CIHEAM Bari and Damascus University Form Partnership
The two institutions signed a letter of intent to boost food security through joint research and vocational training programs.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Nutrition
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CIHEAM Bari and Damascus University have entered into a new cooperation agreement to enhance agricultural resilience in Syria. The partnership focuses on vocational training, scholarship opportunities, and field-oriented research to address local food security challenges.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to provide Syrian agricultural communities with the necessary expertise and practical tools to overcome regional food security obstacles. Strengthening these institutional ties allows for the exchange of knowledge and technical resources between Italy and Syria.
The agreement formalizes a collaboration between the two institutions, establishing a framework for future joint activities. Specific rollout plans for vocational training programs are still under investigation.
The players
CIHEAM Bari
This is an international organization based in Italy that focuses on agricultural research and training in the Mediterranean region.
Damascus University
Located in Syria, this is a major public university that oversees various academic and agricultural research programs.
Moustafa Sayem El Daher
He is the President of Damascus University who led the delegation to Italy.
University of Bari Aldo Moro
This is a public research university in Italy that participated in the discussions with the visiting Syrian delegation.
The details
A delegation from Damascus University traveled to Italy to meet with representatives from CIHEAM Bari and the University of Bari Aldo Moro. The group visited the Food4Health Laboratory & Hub in Tricase and conducted a field trip in Salento to study management strategies for Xylella fastidiosa.
Timeline
The official report on the delegation visit was published on October 26, 2026.
The Big Picture
The partnership follows a pattern set by the Food4Health Laboratory & Hub by centering cooperation on advanced research and practical agricultural application. This collaboration integrates international academic expertise into localized food security strategies.
This academic agreement will eventually provide Syrian students and researchers with new vocational training and scholarship opportunities. Local agricultural communities may benefit from the adoption of new research findings that address specific food security challenges.
The takeaway
Institutional cooperation serves as a vital bridge for sharing agricultural innovations across borders. Readers interested in sustainable development should monitor upcoming joint training opportunities as these bilateral programs expand.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest global agricultural initiatives in our Nutrition section.
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Do you believe international university partnerships effectively improve agricultural outcomes in your community?
