MA Food Studies students recently welcomed Dr. Paola Termine, Coordinator Ad Interim of the High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition (HLPE-FSN) under the Committee on World Food Security (CFS). Dr. Termine delivered an insightful presentation on the history, structure, and transformative evolution of the CFS, highlighting its impact on global food security and nutrition governance within the United Nations framework and beyond.
Tracing the origins of the CFS, Dr. Termine explained its establishment as a technical intergovernmental committee under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Initially focused on supporting the recognition of the right to food security, the CFS underwent a significant transformation in 2009. This pivotal moment saw the committee become an independent platform, fostering inclusive dialogue and collaboration among governments, civil society organizations, and international agencies. Dr. Termine emphasized how this evolution, shaped by the challenges of food price inflation, agrarian crises, and the rise of social movements, uniquely positioned the CFS to serve as a global hub for evidence-based policy convergence.
A central theme of Dr. Termine’s talk was the CFS’s Civil Society Mechanism, which she described as the cornerstone of the committee’s inclusivity. By amplifying the voices of marginalized groups and grassroots organizations, the mechanism ensures that diverse perspectives inform the global dialogue on food security and nutrition.
In her capacity with the HLPE-FSN, Dr. Termine oversees critical analyses of food security and nutrition to uncover root causes, spotlight emerging issues, and prioritize independent, science-based research. Through its publications, the HLPE-FSN plays a vital role in catalyzing action and shaping policy recommendations for governments, UN agencies, and civil society. Dr. Termine’s discussion also shed light on the challenges of intergovernmental negotiations and the CFS’s ability to navigate these complexities while maintaining its progressive vision.
She highlighted the committee’s forward-thinking approach, particularly its embrace of concepts such as food systems, agency, Indigenous knowledge, and agroecology. These priorities, Dr. Termine noted, underscore the CFS’s commitment to addressing systemic issues and ensuring sustainable, equitable food security solutions.
This guest lecture offered MA Food Studies students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a leading expert and gain valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of global food security governance. The session underscored The American University of Rome’s dedication to connecting students with distinguished professionals and fostering a deep understanding of the complex issues shaping our world.
With thanks to Erin Gallagher, Graduate Student Assistant, for her contribution to this article.