(Co-hosted by FAO PPR-GEP Secretariat)

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease that impacts small ruminants and causes significant socio-economic losses, with annual damages estimated at USD 2.1 billion across nearly 70 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Women, who make up 60% of low-income livestock keepers and play a critical role in small ruminant value chains, face systemic barriers to accessing veterinary services, training and resources essential to effective disease prevention and control. These gender-based inequities undermine women's livelihoods and hinder the eradication of PPR. This prize seeks to empower young researchers to propose transformative, gender-responsive solutions to combat PPR while addressing the unique challenges faced by women in small ruminant farming systems. By promoting innovative approaches to gender equality in livestock management, this prize aims to improve livelihoods, enhance food security and build resilience for communities impacted by PPR. Winners will receive a USD 8 000 research grant and opportunities to showcase their work through the FAO PPR Global Eradication Programme platform, as well as the WFF website and social media channels. Join us in driving change through transformative research that integrates gender mainstreaming with PPR eradication.

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(Co-hosted by the FAO Land and Water Division (NSL) and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))

Water is essential to global food security and nutrition, with agriculture accounting for over 70% of global freshwater withdrawals. Inland water bodies and river basins sustain millions of farming and fishing communities, including Indigenous Peoples who have safeguarded aquatic ecosystems for generations. However, rising water demand, climate change and ecosystem degradation intensify water scarcity, threatening food security and livelihoods worldwide. The Integrated Water Resources Management Prize empowers young innovators to develop scalable solutions that address water scarcity while promoting environmental conservation, social equity and economic resilience. Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework (2022-2031), the FAO Blue Transformation Roadmap (2022-2030), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water) the prize fosters sustainable water governance and resilient agrifood systems. Winners will receive USD 10 000 in research grants, personalized mentorship from global water management experts and access to exclusive capacity-building sessions. Additionally, they will have opportunities to connect with investors and researchers at high-profile events such as the World Food Forum flagship event. Winners will also gain global visibility through World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative's social media channels and website. Take the lead in addressing one of the world's most pressing challenges by driving sustainable solutions for water management, protecting livelihoods and building a resilient future for agrifood systems.

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(Co-hosted by Shanghai Ocean University and the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Division (NFI))

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing sector within global aquatic food systems, accounting for over 50% of the world's aquatic animal production. Despite its rapid growth and potential to contribute to global food security, the sector faces critical challenges that threaten its sustainability and endanger millions of livelihoods, including climate change, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. To address these issues, the Sustainable Aquaculture Prize seeks to empower young innovators to develop scalable and accessible solutions that balance aquaculture productivity with environmental conservation, social equity and economic resilience. Winners will receive USD10 000 in research grants, personalized mentorship from global experts and access to exclusive training sessions. They will gain networking opportunities with investors, value-chain stakeholders and research institutions, including participation in the WFF flagship event and the Global Sustainable Aquaculture Advancement Partnership (GSAAP). Additionally, winners will benefit from global visibility through social media campaigns, feature articles on WFF channels and website, and access to cutting-edge resources such as SHOU laboratory facilities. Take part in the next wave of sustainable aquaculture innovation and join us in building a more resilient and equitable aquatic food system for future generations.

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(Co-hosted by the FAO Forestry Division (NFO))

Forests are among the most valuable resources on Earth, supporting environmental health, social well-being and economic development. Nearly 6 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods and essential products, while 4 billion m3 of wood is produced worldwide every year. With demand for forest products projected to rise significantly by 2050, forests face immense challenges, including deforestation, unsustainable harvesting, wildfires, pest outbreaks and climate change intensifying impacts. Addressing these challenges requires science-based and innovative solutions. The Forestry Innovation Prize recognizes youth-led, transformative solutions to address these challenges by fostering innovative, scalable and adaptable approaches to sustainable forest management. It aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework (2022–2031), Science and Innovation Strategy, and Forestry Roadmap (2024–2031), all of which prioritize scaling scientific and evidence-based innovations to increase the forest sector’s contributions to global solutions and sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

Winners will receive USD 10 000 in research grants, networking and partnership opportunities from global forestry experts. Beyond these, they will gain opportunities to connect with forest sector professionals working in the multilateral development space as well as scientists and researchers in forest sector innovation, from institutions across regions. Winners will also benefit from global visibility and recognition, with their innovations showcased through WFF social media channels and website.

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