Established through a strategic partnership between UNU-INWEH and Nestlé, the Academy aims to strengthen education, professional development, scientific knowledge exchange and collaboration across the global food and nutrition sector. It is particularly committed to expanding educational opportunities for learners from priority regions in the Global South.
The initiative offers free, science-based learning opportunities covering agricultural sciences, food production, food science and technology, nutrition, sustainable agriculture and food value chains. Through expert-led seminars, educational modules and opportunities for practical learning, participants can develop a better understanding of the challenges affecting global food systems and explore solutions that support food security, environmental sustainability and human well-being.
An important feature of the Academy is its commitment to making educational resources publicly accessible at no cost. This allows learners from different countries and economic backgrounds to access scientific knowledge and professional development opportunities.
As global challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, soil degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and malnutrition continue to affect communities worldwide, the World Food Academy seeks to prepare the next generation of food and nutrition professionals to contribute to meaningful and lasting solutions.
Registration for the Academy’s inaugural learning activities opened on 16 October 2026, with the first learning module focusing on Agriculture Sciences and Production.
1. About the World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems
The World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems is an international education, research and professional development ecosystem focused on improving knowledge and skills in food, nutrition, agricultural science and technology.
The Academy was established by UNU-INWEH in partnership with Nestlé to connect scientific research, academic knowledge and practical industry experience.
Its central objective is to make high-quality educational resources available to students, researchers and practitioners who want to understand and contribute to the transformation of food systems.
The Academy recognises that sustainable food systems require cooperation among different stakeholders, including:
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Universities and higher education institutions.
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Research organisations and scientific institutions.
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International organisations.
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Agricultural and food industry professionals.
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Policymakers and development practitioners.
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Civil society organisations.
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Young researchers and emerging professionals.
Through this collaborative approach, the initiative seeks to create an international learning environment where participants can access scientific expertise, explore innovative solutions and strengthen their capacity to address food security and sustainability challenges.
The Academy also aims to connect education with practical professional development through opportunities such as internships, scientific research projects, applied training programmes and other career development initiatives as its activities expand.
2. Objectives of the World Food Academy
The Academy has several important objectives aimed at supporting the transformation of global food systems.
Strengthening food and nutrition education
One of its primary objectives is to expand access to reliable, science-based knowledge in agriculture, food production, food science, technology and nutrition.
Supporting young researchers and professionals
The initiative seeks to prepare emerging professionals with the knowledge and competencies required to contribute to research, innovation and practical solutions in the food sector.
Promoting sustainable agricultural production
The Academy recognises the importance of responsible agricultural practices that protect natural resources, improve productivity and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Encouraging international collaboration
By connecting universities, research institutions, industry partners and other organisations, the Academy promotes knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Improving global food security
The initiative supports efforts to improve access to safe, nutritious and affordable food while addressing the environmental and economic challenges affecting food production and distribution.
Reducing educational inequalities
By keeping educational resources publicly accessible without charge, the Academy aims to expand opportunities for learners, particularly those in low-income regions and the Global South.
3. Who Can Benefit from the World Food Academy?
The World Food Academy is designed for a broad international audience interested in food systems, agricultural development, food science, nutrition and sustainability.
The main target groups include:
A. University Students
Students enrolled in universities and other higher education institutions can benefit from the Academy’s free educational resources and expert-led seminars.
The learning opportunities are particularly relevant to students pursuing studies in:
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Agriculture and agricultural sciences.
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Food science and food technology.
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Nutrition and dietetics.
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Environmental science.
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Sustainable development.
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Food security and food systems.
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Biotechnology and related scientific disciplines.
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Natural resource management.
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Fisheries and livestock production.
Students can use the Academy’s learning resources to complement their university education and gain exposure to scientific developments and practical perspectives from experienced professionals.
B. Early-Career Researchers
Early-career researchers working in food, agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability and related disciplines can use the Academy to strengthen their research knowledge.
The programme provides opportunities to explore emerging scientific findings, understand different approaches to food systems research and engage with knowledge from leading academics and practitioners.
Researchers interested in sustainable agricultural production, climate adaptation, biodiversity, food security and nutrition may find the educational modules particularly useful.
