FAO Award for Partnership 2026
Deadline: 15-Feb-2026
The FAO Award for Partnership recognizes outstanding cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) that advances global food security and the Sustainable Development Goals. The award honors institutions whose collaborative work demonstrates measurable impact under FAO’s Four Betters framework and includes a USD 10,000 cash prize. The award will be presented at the FAO Council in June 2026.
Overview
The FAO Award for Partnership celebrates exceptional collaboration with FAO that significantly advances its mandate to achieve food security, improve nutrition, protect natural resources and enhance livelihoods.
The award highlights partnerships that demonstrate innovation, community engagement, policy impact and tangible improvements in people’s lives.
Purpose of the Award
The award aims to recognize institutions and organizations that have worked closely with FAO to deliver impactful, inclusive and sustainable solutions.
It underscores the value of partnerships in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through integrated agri-food system transformation.
The FAO Four Betters Framework
Nominated initiatives must clearly align with FAO’s Four Betters, which form the foundation of FAO’s strategic vision.
Better Production
Promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food systems.
Better Nutrition
Ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all and addressing all forms of malnutrition.
Better Environment
Protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural resources and ecosystems.
Better Life
Supporting inclusive economic growth, improved livelihoods and resilience, especially for rural and vulnerable populations.
Key Evaluation Themes
Nominations are assessed across several interrelated dimensions.
These include strong community engagement, awareness-raising, innovation and adaptability, evidence of impact, and effective policy and advocacy aligned with FAO priorities.
Innovation and Transferability
Special consideration is given to initiatives that introduce new approaches, ideas or policies.
Projects should demonstrate adaptability and potential for replication or scaling at city, national, regional or global levels.
Evidence of Impact
Successful nominations clearly demonstrate how the partnership has improved people’s lives.
This includes measurable outcomes related to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, social inclusion and dignity, particularly for the poorest and most malnourished population groups.
Human-Centered Approach
A defining feature of the award is the emphasis on human value.
FAO places particular importance on integrated contributions that enhance livelihoods, promote social inclusion and uphold the dignity and rights of vulnerable communities.
What the Award Includes
The FAO Award for Partnership consists of two components.
Recipients receive a scroll describing the achievements recognized by the award and a cash prize of USD 10,000.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible nominees include a wide range of partners that have cooperated with FAO.
These include FAO Member countries, other United Nations agencies or international institutions, academic and research entities, and civil society or private sector organizations, including media outlets.
Eligibility Timeframe
The award recognizes activities and programmes implemented during the biennium preceding the FAO Conference.
Nominees must demonstrate significant contributions to FAO’s work within this period.
Selection Criteria
Nominations are evaluated based on alignment with FAO’s mandate, demonstrated partnership effectiveness and tangible development outcomes.
Additional weight is given to initiatives that communicate complex agricultural and economic issues to the public and promote successful solutions for food security and nutrition.
Award Ceremony and Recognition
The award will be formally conferred by the FAO Director-General during a special ceremony at the FAO Council in June 2026.
A representative of the selected institution will be invited to FAO Headquarters in Rome, with travel costs covered by FAO.
Why This Award Matters
The FAO Award for Partnership highlights the power of collaboration in addressing global hunger, malnutrition and environmental challenges.
By recognizing exemplary partnerships, FAO encourages innovation, accountability and shared responsibility in transforming global agri-food systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the FAO Award for Partnership?
It is an international award recognizing outstanding cooperation with FAO that advances food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and livelihoods under the Four Betters framework.
Who can be nominated for the award?
FAO Members, UN agencies, international institutions, academic or research entities, civil society organizations, private sector entities and media outlets are eligible.
What type of work is recognized?
The award recognizes impactful programmes or initiatives implemented in partnership with FAO that show innovation, community engagement, policy influence and measurable results.
What is the prize value?
The award includes a scroll of recognition and a cash prize of USD 10,000.
When will the award be presented?
The award will be presented during a special ceremony at the FAO Council in June 2026.
Are travel costs covered for the award ceremony?
Yes. FAO will cover travel costs for the representative of the winning institution to attend the ceremony in Rome.
What makes a nomination strong?
Strong nominations clearly demonstrate alignment with the Four Betters, evidence of impact, innovation, human-centered outcomes and meaningful cooperation with FAO.
Conclusion
The FAO Award for Partnership honors institutions that exemplify the transformative power of collaboration in achieving food security and sustainable development. Organizations and entities that have delivered impactful results through partnership with FAO are encouraged to be nominated and recognized on the global stage.
For more information, visit FAO.