Strengthened cooperation between FAO and Universidade Aberta

Lisbon–The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Universidade Aberta (UAb) of Portugal celebrated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation for developing joint initiatives aimed at eradicating hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition. Regional initiatives will be supported by strengthening capacity development through joint research projects and technical, educational and university extension events. 

The agreement was signed by the Rector of UAb, Paulo Maria Bastos da Silva Dias, and the Senior Information and Liaison Officer at FAO Portugal, Hélder Muteia.  The FAO Portugal Office and UAb have a history of collaboration to raise awareness of food and nutrition security. 

Established in 1988, Universidade Aberta (UAb) is the only institution in Portugal that offers distance learning. Of particular importance is Uab’s focus on the areas of the environment, food sciences and social sustainability and development. 

"We have a privileged relationship with educational institutions, and universities in particular. It is our obligation to ensure that future generations adopt new paradigms, new ways of thinking for facing the challenges related to food, environment and energy. This MoU with Universidade Aberta will help us to achieve our goals in Portugal and in other Portuguese-speaking countries", said Mr Helder Muteia during the signing ceremony.