C. Young Professionals and Practitioners
The Academy also targets practitioners and young professionals working in food production, agricultural development, food technology, nutrition and related sectors.
These participants can benefit from practical insights into the challenges facing food systems and the approaches being developed to improve sustainability, food quality, safety and accessibility.
D. International Learners, Particularly from the Global South
The initiative places particular emphasis on strengthening educational opportunities for people from priority regions in the Global South.
This is important because developing countries face interconnected challenges involving food insecurity, agricultural productivity, climate change, limited access to technology and inadequate research capacity.
By providing free educational resources, the Academy aims to make scientific knowledge more accessible to learners who may otherwise face barriers to specialised training.
Important eligibility clarification: The Academy’s published information describes its intended audiences but does not establish a restrictive nationality, age or academic qualification requirement for accessing its learning resources. Interested learners should consult the official registration platform for the requirements of individual activities.
4. What Will Participants Learn?
The World Food Academy provides a structured learning pathway covering different stages of the food system.
The educational programme is organised around three major learning areas.
Module 1: Agriculture Sciences and Production
Agriculture as the Starting Point of the Food Value Chain
The first module focuses on agricultural sciences and sustainable food production.
It explores the scientific foundations of agriculture and the natural resources and biological systems that support food production.
Participants are introduced to the importance of farms, soils, landscapes, water, crops, animals and aquatic food systems in building sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
The module is particularly relevant because agricultural production is the foundation of the food value chain. The way food is produced has significant implications for environmental protection, food security, nutrition and economic development.
The module includes the following seminar topics:
1. Climate-Smart Agriculture: Biodiversity and Crop Adaptation
This seminar explores the relationship between agricultural production, climate change, biodiversity and crop adaptation.
Participants can develop an understanding of how climate change affects agricultural systems and why farmers and agricultural professionals need approaches that strengthen resilience.
The topic also considers the importance of biodiversity in supporting productive agricultural landscapes and maintaining the natural processes on which food production depends.
2. Animal Husbandry
This seminar focuses on livestock production and the role of animal husbandry in food systems.
It introduces the importance of livestock management, animal production and sustainable practices that support food production while considering environmental and resource-related challenges.
3. Fisheries
The fisheries seminar examines aquatic food production and its contribution to food security and sustainable food systems.
Fisheries are important sources of food, nutrition and livelihoods in many communities. Understanding their management and sustainability is therefore essential to improving the resilience of food systems.
According to the Academy’s published learning pathway, these seminars are scheduled as follows:
| Seminar | Scheduled date |
|---|---|
| Climate-Smart Agriculture: Biodiversity and Crop Adaptation | 3 March 2027 |
| Animal Husbandry | 17 March 2027 |
| Fisheries | 24 March 2027 |
Participants may complete a short quiz after each seminar to earn an attendance badge. Those who earn the required badges for all seminars in a module receive a UNU-INWEH certificate of completion for that module.
Module 2: Food Science, Technology and Nutrition
This module examines how scientific research and technological innovation contribute to improving food quality, safety, nutritional value and sustainability.
Food science and technology play an important role in transforming agricultural products into safe, nutritious and accessible food products.
The module explores areas such as:
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Food processing and preservation.
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Biotechnology and fermentation.
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Food formulation.
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Nutrition and nutritional quality.
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Food packaging.
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Emerging digital technologies.
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Sustainable food production technologies.
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Improving food quality and safety.
Participants will gain insights into how scientific developments can help improve food products, reduce resource consumption and support more sustainable production systems.
The module also highlights the importance of connecting scientific discoveries with practical applications that benefit consumers, producers and the wider food industry.
Registration for Module 2 is scheduled to open in 2027.
Module 3: Food Systems Value Chains and Trade
The third module focuses on how food moves from producers to consumers and how markets, trade and supply chains influence food security and sustainability.
Food systems involve much more than agricultural production. They include transportation, storage, processing, distribution, marketing, trade and consumption.
This module explores the relationships between different participants in the food value chain and how their activities influence the availability and affordability of food.
Key areas include:
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Food supply chains.
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Agricultural logistics and distribution.
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Food trade and market access.
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Food availability and affordability.
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Reducing food losses.
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Strengthening agricultural value chains.
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Building inclusive and resilient food markets.
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Improving sustainability across food distribution systems.
The module is particularly relevant for learners interested in agricultural economics, international trade, food security, supply chain management and sustainable development.
5. Benefits of Participating in the World Food Academy
The World Food Academy offers several potential benefits for students, researchers and professionals interested in strengthening their expertise in sustainable food systems.
1. Free Access to Educational Resources
One of the most important advantages is that the Academy’s educational resources are offered free of charge.
This makes the learning opportunities accessible to people who may not have the financial resources to participate in expensive specialised training programmes.
The initiative is particularly valuable for learners in low-income countries and regions where access to advanced educational resources may be limited.
2. Learn from Leading Academics and Experts
The Academy brings together academics, researchers, policymakers and experienced practitioners to share scientific knowledge and practical perspectives.
Participants can benefit from expert-led seminars covering different aspects of food systems, agriculture, nutrition and technology.
3. Obtain Certificates of Completion
Participants who complete the required seminars and quizzes within a module can receive a certificate of completion issued by UNU-INWEH.
Attendance badges are also available after individual seminars for participants who complete the corresponding quizzes.
4. Develop Knowledge of Sustainable Agriculture
The Academy provides opportunities to understand sustainable agricultural practices, climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, responsible resource management and resilient food production.
These skills and insights are valuable for individuals interested in addressing agricultural and environmental challenges.
5. Improve Professional Development
The educational programme is designed to strengthen the knowledge and competencies of emerging professionals.
By exploring different areas of food production, nutrition and food technology, participants can build a stronger foundation for future professional and research activities.
6. Access International Knowledge and Perspectives
The Academy connects learners with an international network of academic institutions, research organisations and industry partners.
This creates opportunities to engage with different perspectives and understand how food systems challenges vary across countries and regions.
7. Potential Career Development Opportunities
The Academy’s broader development plans include opportunities for career advancement, specialised capacity development, internships, fellowships, sabbaticals and scientific research projects.
These opportunities are part of the Academy’s expanding ecosystem and should not be interpreted as guaranteed benefits for every participant.
8. Contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative supports the broader objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
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SDG 2: Zero Hunger – promoting food security, improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture.
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SDG 4: Quality Education – expanding access to inclusive and quality learning opportunities.
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SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging sustainable production and consumption practices.
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SDG 13: Climate Action – strengthening knowledge and capacity to address climate-related challenges.
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SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting biodiversity and responsible management of terrestrial ecosystems.
6. Organising Institutions and International Partnerships
The World Food Academy is supported by a strategic partnership between two major organisations.
United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)
The United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) is one of the institutes within the United Nations University system.
The institute focuses on addressing important global development and security challenges at the intersection of water, the environment and human health.
Its contributions to the World Food Academy include:
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Research and scientific expertise.
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Capacity development and educational support.
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Policy engagement.
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Knowledge dissemination.
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Expertise in sustainable agriculture and responsible land management.
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Supporting access to reliable and up-to-date scientific information.
UNU-INWEH contributes its experience in research and international development to strengthen the quality and relevance of the Academy’s educational activities.
Nestlé
Nestlé is the Academy’s strategic partner and contributes scientific, technical and practical expertise in food production, food science and nutrition.
The partnership incorporates Nestlé’s existing Science and Technology Seminars, which were first launched in 2023 under the Nestlé needs YOUth initiative.
These free, expert-led seminars cover agricultural science, food science and technology, nutritional science and affordable, sustainable food production.
The seminars reached approximately 7,000 students across more than 300 academic institutions in over 90 countries in 2025.
Through this partnership, the Academy seeks to connect academic knowledge with industry experience and practical applications.
7. Registration and How to Participate
Individuals interested in benefiting from the World Food Academy can access its official website and explore the available educational activities.
The Academy opened registration for its inaugural learning activities on 16 October 2026.
The registration process involves the following steps:
1. Explore the learning opportunities: Navigate to the Education and Learning section to review the available modules, seminar topics and scheduled activities.
2. Select your preferred learning activity: Identify the seminar or educational module that matches your academic background, research interests or professional development goals.
