Students from the American University of Rome’s Master’s in Food Studies program recently joined global leaders, activists, and experts at two prominent events held by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): the 2024 World Food Forum (WFF) and the 52nd annual Committee on World Food Security (CFS). The events at FAO’s Rome headquarters gave AUR students an invaluable opportunity to explore critical global issues in food security, observe high-level decision-making processes, and network with professionals shaping the future of agrifood systems.
Under the guidance of Dr. Maria Grazia Quieti, students from the "Food, Environment, and Society" course attended the WFF flagship event, a forum dedicated to the theme "Good food for all, for today and tomorrow." The WFF highlighted the collective efforts of youth-led initiatives and celebrated World Food Day alongside two other significant platforms: the Rome Water Dialogue and the Global Family Forum.
Erin Gallagher, an MA Food Studies candidate, attended the High-Level Rome Water Dialogue, focusing on the Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG). The dialogue took place in FAO’s Plenary Hall. It centered around collaborative solutions to global water scarcity, culminating in the drafting and adoption of The Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture. As Gallagher observed, the event offered unique insights into FAO’s formal negotiation processes, illustrating how diverse nations engage in collective decision-making on critical environmental challenges. Gallagher noted the powerful youth statement presented at the dialogue, which called for actionable commitments to secure a sustainable future, highlighting the pivotal role of youth voices in these global discussions.
The following week, AUR students attended the CFS’s 52nd session. FAO hosted a side event called “Rethinking Poverty and Rural Transformations to Include Indigenous People’s Views and Their Food and Knowledge Systems.” This panel brought together FAO representatives and indigenous leaders, who discussed the deep-rooted connections between indigenous food systems and cultural heritage. The event underscored the need for sustainable approaches that respect indigenous knowledge and traditions as a cornerstone of global food security.
Participating in events like the WFF and CFS provides AUR students with far-reaching benefits. Students gain a broader understanding of the complex challenges surrounding food security and sustainability by engaging directly with experts, policymakers, and advocates. Furthermore, these forums offer valuable networking opportunities, connecting students with global professionals and opening pathways for potential career advancements in food policy, sustainability, and international development.
Graduate student assistants Nina Adams and Erin Gallagher contributed to this article