FAO and UNITAR's e-learning initiative: Enhancing trade and food security

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), proudly hosted the third edition of the E-Learning course on Trade and Food Security, conducted entirely in Arabic.

This initiative aims at empowering government representatives and related authorities across the Arabic-speaking Near East and North Africa (NENA) region to develop and implement evidence-based trade policies that bolster food security and economic growth.

The course ran for around four weeks, attracting a significant number of applicants – 401 from 19 countries. After a rigorous selection process based on various criteria, including professional background, experience, geographic location, and gender, 92 participants were chosen to partake in this transformative educational experience.

Participants included officials from Ministries of Agriculture, Trade, Commerce, Industry, and Finance, as well as university professors, researchers, and NGO representatives. Throughout the course, they engaged in interactive activities, such as weekly quizzes, discussion forums, and webinars, all designed to enhance their understanding of trade and food security dynamics.

FAO and UNITAR's collaboration brought together FAO's extensive regional expertise and UNITAR's innovative learning methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.

The three webinars held during the course – focusing on agrifood systems transformation, food safety, and digital Innovations to facilitate trade – were particularly well-received, with an average attendance of 75 participants per session.

Building capacity and ensuring success

The course concluded with notable achievements: 71 participants successfully completed the course, earning Certificates of Completion, while 14 received Certificates of Participation for their active engagement. This outcome underscores the effectiveness of FAO and UNITAR's strategic approach to capacity building in the NENA region.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with 98% indicating that they achieved the learning objectives and found the course methodology effective. Many participants highlighted the practical benefits of the course, such as improved policy analysis skills and a deeper understanding of the linkages between trade and food security.

“FAO remains committed to empowering individuals and institutions with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable development and ensure food security for all,” said Mohamed Ahmed, FAO Policy Officer for the Near East and North Africa.

Voices from the course

Participants shared their experiences, emphasizing the course's relevance and impact. One participant from Yemen noted, "The course provided modern and updated insights into best practices and policies related to food security, which is crucial for my work in supporting local communities."

Another participant expressed, "This course has greatly enhanced my ability to analyze trade policies and their impact on food security, particularly in the context of global challenges like the post-COVID phase and the Russia-Ukraine conflict."

The success of the 2024 E-Learning course on trade and food Security showcases the effectiveness of FAO’s strategic collaborations and innovative learning methodologies and the importance of continued educational initiatives to address complex global and regional issues.  

By enhancing the capabilities of key stakeholders in the NENA region, FAO continues to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and addressing food security challenges in an ever-evolving global landscape.