World Food Forum 2026

The World Food Forum 2026 Flagship Event is a global agrifood systems platform taking place from 8 to 16 October 2026 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy, with online participation also available. The event is designed to drive action on agrifood transformation through youth engagement, science and innovation, and investment, while bringing together stakeholders from across sectors and generations to turn ideas into practical action and partnerships.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of the event is to accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems by connecting youth action, scientific and technological innovation, and investment-focused collaboration. It is structured to support solution-building, partnership formation, and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals through coordinated action at global, regional, and local levels.

Key Activities

The 2026 programme is organized around three core pillars: Global Youth Action, the Science and Innovation Forum, and the Hand-in-Hand Initiative Investment Forum. Across these pillars, the event includes high-level dialogues, consultations, innovation labs, interactive pitching events, hackathons, matchmaking meetings, exhibitions, and cultural showcases. The programme also includes special sessions linked to World Food Day, the Rome Water Dialogue, and the Global Family Farming Forum.

Significance

The event is significant because it brings together a wide range of stakeholders in one platform focused on practical agrifood systems change rather than discussion alone. Its emphasis on intergenerational and cross-sector collaboration gives it a broad role in connecting policy, science, innovation, finance, and youth-led action around food system transformation and sustainable development.

Expected Outcomes

Participants can expect stronger cross-sector partnerships, wider exposure to scalable agrifood solutions, and more direct opportunities to connect ideas with implementation and investment. The event is designed to help accelerate actionable progress across food systems by creating space for collaboration, innovation, and coordinated follow-through.

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