Country: Italy
Registration deadline: 29 Apr 2019
Starting date: 13 May 2019
Ending date: 17 May 2019
Overview
“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.
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 first edition of the Spring Course on Food and Nutrition Security, which will take place at JCU in Rome, Italy, from 13 to 17 May 2019.
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 organisations 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 globalisation of the food chain and its increased complexity urge governments to have the control on 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. Recognising 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 course will provide participants with a fundamental understanding of main determinants and issues connected to food and nutrition security, among which:
- The long path towards the multidimensional definition of food and nutrition security
- The UN strategy for Goal 2 “Zero Hunger” (SDGs)
- The four dimensions of food security
- The grounds of food and feed legislation
- Food industry and food crimes: counterfeiting and adulteration
- Food industry and food waste
- Climate Change impacts on Food Supply
- Migration and food shortage
- Access to food and conflict
- Food security in emergency: Food Aid
- New ideas 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 two of the most salient issues faced by the international community.
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 2018/2019 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
Application deadline: please complete and send the application form, which can be downloaded here, to unicri.courses@un.orgby 29 April 2019.
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 30 April 2019
Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance, and no later than 7 May 2019 (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via e-mail to unicri.courses@un.org by the same date)
Early Bird applicants
A discounted rate, amounting to 1000 USD, is offered to Early Bird applicants. In order to receive the discount, applicants must apply in accordance with the following deadlines:
- Application deadline: please complete and send the application form, which can be downloaded here, to unicri.courses@un.org by 17 February 2019
- 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 18 February 2019
- Payment deadline: full payment has to be finalized, within 1 week following confirmation of acceptance, and no later than 26 February 2019 (i.e. candidates should provide UNICRI with proof of payment via e-mail to unicri.courses@un.org)
Applicants requiring VISA (IMPORTANT)
Those applicants requiring VISA must apply in accordance with early bird deadlines.
Please consider that it may take up to 30 days to receive a VISA from Italian Embassies and Consulates, depending on your country of origin.
The UNICRI Administrative Office will provide assistance in facilitating VISA release for those who need it. For this purpose please ensure that section F of the Application Form is properly completed.
Contacts
Email: unicri.courses@un.org (please indicate “Food Security” in the subject of the email)
Tel: (+39) 06 6789907