Agrifood Leadership Education Programme (ALEP) - Young Women's Empowerment

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF, the World Food Forum Youth Initiative in collaboration with Climate Bridges, in 2026, will support the career development and leadership skills of over 100 young women in agrifood systems from countries where a WFF National Youth Chapter exists. This will be achieved through capacity development, mentorship and networking through the Agrifood Leadership Education Programme (ALEP).

Purpose: Empower youth to lead change in food and agriculture systems. Format: Global, hybrid learning (virtual sessions + collaborative projects). Focus areas:

• Sustainable agrifood systems
• Climate action and resilience
• Equity and inclusion in food systems
• Leadership and advocacy skills Activities:
• Interactive workshops and webinars
• Mentorship from agrifood experts
• Peer‑to‑peer learning and networking
• Development of action projects to showcase at WFF flagship events Outcome: Participants graduate with enhanced leadership skills, global exposure, and opportunities to present their work at WFF platforms.

• Youth and young leaders committed to agrifood systems transformation
• Interest in sustainability, climate action, and food equity
• Willingness to participate in virtual sessions and collaborative projects
• Motivation statement (maximum 300 words)
• Written proposal (maximum 400 words)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Applicants must be young women aged 18 – 35 years old (as of 31 December 2026);
• At a minimum, applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent;
• Applicants must demonstrate an interest in engaging in community action, through
• volunteer or professional experiences preferably in a field related to agrifood systems,
• international development, policymaking or community-level advocacy;
• Applicants must be nationals of, or based in, a country or territory where a WFF National
• Youth Chapter has been established and be either an active member of the Chapter or
• interested in joining it; and
• Applicants must be proficient in English.
• Applicants have demonstrated project management experience, independently or as part
• of a team;
• Applicants share an interest in capacity development or training sessions on topics related
• to agrifood systems; and
• Applicants have demonstrated interest and/or experience in gender related issues.