FAO partners with Academia and Research Institutions all over the world. Find out more about our alliances, and related publications, by exploring below.
International Renewal Energy Agency (IRENA)
The partnership aims to strengthen the deployment of applied modern renewable energy technologies in agricultural practices and food value chains and accelerate sustainable use of bioenergy
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021
COUNTRY: United Arab Emirates
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Non State Actors, Partnerships, Technical cooperation and expertise
International Society for Horticultural Science
FAO and the International Society for Horticulture Science joined in a partnership in 2021 with the objectives of developing capacities and raising awareness in the areas of horticulture, including innovation, traditional knowledge, climate change, environmental protection, sustainable healthy diets, nutrition security, and inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021
COUNTRY: Belgium
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development
Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology (SISEF)
FAO partners with the Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology to promote urban and peri-urban forestry as a tool for sustainable cities. The collaboration builds on the success of the World Forum on Urban Forests and aims to foster inclusive dialogue, technical exchange, and innovation. The partnership supports the development of a global urban forestry platform, regional forums, and capacity development activities. It contributes to sustainable cities and communities and reinforces FAO’s work on climate resilience and greener urban environments.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021
COUNTRY: Italy
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange, Non State Actors, Partnerships
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS)
This partnership, active through a MoU signed in 2015, envisions joint activities to promote knowledge exchange and policy dialogue to support research and advocacy in areas of food security, food loss and waste, sustainable agricultural mechanization, and Climate Smart Agriculture. Main activities include information analysis on food demand and supply modeling and joint research and advocacy on soil and crops.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015
COUNTRY: Japan
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Knowledge Exchange
Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences
The partnership between FAO and the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences focuses on rural revitalization and on developing sustainable, resilient and efficient food systems in urban and rural areas, with particular attention to the poor and vulnerable farmers in the Jiangsu and the Yangtze River Delta region. The collaboration promotes farmer field schools’ training programmes, workshops and the dissemination of tools and best practices for local partners to increase food safety.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2020
COUNTRY: China
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU)
The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) aims to strengthen agricultural education, research, and innovation to support sustainable food systems and natural resource management in Kazakhstan. This partnership focuses on enhancing food and water security through knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable practices in natural resource management and biodiversity conservation, and empowering youth through capacity development and digital learning. The collaboration also supports the integration of FAO’s e-learning tools and global research platforms into academic curricula, fostering innovation and practical skills among students. Through joint initiatives, workshops, and research, the Parties contribute to building resilient agrifood systems and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025
COUNTRY: Kazakhstan
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli
FAO and the Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli collaborate to develop capacities on subjects related to FAO’s mandate, including through the joint creation of the Master of Law in Food Law. The degree program covers themes such as agricultural and industrial production, distribution and international trade, quality and food safety controls, consumer information among others. Further partnership activities also include the development of internship programs, expert lecture series, and roundtable discussions on food loss and waste.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022
COUNTRY: Italy
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)
FAO and the Lomonosov Moscow State University have signed an agreement to strengthen the economic and social advancement of Eurasian countries through capacity development. The partnership aims to promote knowledge exchange for developing institutional capacities and technical competencies related to natural resources management (with a focus on soils), agricultural innovation, food security and nutrition.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2019
COUNTRY: Russian Federation
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Resources:
2023: Promoting soils for better nutrition, better production and a better life
Michigan State University
Partners since 2015, FAO and Michigan State University take a global, multidisciplinary approach to address the common challenges that face sustainable inland fisheries all over the world. The cooperation promotes sustainable policies and fosters capacity development of inland capture fisheries, thus contributing to sustainable food and nutrition security and helping to alleviate poverty.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2015
COUNTRY: United States of America
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Resources:
2016: The Rome declaration: Ten steps to responsible inland fisheries
Mississippi State University
FAO and the Mississippi State University started their collaboration in 2010 with the objective to enhance the capacity of developing countries in managing animal and veterinary public health, plant health, and food and nutrition security. Since the establishment of the partnership the exchange of resources and the implementation of capacity development activities contributed to strengthening policies and national action plans. Further key achievements include the successful exchange of knowledge in antimicrobial resistance, the development of awareness-raising and support to aquaculture biosecurity, and the participation of Mississippi State University students in internship programmes to prepare them to become future food security practitioners.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2010
COUNTRY: United States of America
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development
Resources:
2020: Strengthening food security through innovative aquaculture management
Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi)
FAO partners with Politecnico di Milano to promote urban and peri-urban forestry as a tool for sustainable cities. The collaboration builds on the success of the World Forum on Urban Forests and aims to foster inclusive dialogue, technical exchange, and innovation.
