by downloading and reviewing the official WFF Youth Policy Board 2027–2028 Terms of Reference:</p> <p><a href="https://youth.world-food-forum.org/docs/devworldfoodforumlibraries/track-youth-assembly/ypb-tors-2027-2028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Download the Youth Policy Board Terms of Reference</strong></a></p> <p>The Terms of Reference should be treated as the primary source for the Board&#8217;s responsibilities, full eligibility criteria, and membership conditions.</p> <p>Do not rely only on a short description of the opportunity if the full document contains additional requirements.</p> <h3>Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility</h3> <p>Before completing the form, check that you meet the following conditions:</p> <ul> <li>You will be between 18 and 35 years old on 30 April 2027.</li> <li>You have graduated from high school.</li> <li>You are enrolled in or have completed a bachelor&#8217;s degree programme.</li> <li>You can demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English.</li> <li>You have experience or an interest in agrifood systems, policy advocacy, or youth empowerment.</li> <li>You can commit approximately 25 hours per month and attend weekly meetings.</li> <li>You do not fall under any of the stated eligibility restrictions.</li> </ul> <p>The application form asks candidates to confirm that they have read and understood the eligibility criteria and Terms of Reference and that they consider themselves eligible.</p> <h3>Step 3: Reflect on Your Relevant Experience and Interests</h3> <p>Prepare to explain your genuine experience, interests, and motivations in relation to the Youth Policy Board.</p> <p>Applicants may wish to reflect on their involvement in youth initiatives, agrifood systems, policy advocacy, education, community engagement, or other relevant activities, where applicable.</p> <p>The specific questions and supporting-document requirements should be taken from the live application form. The supplied material does not provide a complete list of all questions or required attachments.</p> <h3>Step 4: Consider Regional or Thematic Placement</h3> <p>The application form asks candidates to acknowledge that they may be considered for either a regional or thematic position.</p> <p>Review the Terms of Reference to understand the available positions and consider which areas best reflect your genuine experience and interests.</p> <h3>Step 5: Complete the Online Application Form</h3> <p>Access the official application form here:</p> <p><a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvlhmWuHR4GmBIt5yI-R-lnlFUQ0tRVTNNUjQ0RzJJTTQwVzVSNERCOVc1OC4u" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Apply for the WFF Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</strong></a></p> <p>Read each question carefully and answer thoroughly. The application form specifically states that responses should reflect the applicant&#8217;s own experience, ideas, and voice.</p> <h3>Step 6: Use AI Tools Only for Language and Grammar Support</h3> <p>The application notice contains an explicit restriction on the use of artificial intelligence tools. It states that AI tools should be limited to language and grammar support.</p> <p>Applications containing responses substantially generated by AI, rather than reflecting the applicant&#8217;s own experience, ideas, and voice, will not be considered.</p> <p>Applicants should therefore develop their own responses and use any permitted language assistance only in accordance with the programme&#8217;s instructions. Do not submit AI-generated personal statements or responses that do not represent your own views and experiences.</p> <h3>Step 7: Review Consent and Personal-Data Information</h3> <p>The application includes an agreement and consent section explaining how FAO processes personal and organisational information.</p> <p>Applicants should read this notice before agreeing to the processing of their data. The form explains that information may be used for Youth Assembly consultations and sessions, programme implementation, coordination, analysis, outreach, and related purposes consistent with the notice.</p> <p>It also explains that photographs and recordings may be taken and used by FAO for communication and promotional purposes.</p> <p>The application notice states that personal data will be handled securely, accessed by authorised personnel, and shared only with authorised partners or service providers involved in the process under confidentiality agreements. It also explains that data will be retained only as long as necessary for the stated purposes.</p> <p>Applicants can consult the official <a href="https://www.fao.org/contact-us/data-protection-and-privacy/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FAO Data Protection and Privacy Notice</strong></a> for further information.</p> <p>The form states that applicants may request access, correction, or deletion of their data through the <a href="https://fao.service-now.com/csp" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>FAO Service Now portal</strong></a>, using the Data Privacy catalogue.</p> <h3>Step 8: Submit Before the Deadline</h3> <p>The application deadline is <strong>30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/Rome time</strong>.</p> <p>Applicants should submit their forms before the closing time and allow sufficient time to review their answers. As the deadline is expressed in Central European Time, applicants in other time zones should confirm the equivalent local time.</p> <h3>Step 9: Monitor Official Communications</h3> <p>The final selection is expected to be announced by April 2027.</p> <p>Applicants should monitor their email and official programme communications for updates. Questions about the application can be directed to:</p> <p><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:youth-assembly@fao.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>youth-assembly@fao.org</strong></a></p> <h2>Application Deadline and Selection Timeline</h2> <p>The key dates and requirements supplied in the application notice are:</p> <table style="width: 641px;"> <tbody> <tr> <th style="width: 298.153px;">Item</th> <th style="width: 328.181px;">Details</th> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Application cycle</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">2027–2028</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Application deadline</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">30 November 2026</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Closing time</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">23:59 CET/Rome time</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Age assessment date</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">30 April 2027</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Final selection announcement</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">Expected by April 2027</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Time commitment</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">Approximately 25 hours per month</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 298.153px;">Meeting requirement</td> <td style="width: 328.181px;">Weekly meetings</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The supplied application notice does not specify an exact date in April 2027 for the final announcement. Applicants should check official communications for updates.