Applications are now open for the World Food Forum (WFF) Global School Assembly 2026, an international educational opportunity designed to bring students, educators and schools together to explore the future of food, agriculture, sustainability and agrifood systems.
The 2026 Global School Assembly, organized under the CultivatED: Young Minds Nourish Agrifood Systems initiative, will provide young people with an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from experts and participate in discussions about some of the world’s most important food and environmental challenges.
The Global School Assembly will take place on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy, with online participation also available. The application deadline is 27 September 2026.
What is the World Food Forum Global School Assembly?
The Global School Assembly is the flagship educational gathering for school students as part of the World Food Forum.
It is designed to give young people a platform to discuss and learn about issues including:
- Food security
- Sustainable agriculture
- Climate action
- Nutrition
- Environmental sustainability
- Food systems
- Youth participation
- The future of agriculture and food
The programme encourages students to connect their own experiences and ideas with global conversations around transforming agrifood systems.
According to the World Food Forum, participating schools will have opportunities to interact with FAO technical experts, participate in educational discovery stations, learn about agrifood educational resources and engage in international learning and exchange.
Global School Assembly 2026 – Key Details
- Programme: World Food Forum Global School Assembly 2026
- Theme: CultivatED: Young Minds Nourish Agrifood Systems
- Date: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
- Location: FAO Headquarters, Rome, Italy, with online participation
- Application Deadline: 27 September 2026
- Organizer: World Food Forum / FAO
- Target Participants: Schools, students and educators
- Age Group: The current registration information covers school-age participants, with the
- WFF announcement specifically highlighting students aged 12–18.
What Will Students Do at the Global School Assembly?
Students participating in the Global School Assembly will have the opportunity to take part in an educational and international exchange focused on the future of agrifood systems.
Participating schools can expect opportunities to:
1. Engage with FAO Experts
Students can interact with technical experts and learn about the work being done to address challenges affecting food and agriculture around the world.
2. Participate in Discovery Stations
The programme includes interactive educational activities designed to introduce students to different aspects of food and agriculture and the work of FAO and its partners.
3. Exchange Ideas With Other Students
The Assembly provides an opportunity for students from different schools and backgrounds to share experiences, ideas and perspectives on food systems and sustainability.
4. Showcase Student Projects
Schools can use the opportunity to highlight student-led projects, initiatives and achievements connected to sustainable agrifood systems.
5. Take Part in Intergenerational Dialogue
Students will have opportunities to engage with educators, experts and other participants, creating a space where young people can contribute their perspectives to wider discussions about the future of food.
Who Can Participate?
The World Food Forum’s announcement calls on schools to participate in the 2026 Global School Assembly, with the programme aimed at young people interested in learning about agrifood systems and sustainability.
The announcement specifically highlights secondary schools in Italy and students aged 12–18 for the programme. At the same time, the WFF describes the initiative as an international opportunity and indicates that the event will have an online component. Schools outside Italy should therefore carefully check the registration requirements and confirm their participation format with the organizers before making travel arrangements.
Is the Global School Assembly Free?
The available registration information does not indicate a participation fee for the Global School Assembly.
However, schools planning to attend the event in person should be aware that travel and accommodation costs are not provided as part of the opportunity. Schools and participating students should therefore not assume that flights, accommodation or other travel expenses will be covered.
International schools should also confirm their eligibility and participation format directly with the organizers before making travel arrangements.
What Does the Opportunity Cover?
The Global School Assembly is primarily an educational and networking opportunity, rather than a scholarship or fully funded travel programme.
Participants can benefit from:
- International educational exposure
- Interaction with FAO experts
- Learning about sustainable agrifood systems
- International student exchange
- Educational discovery activities
- Exposure to global food and agriculture discussions
- Opportunities to showcase student projects
- Engagement with educators and young people from different backgrounds
However, applicants should note that the programme does not provide funding for travel or accommodation for participants attending in person.
How to Register for the World Food Forum Global School Assembly 2026
Interested schools should complete the official registration process before the deadline.
The registration process requires schools to provide information about their institution and participating students. Schools may also need to prepare an attendee list and parental consent documentation for participating minors.
Step-by-step registration
- Visit the official World Food Forum website.
- Locate the Global School Assembly 2026 registration information.
- Review the eligibility and participation requirements.
- Identify the school representative who will complete the registration.
- Prepare the required information about the participating students and staff.
- Complete the registration form.
- Provide the required participant and consent information.
- Review the application carefully.
- Submit the registration before 27 September 2026.
Schools are encouraged to apply early rather than waiting until the deadline.
Important Information for International Schools
The World Food Forum’s wider 2026 flagship event will take place from 8–16 October 2026 at FAO Headquarters in Rome and online. The Global School Assembly is scheduled for 13 October 2026.
For schools outside Italy, it is important to confirm whether they should participate online or whether an in-person delegation is permitted before booking flights or accommodation.
This is particularly important because the Global School Assembly registration information includes requirements relating to the in-person Discovery Station activities and travel arrangements.
How to Apply
Interested schools can access the official World Food Forum platform and registration information through the World Food Forum Youth Initiative.
OFFICIAL WORLD FOOD FORUM YOUTH INITIATIVE
Check other opportunities:
Hamad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship 2027 in Qatar
Migration Management Diploma Programme (MMDP) 2027 in the Netherlands – Fully Funded
UNIDIR Graduate Professional Program 2027 – Switzerland
USTC Research Internship 2027 in China – Fully Funded
Study in China for Free With the Yenching Academy Scholarship 2027
UM Social Justice Scholarship 2027/2028 – Fully Funded Master’s in the Netherlands
IRENA Youth Forum 2027 in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Fully Funded