The partnership supports the development of a global urban forestry platform, regional forums, and capacity development activities. It contributes to sustainable cities and communities and reinforces FAO’s work on climate resilience and greener urban environments.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2021
COUNTRY: Italy
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange, Non State Actors, Partnerships
Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy
Initiated in 2017,the collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy aims to strengthen regional capacities in sustainable agriculture, food security, and rural development through knowledge sharing, research, and education. This partnership focuses on advancing sustainable soil management, empowering smallholders and family farms, enhancing agrifood trade and market integration, and promoting responsible governance of tenure. It also supports curriculum development and outreach on key FAO initiatives such as Climate-Smart Agriculture and the Sustainable Development Goals. Through joint projects, technical cooperation, and capacity development, this collaboration contributes to building resilient agrifood systems and fostering innovation in alignment with FAO’s Strategic Framework and regional priorities.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2017
COUNTRY: Russian Federation
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development
S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU)
The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University (KATRU) aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s agricultural research, education, and innovation systems to support sustainable development and food security. This partnership focuses on enhancing food security and nutrition through knowledge exchange, promoting sustainable natural resource management in the context of climate change and biodiversity conservation, and empowering youth through capacity development and digital learning. By integrating FAO’s technical expertise with KATRU’s academic strengths, the collaboration supports the development of climate-resilient agriculture, improved soil and water governance, and the adoption of digital tools and certified e-learning programs. Together, FAO and KATRU are working to build resilient agrifood systems.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2025
COUNTRY: Kazakhstan
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Sapienza Università di Roma
Since 2016 Sapienza University and FAO have been collaborating with the goal of enhancing food security and sustainability in agriculture through innovative research, knowledge sharing, capacity development, and responsible investment in agriculture. Joint work implemented since the beginning of this partnership has included sharing expertise through seminars, formulation of academic curricula, establishment of internships, and the launch of online courses related to FAO’s mandate and the Sustainable Development Goals.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2016
COUNTRY: Italy
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Shanghai Ocean University
In November 2022, FAO and Shanghai Ocean University (SHOU) formalized their collaborative efforts by signing a Memorandum of Understanding in support to ecological and sustainable aquaculture practices. This partnership is poised to drive transformative impacts on a global scale, focusing on sustainable aquaculture approaches that enhance ecosystems, reduce carbon intensity in food production, and bolster resilience to the impacts of climate change. Emphasizing the contribution of aquaculture to sustainable agrifood systems and integration with various sectors, the collaboration underscores key areas such as aquaculture performance, minimizing environmental impact, promoting livelihoods, gender empowerment, data collection and analysis, and fostering South-South and triangular Cooperation. Scientific and technological knowledge product development and information sharing are integral components.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2022
COUNTRY: China
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)
FAO and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in key areas of mutual interest, including innovation in agrifood systems, animal health, forest and landscape restoration, and agroecology for food systems transformation. Leveraging SLU’s expertise and FAO’s global mandate, the partnership aims to co-create knowledge, develop capacities, and foster science-based solutions for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, addressing pressing global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change, and food security. This collaboration supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and advances several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 2, 3, and 15.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024
COUNTRY: Sweden
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Tajik Agrarian University named Shirinsho Shotemur (TAU)
The collaboration between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Tajik Agrarian University named Shirinsho Shotemur (TAU) aims to strengthen agricultural innovation, education, and sustainable development in Tajikistan. This partnership focuses on enhancing plant and animal production, promoting food safety and quality, and advancing sustainable natural resource and forest management. It also supports the One Health approach and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance, while fostering knowledge exchange and capacity development in areas such as water management, mechanization, and biodiversity conservation
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024
COUNTRY: Tajikistan
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Crop and water management, Food safety, Food security, Forest management, Improved mechanization, Natural resources management, One Health
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)
FAO and CIMMYT entered into partnership to strengthen efforts to build a resilient food system grounded in diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy, fertile soils. The collaboration will specifically advance the global Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) initiative by leveraging their respective capabilities to lead efforts to coordinate, grow and strengthen the VACS movement across a wide range of public and private stakeholders.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2024
The University of the Western Cape
FAO and the University of Western Cape joined forces in 2018 to strengthen knowledge and implement capacity development activities in the field of marine sciences, and facilitate trainings and academic activities in support of the application of the ecosystem approach in the management of marine fisheries promoted by the EAF-Nansen Programme. The support to M.Sc. and PhD marine science students is a priority for this partnership. Activities are funded by the South Africa’s National Research Foundation while the FAO offers technical expertise to students.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2018
COUNTRY: South Africa
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange
Unión de Universidades de América Latina y el Caribe (UDUALC)
The Unión de Universidades de América Latina y el Caribe and FAO collaborate to promote knowledge exchange and capacity development through academic activities, conferences and symposia in the areas of food security, agriculture, rural development and public policies.
IN PARTNERSHIP SINCE: 2014
COUNTRY: Mexico
AREAS OF COLLABORATION: Advocacy, Capacity Development, Knowledge Exchange