FAO and Ghent University sign collaboration agreement sharing a vision for transforming agrifood systems

Brussels, Belgium – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Ghent University (UGent) have agreed today to formalize and strengthen their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing took place on the sidelines of the FAO-Belgium strategic dialogue that takes place in the Egmont Palace in Brussels.
FAO Deputy Director-General Maurizio Martina and the Rector of the University of Ghent Rik Van de Walle inked the already ongoing collaboration between the two institutions that aims to promote and stimulate interdisciplinary interactions as well as to increase access and exchange of information and knowledge in the areas of agrifood systems, innovation, health, and learning opportunities.
“This partnership will contribute to the global efforts in transforming agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind. Signing this formal agreement today, sets the start of a broader meaningful collaboration, that FAO believes to bring transformative change in agrifood systems”, emphasized Maurizio Martina, FAO Deputy Director-General.
The MoU represents a major milestone in FAO and UGent’s shared vision of addressing pressing global challenges and creating a more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood future. Through this partnership, both institutions will advance research and capacity development; focusing on key areas such as nutrition, biosecurity, innovation, biotechnology, and behavioural science. The institutions will also strengthen collaboration in lifelong learning opportunities, including through the FAO e-learning academy.
“This Memorandum of Understanding marks a new chapter in our collaboration with FAO, focusing on solutions for global challenges like hunger, malnutrition, and sustainable agrifood systems. Ghent University will contribute expertise in areas such as biotechnology and animal health to drive safer and more sustainable food production. Together, we aim to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Zero Hunger and partnerships for the goals, by turning knowledge into impactful actions”, commented Ghent University Rector, Rik Van de Walle.
Joint activities will include the organization of seminars and events, a field trial on Progressive Management Pathway for Terrestrial Animal Biosecurity, and joint scientific publications.
Looking Ahead
The MoU will cover an initial period of three years and currently involves five FAO divisions and offices: the Food and Nutrition Division, the Animal Production and Health Division, the Office for Innovation, the Partnerships and UN Collaboration Division, and the Liaison Office in Brussels, who coordinates the partnership.
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Learn more bout this year's edition of the FAO-Belgium Strategic Dialogue here.