UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies

Established in 2019, the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies is a platform for change, using food systems as a lens to work towards biodiversity protection, enhanced community resilience in the face of climate change, increased opportunities for marginalized groups, improved food security, and enhanced community well-being. The UNESCO Chair network is led by the inaugural Chairholder, Dr. Alison Blay-Palmer, and jointly hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University and the Balsillie School of International Affairs and is affiliated with the Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food Systems.

Purpose

The purpose of the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies is to:

• create integrated systems of research, training, and information sharing centred on food, biodiversity, and sustainability; and
• facilitate collaboration between researchers, educators, students, community organizations, and policy makers in Canada and around the world.

UNESCO Chairs Network

Led in Canada by the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the prestigious UNESCO Chairs Network promotes international inter-university cooperation in key priority areas for the agency and involves more than 781 institutions in 116 countries. The work of the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies will be connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will cooperate closely with existing UNESCO Chairs on relevant programs and activities.