Nestlé and UN University launch Global Food Academy to train next generation of sustainable food leaders

Nestlé and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health have launched a joint initiative aimed at strengthening education and workforce development in sustainable food systems, with a focus on supporting emerging talent in lower-income regions.

• • Nestlé and UNU-INWEH have established the World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems to support students and early-career professionals in food and nutrition globally.
The initiative incorporated Nestlé’s Science & Technology Seminars, which reached around 7,000 students across more than 90 countries in 2025.
• All educational resources developed through the partnership have been made freely accessible, with plans to expand into career development and global collaboration programs.

The World Food Academy 4 Sustainable Food Systems has been set up as a multi-partner platform designed to connect education, research, and industry. The initiative targets university students, early-career researchers, and young professionals working across food and nutrition, particularly those based in the Global South.

The partners said the academy would focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and career development, aiming to equip participants with the scientific, technical, and policy skills required to address challenges in food security, nutrition, and sustainability.

“The World Food Academy represents a platform to translate interdisciplinary research into actionable solutions by equipping emerging leaders, particularly in the Global South, with the scientific, technical, and policy competencies required to address systemic challenges in food security, nutrition, and sustainability,” commented Professor Kaveh Madani, Director of UNU-INWEH. “This collaboration with Nestlé further strengthens our ability to bridge science and policy, ensuring that knowledge is effectively translated into practice while advancing sustainable and resilient food systems for future generations.”

A central component of the initiative is the integration of Nestlé’s existing Science & Technology Seminars, which were first launched in 2023 under the company’s Nestlé needs YOUth program. The seminars cover topics including agricultural science, food technology, and nutrition, and are designed to complement academic teaching with practical, industry-led insights.

In 2025, the seminars reached around 7,000 students across more than 300 academic institutions in over 90 countries. Under the new academy structure, these sessions will continue to be delivered free of charge, with expanded input from UNU-INWEH to strengthen their scientific and policy content.

The United Nations University institute said it would contribute expertise in research, capacity building, and knowledge dissemination, alongside its work in sustainable agriculture and land management. The collaboration also aligns with broader UN efforts to support online education and knowledge-sharing platforms, including its Online Learning Centre and Media Academy.

The partners confirmed that all educational resources developed through the academy would remain publicly accessible at no cost, with a particular emphasis on ensuring access for learners in low-income regions.

“Ensuring global food security and driving the transition to sustainable food systems requires intense collaboration along the food value chain,” said Professor Stefan Palzer, Chief Technology Officer at Nestlé. “Through this joint initiative with the United Nations University, we will share our broad and deep scientific expertise, along with our practical knowledge of food and nutrition, with underprivileged students and young professionals around the world. This know-how will enable them to more effectively transform both global and local food systems, making food more nutritious, accessible and sustainable.”

Beyond education, the initiative is expected to expand into a broader ecosystem over time. The partners said they would explore opportunities to build a global network of universities, industry players, and research organizations linked through the academy.

Future plans include the development of career pathways and professional development opportunities, including internships, fellowships, sabbaticals, and collaborative research programs. The initiative will also look to support joint projects that connect academic research with real-world food system challenges.

Later this year, Nestlé and UNU-INWEH are set to host a joint symposium on sustainable food systems. The event will bring together policymakers, researchers, private sector representatives, and civil society organizations to examine practical approaches to improving access to nutritious and affordable food while supporting more sustainable agricultural practices.

The academy forms part of a wider push to strengthen global capacity in food system transformation, with both partners highlighting the need to connect scientific knowledge with practical implementation. By combining academic expertise with industry experience, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of professionals equipped to address the complex, interconnected challenges facing global food production and nutrition.