Dubai: The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and FAO elearning Academy have highlighted measurable results from their ongoing collaboration to expand certified, multilingual digital learning in agriculture, food systems, and natural resource management.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration between ICBA and the FAO elearning Academy began in August 2020, aiming to expand access to certified, multilingual digital learning. In 2022, ICBA launched its E-learning platform, engaging approximately 1,200 learners from 70 countries across 12 specialized topics, including four offered in Arabic. All ICBA courses are UK Continuing Professional Development certified, ensuring structured, competency-based learning aligned with internationally recognized standards.
As part of this partnership, two FAO elearning Academy courses were made available in Arabic to enhance accessibility for professionals across Arabic-speaking countries. Additionally, 49 FAO courses, including 43 in English and six in Arabic, were integrated into ICBA's digital learning platform to benefit professionals in the region.
The FAO elearning Academy has reached almost 2 million professionals worldwide and offers more than 1,000 multilingual courses free of charge, supporting food and nutrition security, sustainable natural resource management, and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Tarifa A. Al Zaabi, Director-General of ICBA, emphasized the role of e-learning as a strategic enabler of sustainable agricultural transformation. She highlighted the development of courses in the Arabic language and the integration of multilingual FAO courses into ICBA's digital platform as key steps in strengthening institutional capacity and expanding learning opportunities for diverse groups across arid and climate-vulnerable regions.
Cristina Petracchi, Head of the FAO E-learning Academy, noted that the collaboration with ICBA enhances regional outreach and strengthens the transfer of critical competencies needed to advance food security, sustainable natural resource management, and the Sustainable Development Goals. She stressed the importance of strategic partnerships in ensuring that knowledge and competencies translate into measurable impact on the ground.
The collaboration also includes ICBA's contribution to the Arabic version of the FAO elearning Academy's guide on E-learning Methodologies and Good Practices, supporting the adoption of advanced digital learning approaches and standards across the Arab region. Together, ICBA and the FAO elearning Academy continue to advance inclusive, certified, and competency-based learning solutions that empower professionals, strengthen institutions, and support resilient agricultural systems worldwide.