SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 1. RELATIONSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE GOALS - Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals - 1. RELATIONSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE GOALS
Last modified: 24. November 2025
1. RELATIONSHIPS TO SUPPORT THE GOALS
1.1. Relationships with regional NGOs and government for SDG policy
MATE actively collaborates with regional NGOs and governmental bodies to support SDG-related policy development. Through its research institutes, expert groups, and knowledge-transfer activities, the university contributes to identifying local and regional sustainability challenges and offers scientific input for policy design and strategic planning. MATE researchers support modelling and scenario analysis for issues such as sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, water management, and rural development, helping policymakers evaluate the impacts of different interventions. The university also participates in monitoring and reporting activities linked to SDG implementation, providing evidence-based assessments that inform adaptive management. These partnerships strengthen the region’s capacity to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure that policies are grounded in practical, research-driven insights.
MATE's involvement in domestic and international organizations
MATE’s participation in the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) network plays a significant role in supporting policy development that addresses essential issues in food safety and sustainability. Through EFSA, MATE contributes expertise through research to identify pressing challenges, develop effective policies, and model future scenarios to predict outcomes of various interventions. This partnership also enables MATE to engage in monitoring and reporting, ensuring that policy impacts are rigorously assessed and that strategies remain adaptive and effective over time. This collaboration reinforces MATE’s role in fostering sustainable development in alignment with national and regional goals.
https://efsa.my.site.com/competentorganisations/s/competentorganisation/a030900000PHQQfAAP/magyar-agr%C3%A1r-%C3%A9s-%C3%A9lettudom%C3%A1nyi-egyetem
Cibus Hungaricus Foundation, initiated by MATE alongside four other key academic institutions—Széchenyi István University, Debrecen University, Edutus University, and the University of Veterinary Medicine is focused on advancing data-driven food production systems across Hungary. With MATE taking a leading role, the foundation developed the national Digital Food Industry Strategy which aims to modernize the food sector by leveraging digital and data solutions.
https://cdn.kormany.hu/uploads/document/8/84/84d/84ddc0b48dca12b97b1c911f11dbe96920b30a5c.pdf
As the implementation of this strategic framework continues, Hungary’s food sector is expected to modernize by utilizing digital and data-driven solutions to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness across the food production chain.
In December, 2024, an official inauguration was held at the MATE Buda Campus to unveil the first automated warehouse, order-picking, and collection point established as part of a Cibus Hungaricus Foundation project. The facility features a state-of-the-art robotic order-picking system capable of assembling orders from up to 400 different products without human intervention, which can then be collected on-site or pre-ordered through a dedicated application. Developed by Logbord Ltd., the system aims to improve the efficiency of short supply chains while connecting local producers with modern technological solutions. The project not only enhances logistics and accessibility on campus but also serves as a model for integrating automation into food distribution and promoting local, sustainable food networks.
https://cibushungaricus.hu/automata-raktar-komissiozo-es-atadopont-felavatasa-volt-budan/
The „Waste-Free” Program, launched by the National Food Chain Safety Office (NÉBIH), aims to reduce food waste in Hungary and Europe. It involves educational initiatives, including collaborations with teachers and raising awareness among households on reducing food waste. NÉBIH's comprehensive data on food waste is used by EU bodies and the UN, supporting policy development. MATE's involvement from faculty members and alumni who are directly contributing to its operations and outreach activities strengthens its relationships with regional NGOs and government entities, fostering sustainable food systems and aligning with SDG policies, particularly in waste reduction and sustainable practices.
https://maradeknelkul.hu/szakmai-partnereink-es-tamogatoink/
The MATE 2030 Strategic Programmes
The MATE 2030 Strategy was finalized in February 2024 and has been actively implemented since then. The Strategy emphasizes fostering both individual and team excellence across research and education, also, setting a clear path to address the evolving challenges in Hungarian agriculture. The strategy’s goals span enhancing agricultural productivity, fostering climate adaptation, boosting rural-urban cohesion, and strengthening the university's role in global agricultural innovation. MATE recognizes that achieving these ambitious objectives requires strong partnerships. By collaborating with government institutions, regional organizations, and industry leaders, MATE aims to drive meaningful change and secure a sustainable future for agriculture. Discover more about MATE’s vision and goals in the full strategy here.