FAO and Luiss join forces for food and nutrition security

Sharing a common vision for a sustainable and prosperous world, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Luiss, the Free International University of Social Studies Guido Carli, have today launched a new partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The goal is to promote food and nutrition security, sustainability, inclusiveness, and the resilience of agri-food systems, in line with the FAO’s Strategic Framework for a better world, leaving no one behind.

The new agreement builds on the existing collaboration between FAO and Luiss to support the development of new professionals in the field of food security. Since 2018, FAO has been collaborating with the Master in Food Law (LLM) program at the Luiss School of Law, contributing its experts, integrating FAO e-learning courses into the LLM curricula, and combining work experience with new perspectives, innovative ideas, and the latest research, including through the implementation of internship programs.

With the MoU signed today by FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina and, on behalf of Luiss, by Vice President Paola Severino, Rector Andrea Prencipe, and Director General Giovanni Lo Storto, the scope of collaboration expands. The goal is to develop the skills of future food security professionals across a range of topics. Specifically, the focus will be on the CFS (Committee on World Food Security) Principles for responsible investment in agricultural and food systems, the development of a sustainable value chain, food loss, waste prevention, and gender equality. FAO and Luiss will also collaborate on executive courses for public officials, with a particular focus on Africa, to support sustainable agri-food systems in different geopolitical contexts. They will also conduct research to assess the impact of social media on issues such as emergencies, sustainability, and trade.

As Martina explained: “This strategic partnership will facilitate innovative joint solutions to establish equitable access to educational opportunities for the next global generation of food security professionals. Together, FAO and Luiss will continue to combine and leverage their respective expertise to generate positive impacts, advance agri-food systems, and support FAO's work toward a world free from hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.”

Vice President Severino states: “It’s a great privilege to have the opportunity to sign such an advanced partnership agreement with the FAO. Luiss is an international university based in Rome, and the FAO is a global institution also based in Rome. Both develop high-quality international projects. I am confident that the synergy between our two organizations will generate a significant impact in many countries around the world, with a particular focus on Africa.”

Rector Prencipe adds: “The FAO-Luiss Partnership will develop a series of training and research projects addressing the most pressing challenges of our time, from hunger to sustainability. Through executive courses, policy analysis, and FAO-style programs for young people, we will spread new knowledge and foster greater awareness for a world that increasingly meets the SDG criteria.”

Director-General Lo Storto comments: “We are very proud to have established this new partnership with the FAO, which confirms our strong collaboration in training new professionals on the major issues affecting the future of the planet. In recent years, Luiss has placed a strong focus on the Mediterranean region and African countries, implementing concrete projects aimed at providing new opportunities for young people. This MoU further confirms our commitment.”

Today's agreement is part of FAO's commitment to working closely with universities, civil society, non-governmental organizations, cooperatives, and the private sector to fulfill its mandate and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.