The World Food Forum (WFF) invites passionate and talented young chefs from around the world to apply for the 2026–2027 cohort of the Young Chefs Programme (YCP) — a global initiative that empowers chefs aged 18–35 to become changemakers in transforming agrifood systems through culinary innovation, sustainability, and advocacy.
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 while championing sustainable food practices in their communities. Each participant will be paired with a mentor from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies network to guide them throughout the journey.
About the WFF Young Chefs Programme
The WFF Young Chefs Programme (YCP) 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.
YCP Pillars
1. Capacity Development
Participants will learn about a variety of topics, including food systems thinking, sustainable nutrition, food safety, gender-responsive nutrition, and more. The goal is to strengthen their technical knowledge and empower them as agents of change for agrifood systems transformation.
These topics will be covered through online masterclasses delivered by technical experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partner organizations. Each participant will also be paired with a mentor from the World Association of Chefs’ Societies network, ensuring a personalized learning experience and professional guidance.
2. Advocacy
Participants will be encouraged to design and implement public awareness campaigns and create social media content that inspires their communities and wider audiences to take action for a more sustainable food future.
They will also have the opportunity to represent the programme at global events and high-level fora, including the World Food Forum flagship event, where they will advocate for better nutrition, food security, and biodiversity on an international stage.
3. Local Action
Each participant will develop and implement a community project 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.
In addition, projects will align with the World Food Forum Youth Assembly’s Global Youth Action Plan (GYAP) and its regional priorities, ensuring that local efforts contribute to broader global goals for food systems transformation.
Programme Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Call for Applications | October–November 2025 | Open period for submissions |
| Interviews | December 2025 | Selection process for shortlisted applicants |
| Onboarding | January 2026 | Programme orientation and introduction |
| Capacity Development Workshops | January–June 2026 | Series of online learning sessions with FAO and partners |
| Recipes + Community Projects Launched | June 2026 | Implementation of local projects and recipe sharing |
| Presentation of Community Projects | October 2026 | Showcase at the WFF flagship event |
| Knowledge Exchange and Cohort Transition | January–February 2027 | Experience sharing and onboarding of the new cohort |
Application Guidelines
Before applying, applicants must review the selection criteria, terms of reference, and working protocol, available here: https://bit.ly/4gOPRlX.
Application Deadline: 16 November 2025 (midnight, CEST)
Required Documents
Applicants are required to upload the following documents:
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Signed working protocol
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Updated CV, highlighting relevant volunteer, academic, or professional experience
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Professional headshot
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Short video (maximum 2 minutes) explaining how they would contribute to the Young Chefs Programme
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Become a Leader in Sustainable Food Systems
The WFF Young Chefs Programme offers a transformative journey for young culinary professionals passionate about sustainability, innovation, and community impact. Through mentorship, training, and advocacy, participants will join a network of chefs leading the global shift toward healthier and more sustainable food systems.
Learn more and apply today for the 2026–2027 WFF Young Chefs Programme.
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