3. Complete the registration process: Follow the registration instructions provided for the selected learning activity.
4. Participate in the seminars: Attend the scheduled educational sessions and engage with the scientific knowledge and practical insights shared by the speakers.
5. Complete the quizzes: Where applicable, complete the short quizzes following individual seminars to earn attendance badges.
6. Obtain your certificate: Participants who earn the required badges for all seminars within a module can receive a UNU-INWEH certificate of completion.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
8. Application Deadline
The World Food Academy has not published a single overall application deadline for accessing its educational resources.
Registration opened on 16 October 2026, and individual learning activities have their own registration arrangements and schedules.
The first module includes seminars scheduled for:
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3 March 2027.
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17 March 2027.
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24 March 2027.
Interested participants should visit the official website regularly to confirm registration availability and any changes to the seminar schedule.
The Academy’s inaugural opening lecture was scheduled for 28 October 2026, which has already passed as of 30 October 2026. Prospective learners should therefore check the platform for subsequent learning activities.
CLICK HERE for more information UNU-INWEH World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems
9. Why the World Food Academy Matters for the Future of Food Security
Food security is one of the most important development challenges facing the world.
Growing populations, climate change, environmental degradation, limited natural resources and unequal access to nutritious food are putting increasing pressure on agricultural and food production systems.
Millions of people continue to experience hunger and malnutrition, while unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to soil degradation, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing these challenges requires more than increasing agricultural production. It requires a comprehensive understanding of how food is produced, processed, distributed, traded and consumed.
This is where the World Food Academy becomes particularly important.
By bringing together universities, researchers, industry professionals and international development organisations, the Academy supports the development of knowledge and skills needed to transform food systems.
Its educational approach recognises that sustainable food production depends on several interconnected areas, including:
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Scientific research and innovation.
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Climate-resilient agricultural practices.
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Sustainable management of water and land resources.
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Biodiversity conservation.
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Food processing and technology.
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Improved nutrition and food safety.
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Efficient agricultural value chains.
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Inclusive food markets and international cooperation.
For students and young professionals, access to these areas of knowledge can provide a valuable foundation for future careers and research.
For developing countries, particularly those in Africa, strengthening local expertise in sustainable food systems is essential for improving agricultural productivity, supporting rural livelihoods and building resilience against climate-related shocks.
The Academy’s emphasis on accessible education and international collaboration therefore makes it a valuable initiative for advancing sustainable development.
10. Opportunities for Future Expansion
Beyond its initial educational activities, UNU-INWEH and Nestlé intend to expand the Academy into a broader international network for education, research and professional development.
The planned expansion includes:
Global academic partnerships: Developing relationships with universities, research organisations and educational institutions worldwide.
Career development: Creating opportunities to strengthen the professional capabilities of students and young professionals.
Specialised capacity development: Supporting advanced learning and training in relevant areas of sustainable food systems.
Internships and fellowships: Exploring opportunities for practical professional experience and research engagement.
Scientific research projects: Encouraging collaboration and the application of scientific knowledge to real-world food system challenges.
International symposium: Bringing together policymakers, researchers, private sector representatives and civil society organisations to discuss practical approaches to sustainable food systems.
These developments demonstrate that the Academy is intended to become more than an online seminar platform. Its broader ambition is to establish a collaborative international ecosystem that connects education, research, industry and practical solutions.
Conclusion
The UNU-INWEH World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems presents an important opportunity for university students, early-career researchers and young professionals interested in agriculture, food security, nutrition, food science and sustainable development.
Through its partnership with Nestlé, the Academy provides free, science-based educational opportunities designed to strengthen knowledge, encourage innovation and support the development of sustainable and resilient food systems.
Its three learning areas cover the agricultural production stage, food science and technology, and food systems value chains and trade. This comprehensive approach allows learners to explore the different processes and challenges involved in making food systems more sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to learners in developing countries, including African countries, where strengthening expertise in agriculture, food security and climate-resilient production is essential for long-term development.
With free educational resources, expert-led seminars, attendance badges and UNU-INWEH certificates of completion for participants who fulfil module requirements, the Academy offers a valuable platform for continuous learning and professional development.
Students, researchers and professionals interested in contributing to the future of sustainable food systems are encouraged to explore the available learning opportunities and register through the official Academy website.
