Kayan Jaff, head of Mission for the Sub-Regional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council and Yemen at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), emphasized the UAE’s essential role in bolstering food security through the establishment of the first Regional Centre of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems. This centre, a collaboration between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and FAO, is anticipated to be instrumental in fostering innovation and strategic reform in food systems across the region.
Strategic partnerships for sustainable agriculture
In a conversation with Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Dubai International Food Safety Conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Jaff noted that MoCCAE and Dubai Municipality are vital partners in promoting sustainable agriculture and minimizing food waste. He explained that these collaborations exemplify the UAE’s dedication to enhancing food security and achieving sustainability, thereby creating a favorable environment for long-term food security.
Supporting national food security initiatives
Jaff further highlighted FAO’s backing of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to position the country as a global leader in this area by improving the sustainability of food systems, boosting local production, and ensuring food safety. He noted that this initiative aligns seamlessly with the UAE’s ‘Plant the Emirates’ program, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to promote agricultural development and enhance food security in the UAE.
Global cooperation against hunger
Moreover, Jaff also mentioned FAO’s collaboration with the UAE on capacity-building initiatives and data analysis to enhance food security measures in line with international best practices. He emphasized that this collaboration highlights the importance of global cooperation in addressing worldwide challenges related to food security, including climate change, conflicts, and economic crises, noting that 733 million people globally are affected by hunger.
Commemorating World Food Day
Furthermore, Jaff stressed the importance of commemorating World Food Day on October 16, which emphasizes sustainable food systems and highlights Dubai’s initiatives in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste, aligning with the nation’s commitment to food security and sustainability.
Workshop outcomes and regional collaboration
Earlier this month, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held a workshop in Dubai. A key outcome from this event was the announcement that the UAE would host the inaugural Regional Centre of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems, a significant move toward encouraging innovation and strategic reform in food systems throughout the region.
Addressing challenges in food security
The workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration between FAO and the UAE, particularly in advancing the nation’s sustainable food security efforts. It addressed various challenges in this area, aligning with the strategic objectives of the FAO Subregional Office for Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen.
Engaging stakeholders in food systems
Participants included officials from FAO, MoCCAE, local authorities, academic institutions, and private sector representatives specializing in food and agriculture. Discussions focused on clarifying expectations between the Ministry and FAO regarding the framework and mission of the FAO Subregional Office, fostering a shared understanding of priorities and goals. They explored the necessary mechanisms and resources for successful collaboration, identifying key areas for partnership.
Attendees reviewed common challenges related to food security and agriculture while discussing potential solutions.
Read more: UAE to take locally produced food to 50 percent by 2051
Enhancing food security through innovation
Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hamadi, assistant undersecretary for Food Diversity at MoCCAE, stressed that enhancing the country’s food security relies on developing a robust food and agricultural sector supported by modern, climate-smart technologies. He noted that the launch of the UAE’s national initiative “Plant the Emirates” and the “National Agricultural Centre” are crucial steps in uniting stakeholders to address agricultural challenges in the UAE. These initiatives aim to provide comprehensive support to local farmers and leverage smart technologies to improve local agricultural production while enhancing its quality and competitiveness.
Commitment to collaborative solutions
Dr. Al Hamadi expressed confidence in FAO’s vital role in supporting the national initiative and highlighted a shared commitment to advancing the agricultural sector alongside all relevant stakeholders. He also emphasized the importance of identifying challenges, creating practical solutions, and effectively implementing them.
A roadmap for future collaboration
Both MoCCAE and FAO reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a clear roadmap for collaboration in food security and agricultural practices, as discussed in their meetings. This strategic partnership aims to strengthen food security in the region while advancing the mission of the FAO Subregional Office.
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