“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 Short Course on Food and Nutrition Security, which will take place at JCU in Rome, Italy, from 5 to 9 October 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 Short 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.

For further information on application process, entry requirements, registration fees and certificate of participation, please visit the How to apply page or send a message to unicri.courses@un.org.