Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership

The Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership (GISFL) is another dimension of the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety (CAHFS).

Worldwide food safety and security require that people have not only a technical knowledge of food systems but also the leadership competencies to make progress happen.

This unique initiative provides leadership training in the context of animal health and food safety. GIFSL trains emerging leaders throughout the world by providing opportunities in professional development, experiential education, and mentoring. By collaborating with a variety of programs, consortiums, universities, and private partners, GIFSL imparts the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that build leaders committed to strengthening food systems around the globe.

As an academically based partnership organization with a broad global mission, GIFSL has undertaken a large agenda of programs and activities. These include:

• Leadership institutes built around national, regional, or international food supply issues

• Public policy courses (local, national, and international)

• Leadership workshops, seminars, and conferences within the context of global food systems

• Leadership development programs for senior national officials

• Global executive development

• Recruitment of global funding partners

• Collaborations with international organizations and the private sector

• Study tours

• Externships

• Exploratory discussions around the globe

• Partnerships with other universities

GIFSL seeks to fill the gaps that are not met by other organizations and initiatives focused on food security. Many organizations offer technical training on specific subjects services through traditional classroom settings and e-learning. Educational institutions offer disciplinary training and technical credentials. Intergovernmental organizations offer orientation to new members and instruction in their operations and protocol. What’s missing are efforts that build the teamwork and leadership skills needed to accomplish change.

GIFSL grows out of the recognition that achieving a major societal change such as global food security requires shared leadership involving people from multiple countries, cultures, disciplines, and sectors.

University of Minnesota Press Release announcing the launch of GIFSL in 2008

Video: GIFSL Executive Director, Will Hueston discuss global food systems

For more information, visit: www.foodsystemsleadership.org or call 612-625-5900