Country: Italy
Registration deadline: 06 May 2020
Starting date: 18 May 2020
Ending date: 22 May 2020
Overview
“The world’s population continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace than at any time since 1950, owing to reduced levels of fertility. From an estimated 7.7 billion people worldwide in 2019, the medium-variant projection indicates that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100.” (World Population Prospects: The 2019 Revision. New York: United Nations). These demographic changes are closely interlinked with the issues of access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food.
With this consideration in mind, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in cooperation with John Cabot University (JCU), is organizing the second edition of the Spring Course on Food and Nutrition Security, which will take place at JCU in Rome, Italy, from 18 to 22 May 2020
Food security is not a new challenge. Despite its long history, it remains a major concern. Climate change, conflicts, the phenomenon of migration and new economic systems are compelling the global community to re-shape the entire food supply chain, from production to consumption. Aiming to reach the second SDG “Zero Hunger” within 2030, Member States and international organisations need to find a balance between economic development, environmental protection and food security.
Africa is the continent with the highest levels of malnutrition today. However, there are numerous countries in the world where conflicts, limited development opportunities, and adverse environmental conditions are threatening food security. Phenomena related to climate change, such as floods, desertification and soil erosion, illegal exploitation of resources and environmental crimes are producing dramatic consequences on food production. Furthermore, armed conflicts, terrorism, the absence of the rule of law and the constant political instability are hindering the capacity of the population to produce food and meet nutritional requirements, expanding the cycle of hunger, poverty and violence generated by the need to access essential resources
While countering malnutrition and facilitating access to food, international and national institutions highlight the importance of controlling and monitoring the food supply chain. The increasing complex and global dimension of the food supply chain urge governments to plan more effective strategies to reduce risks and to increase controls over the large quantity and variety of food along the international trade routes. Substitution, adulteration, mislabelling, counterfeiting and misrepresentation of food products are growing exponentially and are seriously endangering the quality of what we eat. In many legislative frameworks they constitute criminal activities, all over the world they represent a public health and economic harm. Not to mention, that food fraud generates illicit profits that allow criminals to expand their trades and their areas of influence. Uniform and appropriate safety and control standards are essential to protect the integrity of the food supply chain and ensure safe and healthy nutrition for all.
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 course will provide participants with a fundamental understanding of main determinants and issues connected to food and nutrition security, among which:
- Towards the multidimensional definition of food and nutrition security
- The UN strategy for Goal 2 “Zero Hunger” (SDGs)
- The four dimensions of food security
- Legal tools on right to food, food safety and security
- Food industry and food fraud: counterfeiting and adulteration
- Food industry and food waste Climate Change impacts on Food Supply
- Migration and food insecurity
- Access to food and conflicts
- Food emergency and food aids
- Innovation for the future: blockchain for Zero Hunger
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 recognised 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 the most salient issues faced by the international community related to food and nutrition security.
Entry requirements
The course is designed for university graduates in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Social Science and other relevant disciplines.
It is also addressed to young professionals working in governmental institutions, local authorities, international and non-governmental organizations seeking to deepen their understanding of food security issues.
Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Hold a three-year university degree issued by an internationally recognized university in one of the aforementioned areas;
- Have a very good working knowledge of English.
Applications from students who expect to graduate at the end of the 2019/2020 academic year will also be considered.
Certificate of participation
Upon attendance of all the lectures and completion of the course, participants will receive a United Nations and John Cabot University certificate of participation.
A student who misses one or more classes will not receive the certificate of participation. Absence grounded on serious reasons might be considered at discretion of the Organizers.
How to register:
How to apply
Standard applicants
- Application deadline: please complete and send the application form, which can be donwloaded here, to unicri.courses@un.org by 6 May 2020.
- Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via e-mail, within 5 working days following receipt of the application, and no later than by 7 May 2020.
- Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance, and no later than 13 May 2020 (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via E-mail to unicri.courses@un.org).
Early Birds
Application deadline: please complete and send the application form , which can be donwloaded here, to unicri.courses@un.org by 12 February 2020.
Confirmation of acceptance: the results of the selection process will be communicated via e-mail, within 5 working days following receipt of the application, and no later than 13 February 2020.
Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance, and no later than 20 February 2020 i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via E-mail to unicri.courses@un.org).
Applicants requiring a VISA (IMPORTANT)
Those applicants requiring a VISA are encouraged to apply in accordance with early bird deadlines.
Upon payment of the tuition fee, the UNICRI Administrative Office will provide enrolled participants with an acceptance letter. We encourage selected participants to immediately contact the nearest Italian Embassy/Consulate to obtain detailed information on the VISA procedure and documents needed. Please note that it is sole responsibility of the course participants to request and obtain the VISA.
Contacts
Email: unicri.courses@un.org (please indicate “Food Security” in the subject of the email)
Tel: (+39) 011 6537 195