- From 6 October to 2 November 2024, UNITAR and FAO are launching the third edition of their joint online course titled "Trade and Food Security".
- Participants will benefit from the latest insights and data, on key topics such as trade policy formulation, agricultural development measures, and governance under the multilateral trading system.
- The course aims to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in Arabic-speaking countries to develop and implement evidence-based trade policies that support food security.
By solovei23 from Envato
24 June 2024, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR and FAO are launching the third edition of their joint online course titled "Trade and Food Security" from October 6 to November 2, 2024. Conducted exclusively in Arabic, the course aims to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in Arabic-speaking countries to develop and implement evidence-based trade policies that support food security.
The course addresses the intricate relationship between trade and food security, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that agricultural trade contributes to eradicating hunger and malnutrition. It will cover key topics such as trade policy formulation, agricultural development measures, and governance under the multilateral trading system.
Participants will benefit from the latest insights and data, including practical regional experiences, through three detailed modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Trade and Food Security
- Definitions and linkages
- Impacts of trade on food security
- Trade policy in support of food security
Module 2: Trade Policy and Agricultural Development Measures
- Formulation and implementation of trade policy measures
- Trade governance and food security
Module 3: Introduction to the multilateral trading system
- Policy space for achieving food security
- Improved governance for trade and food security
The course employs a self-paced study method through the UNITAR e-learning platform, featuring optional and mandatory reading materials, exercises, discussion forums, and assessments. It is facilitated by renowned international experts, ensuring the integration of real-life examples into the curriculum.
Target Audience
This course is designed for representatives from government bodies, private sector stakeholders, researchers, and students involved in agricultural policy and trade within Arabic-speaking countries. Priority is given to policymakers and practitioners who can influence agricultural trade activities and provide technical advice in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region.
In particular, the course aims to reach officials and representatives from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Registration and Participation
Registration is open until September 6, 2024, and participation is free. Due to limited spaces, selection will be based on geographical distribution and gender balance. Participants must obtain permission from their supervisors to attend. Successful participants will receive a certificate of participation upon completion.
For more information and to register, visit UNITAR’s official course page.
This initiative reflects FAO’s commitment to providing guidance and technical advice on trade and food security, leveraging its extensive experience in agricultural trade policy and multilateral trade negotiations.
What previous participants say about the course
This course served as a methodology and a road map for everyone who wants to assess the situation in their country and guide ways to solve the accumulated problem in most Arab countries." – Ibrahim
For me professionally, the benefit of this training will be reflected by integrating the knowledge into the Ministry of Agriculture strategy for the years 2024-2029, as we aim to achieve the second goal of Sustainable Development in alleviating poverty and enhancing food security.” – Hazem
You will see me apply the knowledge of this course in my day-to-day work, as well as sharing them with my colleagues for better work.” – Mariam
I benefited from the course in different aspects. One of them is learning about the challenges facing different countries in the field of food security and the methods of solutions used in each country, in addition, it allowed us to participate in the questions that are presented weekly to increase our experiences in the field of food security.” – Reem
This was of great benefit as it will enable me to support my professional capabilities, especially in my position as head of department in the Ministry of Agriculture and as a specialist in agricultural economics. Where the economic situation has recently known instability in food prices, which requires us to take urgent measures, and therefore this course enhanced our awareness of multiple concepts related mainly to the means and measures that can mitigate the impact of market changes and scarcity of foodstuffs.” – Said
About the UNITAR-FAO partnership
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have a long-standing collaboration aimed at expanding access to education and training to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders, with training activities on a wide range of topics being implemented since 2010.
The partnership builds upon the strengths of both institutions by transforming the knowledge expertise provided by FAO into high-quality learning products and services designed to transfer knowledge, impart skills raise awareness and take full advantage of modern information and communication technology (ICT) for greater outreach and cost-effectiveness.