Students explore chemical safety and global cooperation at FAO

FAO headquarters welcomed 32 students from the undergraduate programme in Global Governance at the University of Rome Tor Vergata for a half-day learning visit on chemical safety and international cooperation in sustainable agrifood systems. 

Led by the Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention, part of FAO’s Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), and the division’s Youth Group, the programme introduced students to FAO’s work on, and the global frameworks that guide the sound management of, hazardous chemicals. 

Through a combination of interactive activities and dialogue with FAO staff, students explored how science, policy and international cooperation come together to foster more productive, safer and sustainable agrifood systems. 

Understanding FAO’s mission and the Rotterdam Convention 

The visit began with a guided tour of the FAO Museum and Network (FAO MuNe), where students learned about FAO’s history, mandate and the global challenges the Organization addresses in building sustainable agrifood systems. 

The group then attended an introductory session on the Rotterdam Convention led by Aleksandar Mihajlovski, Agriculture Officer at FAO. Using practical examples, it was explained how the Convention promotes shared responsibility in the international trade of hazardous chemicals by ensuring countries have the information needed to make informed decisions and protect human health and the environment. 

Learning chemical safety through interactive games 

Students took part in a team exercise, facilitated by Nadia Correale, Rotterdam Convention Specialist at FAO, using “Next Exit: Chemical Safety,” an educational game that turns complex information about hazardous chemicals and waste into an engaging learning experience. Developed by the joint Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions with support from Germany, the game challenges small teams to analyse clues, assess risks and make critical decisions within a limited timeframe. 

Divided into five teams, students solved a series of puzzles based on real-world scenarios on chemical safety. 

“The game session was a smart and engaging way to understand chemical safety,” said Angelica, a participating student. “Solving the puzzle helped me appreciate how international agreements like the Rotterdam Convention support safe chemical management.” 

“I realized that the Rotterdam Convention is not about banning chemicals, but about enabling countries to make informed decisions,” added Ludovica, another student. “The interactive game made learning about chemical safety memorable and helped me connect theory to real policy issues.” 

Gustavo Piga, Professor of Economics and Director of the Global Governance undergraduate programme at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, highlighted the importance of linking academic learning with real-world policy. “Experiences like these show students how international frameworks, like the Rotterdam Convention, translate into real protection for people and food worldwide. That understanding is what makes the difference between a student who knows the theory and one who can drive change in global governance,” he said. 

Students analyse clues and discuss solutions during the escape game, applying their knowledge of chemical safety in a fun and interactive way. ©FAO/Anastasiia Gakalo

Youth engagement at the centre  

The event is part of a series of initiatives by the Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention in FAO in recent years targeting young people, to bring them closer to the Convention's work. For this specific occasion, the event was supported by the NSP Youth Group, a volunteer-based network of young professionals within the Division. Established in 2020, the group promotes innovation, collaboration and engagement with young people interested in agrifood systems. Through learning events, communication initiatives and partnerships with universities, the Youth Group helps connect students with FAO’s work and encourages the next generation to contribute to global agrifood challenges. 

“Young people bring creativity, energy and innovative thinking — all of which are vital for transforming agrifood systems,” said Yurdi Yasmi, Director, NSP. “Engaging students today means investing in the next generation of leaders who will carry forward FAO’s mission for a more productive, resilient and safer agrifood systems.” 

FAO continues to collaborate with universities and youth networks to strengthen scientific literacy, expand learning opportunities and empower young people to contribute to the transformation of agrifood systems worldwide.