</p> <h2>Funding, Salary and Other Benefits</h2> <p>The supplied application notice does not specify whether Youth Policy Board members receive a salary, stipend, honorarium, travel allowance, accommodation support, or other financial benefits.</p> <p>It is therefore important not to interpret the role as a paid position or a fully funded opportunity based solely on the application information provided.</p> <p>Applicants interested in financial arrangements, travel support, or other benefits should review the official Terms of Reference or contact the organisers directly for clarification.</p> <p>The confirmed information in the application concerns the Board&#8217;s governance responsibilities, eligibility requirements, expected time commitment, application deadline, and selection announcement.</p> <h2>Important Application Rules and Data Privacy</h2> <p>Applicants should pay particular attention to the following requirements.</p> <h3>Accuracy and Authenticity</h3> <p>The application should reflect the applicant&#8217;s actual background, experience, interests, and ideas. The form explicitly warns that substantially AI-generated responses will not be considered.</p> <h3>Eligibility Declaration</h3> <p>Applicants are asked to confirm that they have read and understood the eligibility criteria and Terms of Reference and declare themselves eligible.</p> <h3>Regional or Thematic Consideration</h3> <p>Applicants must acknowledge that they may be considered for a regional or thematic position.</p> <h3>Personal-Data Consent</h3> <p>The form includes consent for FAO to process personal and organisational data for the purposes described in the privacy notice. Applicants should review this section carefully before submitting.</p> <h3>Photographs and Recordings</h3> <p>The application notice indicates that photographs and recordings may be used for FAO communications and promotional purposes. Applicants should read the full notice to understand the stated data-handling arrangements.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3>What is the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board?</h3> <p>It is a Board within the World Food Forum&#8217;s Youth Assembly structure. Its members are primarily responsible for governing the Youth Assembly.</p> <h3>Who can apply?</h3> <p>Applicants must be aged 18–35 as of 30 April 2027, have graduated from high school, be enrolled in or have completed a bachelor&#8217;s degree, demonstrate C1-level spoken and written English, and have experience or an interest in agrifood systems, policy advocacy, or youth empowerment. They must also meet the time commitment and comply with the eligibility restrictions.</p> <h3>Can applicants from any country apply?</h3> <p>The supplied application summary does not state a nationality or country restriction. Applicants should consult the official Terms of Reference for the complete eligibility rules rather than assuming that all countries are eligible.</p> <h3>Is the Youth Policy Board a paid opportunity?</h3> <p>The supplied application notice does not specify a salary, stipend, or other financial support. Applicants should consult the Terms of Reference or contact the organisers for clarification.</p> <h3>How much time must members commit?</h3> <p>Members must dedicate approximately 25 hours per month and attend weekly meetings.</p> <h3>Can current or former members of the Young Scientists Group apply?</h3> <p>The application notice lists current and former members of the World Food Forum Young Scientists Group among those who are not eligible.</p> <h3>Can someone apply for a third Youth Policy Board term?</h3> <p>No. The stated eligibility restrictions exclude applicants applying for a third YPB term.</p> <h3>When is the application deadline?</h3> <p>Applications must be submitted by <strong>30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/Rome time</strong>.</p> <h3>When will the results be announced?</h3> <p>The final selection is expected to be announced by April 2027.</p> <h3>Can applicants use AI to write their application responses?</h3> <p>The application notice states that AI tools should be limited to language and grammar support. Applications containing responses substantially generated by AI, rather than reflecting the applicant&#8217;s own experience, ideas, and voice, will not be considered.</p> <p>Visit <a href="https://youth.world-food-forum.org/youth-assembly/youth-policy-board/form/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a> to learn about the World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The <strong>World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028</strong> offers eligible young people an opportunity to take on a governance role within the World Food Forum&#8217;s Youth Assembly. The application is particularly relevant to candidates interested in agrifood systems, policy advocacy, and youth empowerment who can meet the educational, language, and time-commitment requirements.</p> <p>Applicants must be aged 18–35 as of 30 April 2027, have graduated from high school, be enrolled in or have completed a bachelor&#8217;s degree, demonstrate C1-level proficiency in spoken and written English, and commit approximately 25 hours per month while attending weekly meetings. The programme also excludes certain categories of applicants, including FAO employees and their immediate family members, current or former WFF Young Scientists Group members, and candidates applying for a third Youth Policy Board term.</p> <p>The deadline is <strong>30 November 2026 at 23:59 CET/Rome time</strong>, and the final selection is expected by April 2027. Before applying, candidates should carefully read the official Terms of Reference, review the application and privacy notices, and prepare authentic responses based on their own experience and ideas.</p> <p>For further information and submission instructions, consult the official <strong><a href="https://youth.world-food-forum.org/docs/devworldfoodforumlibraries/track-youth-assembly/ypb-tors-2027-2028.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Youth Policy Board Terms of Reference</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=aMQ6Frir0ESB_dnbFeOvlhmWuHR4GmBIt5yI-R-lnlFUQ0tRVTNNUjQ0RzJJTTQwVzVSNERCOVc1OC4u" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online application form</a></strong>.</p> <p><strong>Discover more global <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=fellowship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fellowship</a>, <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=leader" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership</a> and <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Policy Development</a> opportunities on OFY.</strong></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/10/22/call-for-applications-world-food-forum-youth-policy-board-2026-2027/">World Food Forum Youth Policy Board 2027–2028: Applications Open for Young Leaders in Agriculture, Food Security and Sustainable Development</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>