World Food Prize Foundation Launches First United Kingdom Youth Institute at The University of Cumbria, Expanding Programming in Europe

The World Food Prize Foundation announced the establishment of the United Kingdom Youth Institute at the University of Cumbria's Ambleside campus. The Youth Institute, convening on April 22, will provide secondary school students with a unique opportunity to critically engage with global food security challenges and develop practical solutions for real-world problems.

"We are deeply honored to extend our Youth Institute Programming to the United Kingdom," said Mashal Husain, President, World Food Prize Foundation. "This institute provides a platform for young people to develop their ideas, engage with experts and become part of a global movement working to ensure a food-secure future. By investing in the next generation of leaders, we are cultivating innovation, resilience and collaboration in communities, both locally and globally."

The launch of the Youth Institute represents a significant step in the Foundation's ongoing mission to inspire young people to contribute to solving global food security challenges. By creating opportunities for students to learn directly from experts and develop innovative solutions, the Foundation is investing in the leaders of tomorrow who will shape the future of sustainable agriculture and food systems worldwide.

"We are immensely proud to be the first university in the United Kingdom to host a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute," said Professor Robert A. Montgomery, Director, Research and Knowledge Exchange, Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas, University of Cumbria. "This is an exceptional opportunity for young people to engage with one of the most important challenges facing our world today-how we produce, protect and share food sustainably and equitably. By bringing together passionate students and expert voices at our Ambleside campus, we are inspiring the next generation and empowering young people with the knowledge, confidence and international outlook needed to tackle food security challenges."

The Youth Institute is part of the Foundation's global network of Youth Institutes. Following the model of the Foundation's European Youth Institutes in the Netherlands and Sweden, this program will bring together young people from around the United Kingdom to explore critical issues in agriculture, nutrition and sustainability.

"Despite the world's immense challenges, I firmly believe that they are not insurmountable," said Geoffrey Hawtin, U.K. native and 2024 World Food Prize Laureate. "Hope lies with the young, who have the most to gain or lose. I congratulate the World Food Prize Foundation for establishing the Youth Institute in the United Kingdom. This remarkable initiative not only seeks to equip young people with knowledge and tools, but I believe even more importantly, it aims to inspire them to become directly involved in addressing global challenges and creating a better world for all."

Students will work closely with teachers and mentors to research a pressing food security issue around the globe, prepare a written report and present their findings in oral presentations. Presentations will allow participants to share their research with peers and experts, fostering meaningful discussion and collaboration. Successful participants will be recognized as Borlaug Scholars, earning opportunities to participate in the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines and other World Food Prize Programs.

In 2025, more than 1,600 students around the world attended a World Food Prize Foundation Youth Institute. To participate, students must write a three to five page Global Challenge research paper on a country and a food security related topic. Students have the opportunity to present their research and propose innovative solutions to peers and experts during the Youth Institute. The United Kingdom Youth Institute will take place in 2026 as part of the Foundation's global Youth Institute community, which reaches 23 states and eight countries.

For information on registration for the 2026 United Kingdom Youth Institute, students and educators can click HERE.