JCU and UNICRI Announce First Spring Course on Food and Nutrition Security
John Cabot University, in cooperation with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), is organizing the first edition of the Spring Course on Food and Nutrition Security, which will take place at JCU in Rome, Italy, from May 13 through 17, 2019.
Application deadline: April 29, 2019
“The world’s population is projected to increase by slightly more than one billion people over the next 13 years, reaching 8.6 billion in 2030, and to increase further to 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100.” (World Population Prospects: The 2017 Revision. New York: United Nations). These demographic changes are closely interlinked with the issues of access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.
Food security is not a new concept or phenomenon. Despite its long history, it still remains a major challenge. Climate change, conflicts, migration, and new economic systems are compelling the global community to re-shape the entire food chain, from production to consumption. Aiming to reach the second SDG “Zero Hunger” within 2030, Member States and international organizations need to find a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and food security.
While countering malnutrition and facilitating access to food, international and national institutions highlight the importance of controlling and monitoring the food supply chain. The globalization of the food chain and its increased complexity urge governments to have control over the large quantity and variety of food travels in the world. Substitution, adulteration, mislabelling, counterfeiting and misrepresentation of food products are seriously affecting the quality of what we eat. Furthermore, in many legislative frameworks they constitute criminal activities. Recognizing the multiple threats of an uncontrolled food chain, common standards are essential to provide safe and healthy nutrition. As affirmed by José Graziano de Silva, FAO General Director, “there is no food security without food safety, which is the base for healthy diets and lives.”
The course will bring young professionals up-to-date with programs and current challenges about food and nutrition security, also improving participants’ ability to address the issue in a comprehensive way.
The Spring Course combines theory-based lectures with roundtable discussions, challenging case studies, and practical exercises. The faculty is composed of leading scholars and academics from JCU and other universities, as well as international legal experts from the United Nations system, international and non-governmental organizations, and civil society.
In this unique learning environment, participants will have the opportunity to interact with internationally recognized experts, meet peers and build lasting professional relationships with young professionals and students from around the world. This intensive experience fosters intercultural dialogue and promotes a deeper understanding of two of the most salient issues faced by the international community.
For further information on the application process, entry requirements, registration fees and certificate of participation, please visit the How to Apply section or send a message to [email protected].
From July 15 through 19, 2019, JCU and UNICRI will host the Summer Course on Migration and Human Rights.