In addition to a holistic academic curriculum, the programme aims to create social and practical value.
The MIE–SPPU Institute of Higher Education, the offshore campus of Savitribai Phule Pune
University in Doha, has announced Qatar’s first accredited university program on Sustainable Food Systems.
The programme, led by Qatari entrepreneur and sustainability advocate Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, is supported by Qatar Sustainability Week (an Earthna initiative), the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Sustainability, led by Dr Cory Flynn, and Enbat Group.
“This journey began with building businesses focused on healthy, sustainable food,” said Al-Sulaiti, who is also Enbat Group’s founder.
“But I realised that true change starts with education. This program is about preparing students to be part of the solution — combining science, culture, and identity to design a more sustainable future.”
The motivation to launch the program came from a desire to bridge the gap between education and practice, equipping the next generation with scientific and cultural tools to rethink our food systems, he added.
In addition to a holistic academic curriculum, the programme aims to create social and practical value.
Creating recipes using local ingredients, collaborating with multiple stakeholders, reducing food waste in kitchens, and designing solutions to cut the food sector’s carbon footprint remain some of its key objectives beyond the theoretical framework.
It is what makes the initiative align with the pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030 by “fostering human development through education” as well as supporting economic innovation, sustainability, and reviving cultural values of moderation, Enbat said in a statement.
“The single thing that we can do that will make the biggest impact for our bodies and for the planet is to eat healthy food. We, you, can make an amazing impact,” said Flynn of the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Sustainability.
President of MIESPPU Doha, Yasir Nainars, said: “We are proud to begin our Industry–Academia collaboration with Enbat Holdings. The course on Sustainable Food Systems, led by Ghanim Al-Sulaiti, is just the first step toward inspiring our students to shape a sustainable and innovative future.”
“This program represents a powerful step forward,” added Earthna’s Head of Partnerships and Outreach.
“By aligning with Qatar Sustainability Week and national goals, it ensures that students are not only learning about sustainable food systems, but actively shaping them for a better tomorrow.”
