13 October 2026, Rome, Italy – The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and Guglielmo Marconi University (UniMarconi) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen international academic cooperation in sustainable food systems, with a focus on education, research and capacity development.
The agreement was signed by Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH, and Professor Marco Abate, Rector of UniMarconi, and announced at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) event in Rome marking the second anniversary of the FAO Four Betters Courses Initiative, held as part of the 2026 World Food Forum. The event highlighted the role of academic and research institutions in preparing the next generation of leaders to transform agrifood systems, with a particular focus on Africa.
The MoU will support closer collaboration between the two institutions, including their contribution, alongside FAO and the Pan African University, to a joint Master’s degree programme in Sustainable Food Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Building on the FAO eLearning Academy’s courses, the programme aims to equip professionals with the skills to strengthen food supply chains, reduce post-harvest losses and improve food availability and distribution.
“Strengthening food security requires us to connect scientific knowledge with practical solutions and invest in the people who will shape the future of our food systems,” said Professor Madani. “Through this partnership, we are bringing together complementary academic expertise, digital learning capabilities and international networks to expand access to high-quality education and build the capacities needed for more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. Our collaboration with UniMarconi, FAO and the Pan African University is an important step towards turning knowledge into action, particularly in support of Africa’s future leaders.”
Professor Marco Abate, Rector of UniMarconi, said: “This agreement with UNU-INWEH opens a new and important chapter in UniMarconi’s international cooperation. Its first concrete outcome will be the Master’s programme in Sustainable Food Logistics and Supply Chain Management, developed together with UNU-INWEH, FAO and the Pan African University. It is a strong example of the kind of cooperation we believe in: universities and international organisations working together to connect academic knowledge, research and digital education with real global challenges. Starting with food security and sustainable food systems gives this partnership an especially meaningful and tangible dimension.”
Efficient food storage, transportation and distribution are essential to reducing food losses and strengthening the resilience of agrifood systems, particularly across Africa. By combining academic expertise with accessible digital learning and professional development, the four partners aim to prepare a new generation of professionals to address these challenges and advance more sustainable food systems.
The agreement reflects UNU-INWEH and UniMarconi’s shared commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships, expanding access to quality education and translating knowledge into practical solutions for sustainable development.
About UNU-INWEH
Marking its 30th anniversary of operation in 2026, the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of 13 institutions that make up the United Nations University (UNU), the academic arm of the UN. Known as 'The UN's Think Tank on Water', UNU-INWEH addresses critical water, environmental, and health challenges around the world. Through research, training, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, the institute contributes to solving pressing global sustainability and human security issues of concern to the UN and its Member States. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, UNU-INWEH has been hosted and supported by the Government of Canada since 1996. With a global mandate and extensive partnerships across UN entities, international organizations, and governments, UNU-INWEH leads UNU Hubs in Calgary, Hamburg, New York, Lund and Pretoria.
About UniMarconi
Università degli Studi Guglielmo Marconi (UniMarconi), Italy’s first digital university, combines the rigour of university education with innovation in teaching methodologies. Through research, digital education and international cooperation, it promotes access to knowledge and the development of skills needed to address social, economic and technological transformations. This vision places academic quality, inclusion and the role of universities in advancing society at its core.
Today, UniMarconi is recognised as a leading institution in the field of e-learning, with strong connections to the business and professional communities. Its international presence is further strengthened through major scientific collaborations and research projects of global relevance, consolidating its reputation around the world.
