United Nations Youth Leadership Program – Developing Countries 2024

Are you an early-career professional from a low- or middle-income country interested in leading food system solutions? If so, the United Nations is offering a unique opportunity to participate in a 5-day, in-person, leadership-building workshop. The workshop aims to connect promising innovators, practitioners, scientists, and activists to collectively shape a positive future for food.

As a participant in this program, you will have the chance to enhance your expertise in governance systems, policy advocacy, communication and storytelling for impact, and evidence-based decision-making. You will also have the opportunity to connect policy advocacy with grassroots action to create a positive food future.

For those selected for sponsorship, the Hub will prioritize as many countries as possible with the aim to support at least one candidate per country. Sponsorship includes full coverage of travel, accommodations, and meals during the training. Self-funded participants are responsible for covering their travel, accommodation, and additional expenses. However, there is no workshop participation fee. All participants, whether sponsored or self-funded, will receive an invitation letter and, if necessary, a visa support letter to assist with the required travel documentation. Upon the completion of the workshop, all participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

To qualify for the program, you must be between the ages of 18-35 years old (no older than 35 by December 2023) and a national from a low- or middle-income country according to the World Bank classification. The program targets early career professionals from all disciplinary backgrounds interested in leading food system solutions in three regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Proficiency in English is desirable, and interpretation services will be arranged based on individual needs and availability.

To be considered for the program, you must meet the selection criteria, which include engagement in food systems transformation, knowledge and expertise in the field, vision and motivation to drive food systems transformation, commitment to societal service and dedication to contributing towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), an ambitious yet realistic long-term vision for food systems transformation within the applicant’s region, competencies to work cooperatively in a team, value diversity, generate creative and practical solutions, take initiative for delivering high-quality work, and communicate effectively to diverse audiences, a profound understanding of the complex interactions and interdependencies within the food system, coupled with the skill to apply a holistic approach, and demonstrated engagement and experience in youth constituencies and/or advocacy organizations, as well as stakeholder involvement.

If you meet the requirements and are interested in applying for the program, you can submit your application by January 15, 2024, via the United Nations website. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and contribute to a positive future of food!