The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the ASEAN University Network for Agriculture and Food Security (AUN-AFS), has officially launched the FAO & AUN-AFS Research Proposal Competition for Youth 2026, a transformative regional initiative designed to empower young researchers and master’s students to contribute innovative solutions toward building sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
Announced during a landmark webinar held on 23 April 2026, this competition aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy implementation by encouraging youth-led ideas, scientific innovation, and evidence-based solutions that address pressing food security and agricultural challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.
The initiative is open to eligible master’s students and young researchers from ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and South Korea, providing a unique opportunity for participants to showcase their research capabilities while receiving financial and academic support to advance their projects.
Why the FAO & AUN-AFS Research Proposal Competition Matters
Agrifood systems across the world are currently facing multiple challenges, including climate change, food insecurity, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic inequalities. Young people are increasingly recognized as key actors in creating sustainable solutions that can transform agriculture and food systems for future generations.
Through this competition, FAO and AUN-AFS aim to:
- Encourage youth participation in agrifood systems transformation
- Promote innovative research that aligns with FAO regional priorities
- Support evidence-based policymaking
- Foster collaboration between universities, researchers, and international organizations
- Strengthen food security and sustainability across the region
- Build leadership skills among young scholars and researchers
The competition represents a strategic investment in the next generation of researchers, innovators, and policymakers who will contribute to a healthier and more resilient global food system.
Financial and Academic Support for Selected Projects
One of the major highlights of the competition is that selected research proposals will receive financial support to help participants maximize the impact and quality of their research projects.
This support is intended to help young researchers develop practical, scalable, and policy-relevant solutions capable of contributing to sustainable agrifood systems in the region.
Beyond financial assistance, participants will also gain access to valuable academic resources and learning opportunities.
Access to FAO eLearning Academy
Participants in the competition will benefit from access to the FAO eLearning Academy, FAO’s globally recognized digital learning platform offering UN-certified courses across multiple technical areas related to agriculture, nutrition, food security, sustainability, and rural development.
The eLearning Academy will help participants:
- Strengthen technical expertise
- Improve research methodologies
- Develop evidence-based solutions
- Understand FAO regional priorities
- Consolidate research perspectives
- Enhance academic and professional skills
The platform contains extensive research-based learning materials that can guide participants in refining their research ideas before transforming them into impactful proposals.
Opportunity to Participate in the 10th International Agriculture Congress (IAC 2026)
As part of the initiative, FAO, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and AUN-AFS will organize an Academia Roundtable during the 10th International Agriculture Congress (IAC 2026), which will be hosted by UPM in Malaysia.
This event will provide finalists with the opportunity to:
- Engage in regional dialogue on agrifood systems
- Network with experts, researchers, and policymakers
- Share innovative ideas and perspectives
- Develop leadership and communication skills
- Gain exposure in an international academic environment
The roundtable aims to create a collaborative atmosphere that encourages youth leadership, intellectual exchange, and innovative thinking.
Statements from Organizers and Partners
According to Prof. Dr. Loh Teck Chwen, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universiti Putra Malaysia, the collaboration between FAO and AUN-AFS creates meaningful opportunities that support:
- Youth engagement
- Innovation
- Food security
- Agrifood systems transformation
He emphasized the importance of investing in the next generation of researchers and leaders who will help shape a healthier and more sustainable future.
Ms. Kaori Abe, Head of Partnerships at the FAO Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division, also highlighted the importance of collaboration between FAO, universities, academic networks, and students in addressing urgent regional and global challenges.
She stressed that young people across the region possess extraordinary talent, innovation, and commitment, and that collaborative action can transform potential into impactful solutions for people, the planet, and future generations.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Master’s students
- Young researchers
Applicants must come from eligible universities within:
- ASEAN member countries
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
Interested applicants are encouraged to consult the official list of eligible universities before submitting their applications.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted before:
Sunday, 31 May 2026
Late applications may not be considered, so applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their proposals early.
How to Apply
Learn More
- For more information about this opportunity, Click here
- More global Job opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here
