Young Macedonian artist among global winners of the FAO World Food Day 2025 Poster Contest

Twelve-year-old Tomo Popovski from Skopje has been selected as one of the global winners of the FAO World Food Day 2025 Poster Contest, marking the fourth time a young artist from North Macedonia has been recognized among the winners of the competition.

A seventh-grade student at "Kocho Racin" Primary School, Tomo won in the 9–12 years category with his poster inspired by the World Food Day theme, "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future", which highlights the importance of collective action and solidarity in building a more sustainable and food-secure world.

His artwork depicts people from different cultures working together around the globe, surrounded by healthy foods that symbolize cooperation, sustainability and hope. Through his drawing, Tomo wanted to convey a simple but powerful message: by working together, people can overcome challenges and build a better future for everyone.

"My drawing is inspired by the idea that people can achieve great things when they work together," said Tomo. "Food is not only something we need to survive; it is something that connects families, communities and nations."

Tomo is the fourth young artist from North Macedonia to receive global recognition in the FAO World Food Day Poster Contest, following Sara Cvetkova (2019), Pavel Milanovski (2020) and Mihaela Stojmenovic (2022). Their achievements reflect the creativity and growing awareness among young people in North Macedonia of food security, agriculture and environmental sustainability.

A message of unity and hope

Every year, the FAO World Food Day Poster Contest encourages children and young people from around the world to share their vision for a better future through art. The 2025 theme, "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future", celebrated the power of solidarity and collective action in building a world where everyone has access to healthy food.

Tomo’s artwork reminds us that a better future starts with cooperation. "By working together, respecting nature and ensuring food for everyone, we can create a world that is healthier, more humane and more sustainable," said Tomo. "My artwork is a symbol of unity, compassion and hope for future generations."

As North Macedonia's fourth global winner of the FAO World Food Day Poster Contest, Tomo joins a remarkable group of young artists whose creativity has helped bring global attention to food security, sustainable agriculture and the importance of working together for a better future.