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

Skopje, North Macedonia – 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 that a young artist from North Macedonia has been recognized among the global 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 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: when people work together, they can overcome challenges and create a better future for everyone.

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

Tomo becomes 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 of young people in North Macedonia about 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 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.

Through his artwork, Tomo 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," says 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.

Read more:

• Sara Cvetkova, winner in 2019 promoting the protection of bees for a #ZeroHunger world;
• Pavel Milanovski, winner in 2020 for portraying farmers as Food Heroes; 
• Mihaela Stojmenovic, winner in 2022 highlighting the vital role of small-scale farmers in providing diverse and nutritious food. 
• Winners of FAO World Food Day 2025 Poster Contest