About the 2026 World Food Forum
From 8–16 October 2026, the World Food Forum (WFF) will bring together policymakers, scientists, innovators, and global leaders at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.

Under the theme “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow.”, the 2026 Forum offers a unique opportunity to explore how ideas, innovation, investment, and youth action can contribute to the future of global agrifood systems.

Across the Forum, participants can engage with discussions and activities spanning three major pillars:

Global Youth Action
Youth voices, dialogue, advocacy, and action on global challenges.

Science & Innovation
Emerging technologies, research, innovation, and solutions for more sustainable agrifood systems.

Hand-in-Hand Investment
Investment, financing, partnerships, and approaches to creating sustainable impact at scale.

Delegates can explore sessions according to their academic interests and future aspirations, engaging with perspectives from across countries, sectors, and generations.

Step inside FAO Headquarters and observe how governments, international organisations, experts, businesses, investors, and civil society come together around complex global challenges.

Explore different career pathways

International organisations need far more than international relations graduates.

From economics, finance, agriculture and environmental science to technology, communications, policy, research, innovation, and programme management, students can discover how different academic backgrounds translate into international careers.

Learn directly from practitioners

Engage with professionals, experts, and changemakers working across international development, sustainability, innovation, and social impact—and gain a clearer understanding of the skills, perspectives, and experiences these careers require.

Build an international network

Meet peers and practitioners from different countries and professional backgrounds, developing the confidence to engage in international and cross-cultural environments.

Turn academic interests into real-world direction

Connect what you study at university with real global challenges and begin identifying the issues, organisations, and professional pathways you may want to pursue next.

This is more than a one-day event.

As part of the Greater China Delegation, students can take part in the Next Impact Learning Journey x Rome, an additional educational experience designed to extend learning beyond the Forum through curated visits, expert engagement and immersive exposure to the work of the United Nations and the wider social impact ecosystem.

This 3-day learning experience extends beyond FAO Headquarters.

Students will explore how international organisations, social enterprises, and local communities collaborate to create positive impact through innovation, sustainability, and partnership. They will also explore opportunities for further youth engagement through internships and social impact projects.

An immersive journey offering unparalleled insights into how the United Nations convenes governments, businesses, civil society, and global partners to address the world’s most pressing challenges while advancing the transformation of agrifood systems towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

Morning
Explore the Forum & Networking
Choose from selected side events across Global Youth Action, Science & Innovation, and Hand-in-Hand Investment, engage directly with international experts and practitioners.

Midday
Youth Engagement & Global Dialogue
Participate in youth activities, conversations, and exchanges while connecting with peers and stakeholders from around the world.

Afternoon
Youth Exhibition
Explore the official World Food Forum Youth Exhibition, celebrating youth creativity, culture and innovation from around the world.

Morning
Pedius – AI for Social Impact Workshop
Founded in Rome, Pedius is an award-winning Italian social enterprise that has developed an AI-powered app enabling people who are deaf and hard of hearing to make and receive phone calls independently. Today, the technology is available in Hong Kong and across multiple international markets.

Afternoon
Ridaje – Building Communities Through Social Enterprise
Meet one of Rome’s leading social enterprises that believes everyone deserves a second chance and explore how environmental restoration, community partnership, circular economy and inclusive employment can create lasting community impact.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialised United Nations agency and sister organisation of FAO with headquarters in Rome, dedicated to investing in rural communities through development finance.

Discover another side of international development: how finance and investment can be mobilised to address poverty, food security, rural development, and sustainability.

Students explore potential career intersections across economics, finance, international development, policy, investment, and innovation.

The Day 3 programme is subject to confirmation based on the final delegation size and partner arrangements during the WFF week.

The delegation is designed for motivated undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in expanding their understanding of global affairs and international cooperation.

Ideal candidates demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic achievement
• Strong English proficiency
• A genuine interest in the United Nations, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and global affairs
• Interest in exploring careers in international organisations and related fields
• Leadership potential, initiative, and a collaborative mindset

Priority consideration may be given to students who:

• Participated in MUN, SDG initiatives, community-impact projects, or international programmes
• Experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, research, social enterprise, or volunteering
• Academic interests related to agriculture, food science, sustainability, environment, economics and finance, international relations, development, or public policy

Applications are accepted by email.

Please submit your latest CV to hello@nextimpactlearninghub.org with the subject line “Your name – Application 2026 Global School Assembly Delegation.”

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview as part of the selection process.