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World Food Day 2026 Poster Contest – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
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Publish Date 10/17/2026 Application Deadline 11/6/2026 · Closing soon Opportunity Type Competitions Publisher Foras Khadra Available Countries All World, The Arab World, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Djibouti, Somalia, Comoros Description

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announces the World Food Day 2026 Poster Contest, which aims to encourage children and young people to express their creativity and ideas about the role of innovation in improving agrifood systems, reducing hunger, protecting the environment, and building a more sustainable future for everyone.

The contest is centered on the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.” Participants are invited to design an artistic poster illustrating how new ideas, modern technologies, and traditional knowledge can contribute to producing food more sustainably, protecting natural resources, and ensuring that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Participants can create their artwork using drawing, painting, various artistic media, or digital design, provided that the work is original and has not been created using generative artificial intelligence tools.

Entries are divided into four age categories, allowing submissions to be evaluated according to participants’ ages. The competition offers participants an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents, share their ideas internationally, and receive certificates of recognition and gifts if selected as winners.
Details
  • Competition Period: Entries open on July 1, 2026, at 12:00 noon Central European Summer Time (CEST), and close on November 6, 2026, at 12:00 noon Central European Time (CET).
  • Location: The competition is international. Participants can enter from any country worldwide, and travel to FAO headquarters is not required.
  • Funding and Fees: Participation is free, and no registration or application fees are specified.
  • Application Method: Participants must prepare an original artistic poster that follows the competition theme and submit it through the official online application form.
  • Age Categories: The competition is divided into four categories:
  • Ages 5–8.
  • Ages 9–12.
  • Ages 13–15.
  • Ages 16–19.
  • Accepted Artistic Techniques: Participants may use pencils, colored pencils, chalk, charcoal, oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, or digital design.
  • Accepted File Formats: The competition rules refer to JPEG files, while the upload form accepts GIF, JPG, and PNG files, with a maximum file size of 2 MB. Using JPG/JPEG is recommended to align with the published rules.
  • Text on Posters: Posters may contain text or no text. If text is included, it must not exceed 25 words or 100 characters.
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI tools must not be used to create the artwork itself. However, AI may be used for permitted purposes, such as brainstorming or editing, provided that participants disclose how it was used.
  • Application Language: The page does not specify a mandatory language for the artwork or require English-language proficiency.
  • Submission Method: Entries must be submitted online through the official form. Physical posters sent by mail are not accepted.
  • Number of Entries: Each participant may submit only one entry. Multiple submissions may result in disqualification.


Eligibility Criteria
  • Applicants must be between 5 and 19 years old at the time of submission.
  • Applicants may reside in any country worldwide, as the competition is open internationally.
  • Participants below the age of legal majority must obtain permission from their parents or legal guardians.
  • The artwork must follow the 2026 competition theme: “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”
  • The poster must be original and created by the participant.
  • Posters must not include logos, photographs of the participant, or personal information such as the participant’s name, age, or school name.
  • Generative AI tools must not be used to create the artwork. Any permitted use of AI, such as brainstorming or editing, must be disclosed.
  • Text included in the poster must not exceed 25 words or 100 characters.
  • Each participant may submit only one entry.
  • Applicants must complete the required information in the application form, upload their poster, and agree to the competition rules, privacy policies, and data protection requirements.
  • Entries must comply with FAO’s values and guidelines. The organization reserves the right to disqualify submissions that do not comply with these requirements.


Opportunity Benefits
  • Recognition for the Shortlist: The screening committee will select 15 posters from each age category, for a total of 60 shortlisted posters. The selected participants are expected to be notified in December 2026.
  • Certificates for Shortlisted Participants: Participants whose posters are shortlisted will receive a certificate of recognition.
  • Opportunity to Win: A jury will select three winning designs from each age category.
  • Certificates for Winners: Winners will receive an official certificate of recognition from FAO.
  • Gift for Winners: Winners will receive a surprise gift bag.
  • International Exposure: Winning designs will be published on the official World Food Day website.
  • Media Promotion: FAO will promote winners’ artwork through its social media channels and offices worldwide.
  • Showcase Artistic Talent: The competition provides children and young people with an opportunity to present their artistic abilities and communicate their ideas about food security, innovation, and sustainability.
  • Awareness of Global Issues: Participation helps raise awareness of the role of innovation, knowledge, and technology in improving agriculture and food systems while protecting the environment.