Delegation Description
Convened annually, the Global Food Security Symposium addresses the US government’s and international community’s progress on global food security and ensures that new challenges are met with action and innovation.
Since 2013, the Next Generation Delegation program has provided an opportunity for promising students to engage in symposium discussions and to interact with business and policy leaders, civil society, and social entrepreneurs working on agriculture, food, and nutrition issues.
With its focus on pathways to opportunity for the next generation, the 2019 symposium will offer key insights on how to leverage past successes, and invigorate future efforts amidst an evolving global landscape. This unique window of opportunity is a chance to help shape the next decade of leadership on global food security.
Candidate Opportunities
Next Generation Delegates will have the opportunity to:
- interact with symposium speakers and senior attendees;
- network with other outstanding students planning careers in global food, agriculture, and development sectors;
- connect with key stakeholders from the public, private, and NGO sectors in private meetings; and
- select delegates may also participate in symposium side events, panel discussions, or video interviews.
Other Engagement Opportunities:
We have two additional opportunities for exceptional applicants to participate in the symposium and related events.
Opting-in to consideration for either of these two programs does not undermine your chances of being selected as a Delegate, but does increase your chances for being selected to participate in the symposium.
Social Media Ambassadors play an integral role in supporting the Symposium via our digital platforms and driving engagement, outreach and dissemination in the lead-up to the event. The 2018 symposium reached over 77 countries around the globe and we look to our Social Media Ambassadors to expand that footprint even further this year. Ambassadors are expected to engage in—and drive—online symposium discussion by live-tweeting portions of the event, along with many of our global partner organizations and speakers. This is a remote opportunity.
Rapporteurs will play an important role by attending the symposium solution session working groups, held in Washington, DC, on March 20, 2019, the day prior to the symposium. Rapporteurs will take notes to capture key themes and outcomes discussed at these working group sessions. Rapporteur duties are limited to the solution sessions, and all rapporteurs are invited to attend the full symposium on March 21. The Council is unable to provide travel to or accommodations in Washington, DC, for rapporteurs.
Candidate Responsibilities
Next Generation Delegates are expected to:
- Attend all symposium-related events in Washington, DC, on March 21-22, 2018. The Council will cover round trip airfare, accommodations, and meal expenses for Next Generation Delegates.
- Prepare a commentary piece for the Global Food for Thought blog on food security, water and sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation, or a similar topic as it relates to the student’s area of research.
- Support social media outreach, which includes engaging students’ respective universities and disseminating information about the symposium, its featured report, and the live stream.
- Contribute to and participate in the event’s social media plans and take on other responsibilities as required.
Candidate Criteria:
All candidates must be current university students who will still be enrolled at the time of the symposium, March 2019. Students must be at the graduate or advanced undergraduate (third or fourth year) level studying agricultural development, entrepreneurship, international development, or other food security related disciplines. Students must plan to enter the agriculture and food sector upon graduation. International students and students studying at universities outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Council’s selection committee takes numerous factors into consideration when choosing delegates, and aims to maximize the range of perspectives represented within the delegation, including academic disciplines, university geographies, and student backgrounds.
To be considered, applications must be submitted before 11:59 PM US Central Time on November 4, 2018. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Selected candidates will be notified and announced in early 2019. If you have any questions, please contact us at
nextgenerationdelegation@thechicagocouncil.org.