World Chefs has partnered with the World Food Forum to engage and empower young culinary professionals.
The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs), the largest international body of professional chefs’ associations, is partnering with the World Food Forum (WFF) Youth Initiative, a youth-led platform hosted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), on the WFF Young Chefs Programme (YCP). This joint effort aims to engage and empower young culinary professionals to drive positive change in transforming agrifood systems.
Launching in October 2025, the programme invites chefs aged 18 to 35 to develop skills, knowledge and networks needed to lead the transformation of agrifood systems through better culinary practices. From improving nutrition to promoting food security and biodiversity, the YCP aims to inspire young chefs to influence peers and consumers, driving positive change in global agrifood systems.
This collaboration strengthens the long-standing partnership between Worldchefs and WFF, reflecting Worldchefs’ century-long legacy and commitment to excellence, leadership and sustainability in the culinary arts.
Through structured trainings, mentorships, peer-to-peer exchange, and ongoing guidance supported by Worldchefs, the selected cohort will grow their capacity to implement local initiatives that drive sustainable change.
Drawing on its international membership of chef associations, culinary education institutions, and industry leaders, Worldchefs will identify and engage chefs with expertise in sustainable agrifood systems, deliver virtual masterclasses on key agrifood system topics and provide mentorship to support young chefs in their projects.
“At Worldchefs, through Young Chefs Clubs, educational programs are built into everything we do. We have long believed in the importance of nurturing and developing the next generation of culinary professionals worldwide,” said Jasper Jek, Chair of Worldchefs’ Global Development of Young Chefs Committee.
“We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the WFF on the Young Chefs Programme, and to seeing the impact of both the program and the young leaders themselves.”
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