Amna Al Dahak Heads UAE Delegation To 38th Session Of General Assembly Of Arab Organisation For Agricultural Development In Riyadh

The United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, played a pivotal role at the 38th session of the General Assembly of the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD), which recently concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This assembly, attended by Ministers of Agriculture from Arab League member states, focused on enhancing agricultural cooperation and boosting Arab food security.

Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's comprehensive strategy to bolster national food security by transforming food ecosystems and value chains into sustainable, climate-smart systems. This approach is designed to address climate change challenges, including water scarcity and limited arable land. The UAE's vision encompasses initiating advanced agricultural projects and fostering global initiatives to improve food security worldwide.

"The UAE's active participation in the AOAD assembly underscores our commitment to advancing Arab collaboration in agriculture and food security," Dr. Al Dahak stated. She emphasized the UAE's efforts in sharing knowledge and applying modern agricultural practices to support sustainable development in the Arab region's agricultural and food sectors.

The assembly also served as a platform for discussing strategic plans for sustainable Arab agricultural development and food security, with a focus on aquaculture and combating desertification, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Additionally, the session marked the decision to rename the AOAD to include Food Security in its title, reflecting its broader mission.

A significant outcome of the meeting was the agreement to form a permanent ministerial committee for Arab food security, showcasing a unified approach to tackling food security challenges. This committee will be chaired on a rotational basis by an Arab Minister of Agriculture for two-year terms.

The AOAD's mission extends beyond fostering agricultural productivity; it aims to develop natural and human resources in agriculture, fisheries, and food sectors through scientific methods. It also seeks to facilitate trade among Arab countries and implement programs to address food crises, thereby enhancing overall food security in the Arab world.

Dr. Al Dahak's commendation of Saudi Arabia for hosting the session and Egypt for housing the AOAD headquarters underscores the collaborative spirit among Arab nations in striving towards a secure and sustainable food future. The UAE's integral role in this collective effort highlights its commitment not only to national but also to regional food security, benefiting people across Arab countries.

With inputs from WAM