{"id":66507,"date":"2025-11-11T12:22:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T12:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=66507"},"modified":"2025-11-11T12:22:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T12:22:51","slug":"world-food-forum-young-chefs-programme-ycp-2026-2027-applications-now-open-to-young-people-worldwide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=66507","title":{"rendered":"World Food Forum Young Chefs Programme (YCP) 2026\u20132027: Applications Now Open to Young People Worldwide"},"content":{"rendered":"

The World Food Forum (WFF)<\/strong> invites passionate and talented young chefs from around the world to apply for the 2026\u20132027 cohort of the Young Chefs Programme (YCP)<\/strong> \u2014 a global initiative that empowers chefs aged 18\u201335<\/strong> to become changemakers in transforming agrifood systems through culinary innovation, sustainability, and advocacy.<\/p>\n

The programme provides a unique platform for young chefs to gain the skills, knowledge, and global connections needed to promote better nutrition, food security, and biodiversity<\/strong> while championing sustainable food practices in their communities. Each participant will be paired with a mentor<\/strong> from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies<\/strong> network to guide them throughout the journey.<\/p>\n

About the WFF Young Chefs Programme<\/h3>\n

The WFF Young Chefs Programme (YCP)<\/strong> is designed to nurture the next generation of culinary leaders who can inspire change at local, national, and global levels. By combining training, mentorship, advocacy, and hands-on community engagement, the YCP equips chefs to lead the way toward more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

YCP Pillars<\/h3>\n

1. Capacity Development<\/h4>\n

Participants will learn about a variety of topics, including food systems thinking, sustainable nutrition, food safety, gender-responsive nutrition<\/strong>, and more. The goal is to strengthen their technical knowledge and empower them as agents of change for agrifood systems transformation.<\/p>\n

These topics will be covered through online masterclasses<\/strong> delivered by technical experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)<\/strong> and partner organizations. Each participant will also be paired with a mentor from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies network<\/strong>, ensuring a personalized learning experience and professional guidance.<\/p>\n

2. Advocacy<\/h4>\n

Participants will be encouraged to design and implement public awareness campaigns<\/strong> and create social media content<\/strong> that inspires their communities and wider audiences to take action for a more sustainable food future.<\/p>\n

They will also have the opportunity to represent the programme at global events and high-level fora<\/strong>, including the World Food Forum flagship event<\/strong>, where they will advocate for better nutrition, food security, and biodiversity<\/strong> on an international stage.<\/p>\n

3. Local Action<\/h4>\n

Each participant will develop and implement a community project<\/strong> aimed at addressing specific local agrifood system needs. These projects will be supported by mentors and tailored to local insights, challenges, and opportunities identified by participants.<\/p>\n

In addition, projects will align with the World Food Forum Youth Assembly\u2019s Global Youth Action Plan (GYAP)<\/strong> and its regional priorities<\/strong>, ensuring that local efforts contribute to broader global goals for food systems transformation.<\/p>\n

Programme Timeline<\/h3>\n
\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Phase<\/strong><\/th>\nTimeline<\/strong><\/th>\nDescription<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Call for Applications<\/strong><\/td>\nOctober\u2013November 2025<\/td>\nOpen period for submissions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interviews<\/strong><\/td>\nDecember 2025<\/td>\nSelection process for shortlisted applicants<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Onboarding<\/strong><\/td>\nJanuary 2026<\/td>\nProgramme orientation and introduction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capacity Development Workshops<\/strong><\/td>\nJanuary\u2013June 2026<\/td>\nSeries of online learning sessions with FAO and partners<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recipes + Community Projects Launched<\/strong><\/td>\nJune 2026<\/td>\nImplementation of local projects and recipe sharing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Presentation of Community Projects<\/strong><\/td>\nOctober 2026<\/td>\nShowcase at the WFF flagship event<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Knowledge Exchange and Cohort Transition<\/strong><\/td>\nJanuary\u2013February 2027<\/td>\nExperience sharing and onboarding of the new cohort<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Application Guidelines<\/h3>\n

Before applying, applicants must review the selection criteria, terms of reference, and working protocol<\/strong>, available here: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4gOPRlX<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Application Deadline:<\/strong> 16 November 2025 (midnight, CEST)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Apply Now<\/a><\/p>\n

Required Documents<\/h4>\n

Applicants are required to upload the following documents:<\/p>\n