The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan has initiated a significant reform in undergraduate Food Science and Human Nutrition programs, integrating topics such as nutrition, climate, and equity through a food systems lens. For the first time, Food Systems Transformation-related courses will be included in these degree programs, aligning policy and academia.

A two-day review meeting at Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) brought together 38 experts from over 25 institutions to revise curricula, aiming to equip graduates with the interdisciplinary skills necessary to address food insecurity, malnutrition, and climate-related challenges.

Dr. Amjad Hussain, Director General (Academics & Curriculum) at HEC, highlighted that these courses are essential for preparing future professionals in public health, agriculture, and food system innovation. Mr. Faiz Rasool from GAIN Pakistan praised HEC for fostering food systems thinking in academia. Prof. Dr. Rauf-i-Azam, Vice Chancellor of GCUF, acknowledged the initiative’s potential to enhance the quality and responsiveness of higher education to national challenges.

This curriculum reform supports Pakistan’s commitments to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fosters collaboration among government, academia, industry, and development partners to create a more inclusive and resilient food future.