The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN FAO) is inviting nominations for the 2026 Partnership Award. This prestigious UN FAO Partnership Award global recognition honors institutions, academic entities, UN agencies, and private sector organizations that have demonstrated exceptional cooperation in advancing food security and sustainable agrifood systems. Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031, the award provides a $10,000 cash prize and a formal scroll of achievement. Nominees must demonstrate impact within the “Four Betters” framework—Better Production, Nutrition, Environment, and Life—and show evidence of community engagement or innovation. The application deadline is February 15, 2026.
UN FAO Partnership Award 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | Food and Agriculture Organization (UN FAO) |
| Award Value | USD $10,000 Cash Prize |
| Recognition | Achievement Scroll & Global Visibility |
| Target Entities | UN Agencies, Academic, Private, & Civil Society |
| Strategic Framework | 2022–2031 (The Four Betters) |
| Key Focus | Food Security & Agrifood System Transformation |
| Application Deadline | February 15, 2026 |
UN FAO Partnership Award Details
The UN FAO Partnership Award 2026 is a cornerstone of the Organization’s Strategic Framework for the current decade. It is designed to recognize “transformative partnerships” that serve as the primary drivers for achieving sustainable agrifood systems globally. The award is not merely a financial grant; it is a global endorsement of cooperation models that effectively address hunger, malnutrition, and rural poverty.
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Candidates are evaluated on their ability to integrate FAO’s mandate into localized or global initiatives that yield measurable impact. Whether through innovative technology, unique policy advocacy, or grassroots community engagement, the award celebrates those who exemplify the power of synergy in the fight against global food insecurity.
Benefits and Specific Scholarship Awards of the UN FAO
The award package is designed to provide both financial support and high-level institutional recognition.
Tier 1: Global Excellence Prize (USD $10,000)
- Cash Prize: A direct award of $10,000 aimed at supporting the continued activities of the partnership (disbursed within 30 days of notification).
- Scroll of Achievement: A prestigious formal scroll describing the recipient’s specific contributions to the UN FAO mandate.
Tier 2: Strategic Visibility & Impact Recognition
- Global Visibility: Recognition during the FAO Conference, providing a platform to showcase the winning partnership to UN Members and global stakeholders.
- SDG Alignment Branding: Official validation of the partnership’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger and climate action.
Tier 3: Networking & Scalability Support
- Policy Advocacy: Enhanced leverage for future policy and advocacy efforts based on the organization’s recognized partnership with the UN FAO.
- Model Scalability: Opportunity for the winning innovation or approach to be documented and adapted across other regions or global contexts.
Eligibility Requirements for UN FAO 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Open to academic or research entities, UN agencies, international institutions, civil society, media outlets, and private sector entities.
- Study Status: Nominees must have made a significant contribution to global food security during the biennium preceding the FAO Conference.
- Visa Status: (Not applicable) The award is open globally to all FAO members and associated international organizations.
- Program Admission: Institutions must demonstrate success in at least one of the “Four Betters”: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, or Better Life.
How to Apply for UN FAO 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit a formal nomination showcasing the cooperation between the institution and the FAO.
- Automatic Evaluation: Initial screening to ensure the nominee falls under the eligible categories (Academic, UN, Civil Society, etc.).
- Eligibility Assessment: Evaluation based on impact evidence, innovation, community engagement, and alignment with the “Four Betters.”
- Notification of Award: Winners are notified of their selection, with the cash prize disbursed within 30 days and the formal ceremony held at the FAO Conference.
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main objective of the UN FAO Partnership Award?
The award recognizes outstanding cooperation with the FAO in advancing food security and sustainable agrifood systems.
2. What is the value of the cash prize?
The award includes a cash prize of USD $10,000, along with a formal scroll of achievement.
3. Can individuals apply for this award?
No, the award is for institutions, including UN agencies, academic entities, civil society, and private sector organizations.
4. What are the “Four Betters” mentioned in the criteria?
They are: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.
5. How soon is the prize money disbursed?
The cash prize must be displaced within 30 days from the day the recipient is notified.
6. Do media outlets qualify for this award?
Yes, media outlets are specifically mentioned as eligible entities under the private sector or civil society categories.
7. What is the deadline for applications for the 2026 award?
The deadline for all nominations is February 15, 2026.
8. Must the partnership be innovative to win?
While innovation is a key criterion, nominations can also be based on community engagement, impact evidence, or successful policy advocacy.
9. Is there a specific regional focus?
No, the award recognizes global partnerships that contribute significantly to FAO’s mandate worldwide.
10. How is “impact evidence” defined?
Impact evidence refers to data-driven proof that an initiative has successfully improved people’s lives or agrifood systems.
