GCUA 2030 gather U.S. partners for stronger collaborations

Sweden hosts U.S.–academic dialogue on future of agrifood systems

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC, will convene leading academic, policy, and development actors for a closed indoor meeting and networking reception focused on the future of global agrifood systems.

Held under the theme "Advancing Innovation in Agrifood Systems" the event will bring together representatives from prominent U.S. universities, international organisations, and key stakeholders in agricultural development. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration across research, policy, and practice to accelerate innovation in food systems transformation.

The programme will feature opening remarks from Agricultural Counselor Nils Roos and SLU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Ylva Hillbur, alongside contributions from members of the Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030) and other innovation leaders.

Closed-door strategy meeting

Ahead of the reception, SLU will host a closed-door strategic meeting involving selected partners from major U.S. institutions, including Penn State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Tennessee. 

The meeting will focus on strengthening long-term academic collaboration, aligning research and education initiatives, and coordinating future activities within the GCUA 2030 network. Discussions are also expected to address global challenges such as agricultural recovery efforts in Ukraine and broader food system resilience. 

The event is expected to serve as a stepping stone toward deeper U.S.–Sweden collaborations and to support preparations for upcoming international academic engagements, including future GCUA 2030 meetings.

Invited to Global Summit at University of Tennessee 

The GCUA 2030 representative will continue to University of Tennessee to participate in Global Summit, an inspiring and interactive event dedicated to promoting international education and research. This summit is designed to connect university employees, students, and the wider community through a series of engaging workshops, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities.