FAO and Moscow State University to cooperate closely within MoU framework

FAO and Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide a framework for cooperation in areas of common interest with a focus, on knowledge and expertise sharing, and development of institutional capacities and technical competencie to support social and economic advancement of countries across Europe and Asia.

Under this MoU both the parties will develop and monitor joint initiatives in thematic areas of sustainable soils management, agricultural innovation and food security and nutrition, amongst others.

The MoU envisages development of capacities in food security and nutrition through internships to FAO offices worldwide.

FAO and MSU will make their resources available to enhance information analysis for decision making and appropriate policy formulation in the Eurasian region.

MSU expertise may be used upon FAO’s request for preparation of studies/documents on key topics and priority countries, especially policy and strategy papers, proposals on economic reform steps, and legislative documents.

FAO and MSU will develop e-learning programmes which incorporate FAO lessons, content and methodologies, all framed within various types of courses in consultation with FAO.

FAO and MSU will support the development and dissemination of technologies for improving livelihoods through income generation, required for the economic and social advancement.

Further, FAO and MSU, acting through the Eurasian Center for Food Security (ECFS), will develop tools, methods and systems for statistics, market/trade information, GIS, etc. And will cooperate to enhance AIMS’ (Agricultural Information Management Standards) effectiveness and to expand it in the South Caucasus and Central Asia region.

MSU, using the ECFS platform, will contribute to the development of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) initiative by continuing to serve as the Secretariat for the subregional Eurasian Soil Partnership (EASP) and providing support to the activities of the GSP at the regional level.

The MoU was signed by Vladimir Rakhmanin, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, and Victor A. Sadovnichy, Rector of MSU.