Empowering global sustainability: FAO and Sapienza University of Rome renew and expand strategic collaboration

Building upon a successful partnership since 2016, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Sapienza University of Rome are set to reinforce their collaboration through the formalization of a new Memorandum of Understanding. The signing ceremony, held on December 21, 2023, marks a significant step in advancing interdisciplinary interactions and fostering global impacts though joint efforts in critical fields.

The collaboration between FAO and Sapienza University has a rich history, marked by notable achievements and milestones. These include the enhancement of capacities, the raising of awareness, and the sharing of knowledge among students, researchers, and practitioners. Additionally, the partnership has played a key role in developing innovative statistical methods aimed at improving the monitoring capabilities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Over the years, this collaboration has demonstrated a commitment to addressing global challenges and in building a sustainable and resilient future.

Acknowledging the potential of this partnership, Máximo Torero Cullen, FAO’s Chief Economist said that “the new agreement is strategically aligned with FAO's broader objectives, in support of FAO’s 2022-2031 Strategic Framework, and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. This collaboration stands as a testament to the shared dedication of FAO and Sapienza University to addressing global challenges and building a sustainable and resilient future”.

The proposed new plans of engagement have been tailored to focus on key areas and continue promoting and stimulating interdisciplinary exchanges among experts, facilitating increased access to and dissemination of information and knowledge.

“The renewal of the agreement confirms the strategic importance of this collaboration aimed at ensuring and strengthening the scientific cooperation on issues related to common objectives with regard to data science - use of big data and early warning systems for food security; One Health for food and health security; food security statistics and related SDG indicators; inclusive and sustainable rural transformation and gender equality; Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems; Mountain Partnership, food and agricultural-related SDG indicator” said Sapienza’s Rector, Antonella Polimeni.