Global Challenge
In short
Global Challenge- Audience: senior students in secondary education (HAVO/VWO)
- Registrations for 2025/26 are closed
- Cost: free of charge
Join the World Food Prize Foundation Global Challenge with students from all over the world! Wageningen Youth Institute invites you to write a short paper on a topic of your choice about feeding the world and to discuss it during the final at Wageningen Campus.
What are you going to do?
The Global Challenge essay is written in eight steps. You choose a country other than the one you live in and research what life is like for a typical family in that country. You choose a topic that is relevant to that country and analyse its impact on food security. You investigate solutions and recommendations. You then write an essay* in English, register for the Wageningen Youth Institute and submit your essay. On the final day, you will be invited to present your essay to experts from the field.
*All submitted essays will be checked for plagiarism.
Finale at Wageningen Campus!
After submitting your Global Challenge essay, you will take part in round-table discussions with fellow students and experts from the field, such as World Food Prize winners and university professors. At this event, one student will be selected to attend a World Food event in Rome or the United States, with all expenses paid by WUR! So you could win a truly inspiring trip!
Why participate?
- Make a real impact by sharing your ideas for a better world.
- Develop valuable skills like debating and presenting, useful for school and beyond.
- Connect with experts: advise policymakers, entrepreneurs, and scientists directly.
- Become part of the Wageningen Youth Institute, where you will form special friendships and build a network that could be very useful in your future career.
- Win an inspiring trip to a World Food event in Rome or the United States.
- Become a Borlaug Scholar with access to exclusive international internships.
Masterclasses 2025/26
Masterclass 1: Thursday, 8 January 2026
The kick-off takes place during the first meeting. You will get to know each other, learn about the Global Challenge assignment, and participate in the “World Food Simulation” workshop.
Join us in solving the global food problem
What would you do if you were the boss of the world? Help solve the global food crisis by participating in the Wageningen Youth Institute's Global Challenge.
Questions?
Would you like to know more or do you have a question about the Global Challenge? Please send us an email!