Applications are now open for the second cohort of the UN Food Systems Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), a global leadership initiative designed to support young changemakers working to transform food systems through innovation, collaboration, and systems thinking.

Led by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the programme aims to equip emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address complex challenges within agrifood systems and contribute to sustainable development.

The programme is open to young leaders involved in areas such as policy, science, entrepreneurship, advocacy, research, and community action who are passionate about creating positive change in food systems at local, national, and global levels.

Selected participants will gain opportunities to strengthen their leadership abilities, develop systems-thinking approaches, connect with a diverse global network of food systems actors, and collaborate on solutions that promote more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems.

Programme Focus Areas

Participants will explore key themes including:

• Systems leadership and collaboration.
• Sustainable and resilient food systems.
• Innovation and entrepreneurship in agrifood sectors.
• Policy engagement and community-driven solutions.
• Youth participation in global food systems transformation.

Interested applicants should submit their applications before the deadline which is 13 July 2026.