FAO and Scuola Politecnica di Design partner in innovative university course

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is collaborating with the Scuola Politecnica di Design, the first school for design disciplines in Italy, founded in Milan in 1954. Following an established dialogue, this cooperation aims to offer both online and offline classes focused on FAO's critical role in global food security and the enhancement of quality of life through innovative agrifood systems.

These classes will bring together students, FAO expert, and practitioners to explore the intersection of food security, sustainable agriculture, and design thinking. FAO experts will share their insights into the challenges and opportunities of addressing food insecurity, climate change, and sustainable development through integrated food systems.

Following the in-person masterclass, an online class will be also made available to an audience of students and professionals, further providing valuable knowledge on FAO’s strategies for enhancing global food security and improving the quality of life through resilient and inclusive agrifood systems.

This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing global food systems’ challenges and reflects both organizations’ commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders in food security and sustainable development. 

“FAO highly values cooperation with academia and research institutions to further advance dialogue and mutually beneficial exchanges,” said Darya Alekseeva, FAO partnership officer. “Cooperation with various academia and research institutions, including Scuola Politecnica di Design, broadens the reach, impact and continuity of FAO initiatives, paving ground for transformative partnerships.”

"I am truly proud of the partnership between SPD and FAO, as I strongly believe that design and humanitarian themes are united by a shared sense of awareness and responsibility, which is central to the concept of design, whether humanitarian or otherwise,’’ confirmed Raffaela Scognamiglio, SPD’s Managing Director.

The collaboration with FAO experts represents significant added value for both the SPD Scuola Politecnica di Design and its students. It offers unique access to global expertise on food security, highlighting the critical role that design can play in addressing sustainability challenges, while also inspiring students to develop innovative solutions with tangible real-world impact.