ALEP 2026 – Young Women’s Empowerment

In recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, and in collaboration with Climate Bridges, the 2026 edition of ALEP will focus on strengthening the leadership and career development of young women in agrifood systems. Designed for young women aged 18 to 35, the programme welcomes active WFF National Youth Chapter members and those interested in joining. Through capacity building, mentorship and networking, participants strengthen their knowledge, skills and confidence to design and lead advocacy projects in their communities.

Each project proposal addresses barriers facing young women in agrifood systems, rooted in youth priority areas and outcomes from the WFF Youth Assembly's thematic and regional processes for 2025–2026. The top five participants will receive support to implement their advocacy project and advance to the final phase: Experience – culminating in the selected participants designing and implementing local agrifood systems advocacy projects. The WFF Youth Education Programme is thankful for the ongoing support of the AGCO Foundation, enhancing our ability to implement capacity development initiatives such as ALEP.

ALEP 2026 on Water Action

The ALEP Water Action Cohort empowers young FAO professionals to enhance sustainable water management practices across agrifood systems, fostering innovation in water efficiency, climate adaptation and integrated water governance.
The cohort is part of the Capacity Development Programme for Water, Land and Soil in Agriculture (WaLaSA) led by FAO’s Land and Water Division in collaboration with the WFF Youth Initiative.