Open call for evaluators and mentors: Join the Global Youth Hackathon on Food Waste
In today’s world, food waste is a pressing issue. An estimated 735 million people faced hunger in 2023, while 2.4 billion were moderately or severely food insecure and over 3.1 billion lacked access to healthy diets. Consumers, businesses, governments and other institutions all have a role to play in combating food loss and waste through preventative, rescue and recycling measures. Addressing this challenge requires innovative solutions and the engagement of passionate individuals. This is why we decided to develop the Global Youth Hackathon on Food Waste.
This dynamic competition, organized by the World Food Forum (WFF) in collaboration with KidsforSDGs, aims to harness the creativity and dedication of young people to develop community-based solutions to combat food waste. Over several stages, participants will collaborate, receive mentorship and refine their proposals to make a meaningful impact.
Additionally, we are now calling upon experienced professionals to join us as mentors and evaluators in guiding and assessing innovative solutions to one of the world’s most pressing issues. By lending your expertise, you can empower young innovators to make a tangible impact in reducing food waste and fostering sustainability in communities worldwide.
Why get involved as evaluators or mentors?
As a mentor or evaluator, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the ideas of young innovators and helping them turn their visions into actionable projects. Your expertise will directly contribute to the success of initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.
What makes an ideal evaluator?
- Profound knowledge in agrifood systems, particularly food waste solutions
- A master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Possess excellent analytical skills and proficiency in English.
- Preferably connected with a reputable institution, organization or university.
Each evaluator will remotely review and score 5-8 project submissions between 2 – 9 July using the provided grading criteria.
What makes an ideal mentor?
- Profound knowledge in agrifood systems, particularly food waste solutions.
- A master’s degree and a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience, or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in lieu of the master’s degree.
- Possess excellent communication, leadership, budgeting and project management skills.
- Proficiency in English is essential; knowledge of Spanish, French, Chinese, Russian and/or Arabic is preferable.
- Preferably connected with a reputable institution, organization or university.
Each mentor will need to schedule 2 (two) online sessions with participants between 10 – 24 July to help shape their projects and refine their pitches. Also, they will need to provide additional mentoring sessions for finalists from 29 July to mid-October to prepare for the live pitch presentation during the WFF conference.
Application Process
Complete the online application form by 23 June for evaluators and by 30 July for mentors.
Apply HERE
