These eight exceptional Vietnamese individuals will be honored and given the opportunity to attend FAO's global recognition program in Italy.
In response to the International Year of Women Farmers 2026, the International Day of Rural Women, and World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has launched a nomination programme to recognize “Eight Vietnamese Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.”
The initiative aims to honor women who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and outstanding contributions to transforming agrifood systems, improving livelihoods, strengthening community capacity, and advancing sustainable rural development.
The programme forms part of FAO’s global initiative, “100 Outstanding Women of FAO in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.” The eight women selected in Viet Nam will not only be recognized nationally but will also have the opportunity to be considered for global recognition by FAO.
FAO in Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has launched a nomination programme titled “Eight Vietnamese Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.” Photo: Quynh Chi.8 Nomination categories
The selection committee targets individuals with outstanding contributions across the agricultural value chain, ranging from sustainable production, environmental protection, scientific research, agribusiness, to rural development. The nomination categories include:
Outstanding Farmer
Outstanding Scientist
Outstanding Agricultural Extension Officer
Outstanding Innovator in Technological Solutions
Outstanding Entrepreneur
Outstanding Civil Servant
Outstanding Woman in Non-Governmental Organizations
Outstanding Woman in Farmers’ Organizations (cooperatives, farmer groups, etc.)
The organizers especially encourage nominations of ethnic minority women, as well as women living and working in remote, border, and island areas facing significant socio-economic challenges. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Comprehensive selection criteria
To be selected, candidates must demonstrate clear achievements based on four key pillars:
Practical Impact: Proven contributions to income improvement, food security, or environmental protection at the community level.
Leadership Role: Demonstrated initiative, long-term commitment, and leadership capacity in their respective fields.
Innovation: Introduction of new solutions or models that enhance the resilience of agricultural systems against emerging challenges.
Community Development: Promotion of participation and capacity building for women, youth, and ethnic minority communities.
In addition to individual merit, the judging panel, comprising experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and partner organizations - will also ensure balanced representation in terms of geography, age, and ethnic diversity.
Opportunity for global recognition in October 2026
According to the organizers, the eight most outstanding women will be formally honored at an event marking World Food Day in Viet Nam in October 2026.
In addition, their profiles will be submitted for global consideration. If selected for FAO’s list of “100 Outstanding Women in Agrifood Systems,” the Vietnamese representatives will be invited to attend and be honored at the World Food Forum in Rome, Italy, at the end of the year, and will also be featured across United Nations global media channels.
Application process and submission
Application deadline: 23:59, July 10, 2026
Required documents: Nomination form (including a short biography and achievements), at least one high-quality portrait photo, and supporting materials (news articles, videos, recommendation letters, if available).
Online application form: https://forms.gle/qQvkHvkgAvH3hhtG7
Hotline: (024) 3850 0059
Email: FAO-VN@fao.org