UAE's Role In Enhancing Food Security And Sustainability Highlighted By FAO

Kian Akram Al Jaf, Head of Mission at the Sub-Regional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council and Yemen at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), emphasised the UAE's significant role in boosting food security. This is achieved through launching the first Regional Centre of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems. The centre, developed with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) and FAO, aims to drive innovation in regional food systems.

Al Jaf spoke to Emirates News Agency (WAM) during the Dubai International Food Safety Conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre. He noted that MoCCAE and Dubai Municipality are crucial partners in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste. "These partnerships reflect the UAE's commitment to enhancing food security and achieving sustainability, thereby contributing to creating a conducive environment for long-term food security."

The FAO supports the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to position the country as a global leader by enhancing food system sustainability, increasing local production, and ensuring food safety. "This is fully supporting the UAE's ‘Plant the Emirates’ initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance agricultural development and improve food security in the UAE."

Al Jaf highlighted FAO's collaboration with the UAE on capacity-building programmes and data analysis. These efforts aim to enhance food security measures while aligning with international best practices. "This emphasises the importance of global cooperation in addressing global challenges related to food security, including climate change, conflicts, and economic crises, as 733 million people worldwide are facing hunger."

World Food Day celebrations on October 16th underscore sustainable food systems' importance. Al Jaf stressed Dubai's efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing food waste align with national commitments to enhance food security and achieve sustainability.

The Regional Centre of Excellence is expected to play a pivotal role in driving strategic transformation across regional food systems. This initiative reflects a broader commitment by local authorities to foster innovation within agriculture sectors.

The collaboration between MoCCAE, Dubai Municipality, and FAO highlights a shared vision for sustainable agricultural practices. It also underscores their dedication towards creating an environment conducive to long-term food security.

Through these initiatives, the UAE aims not only at improving its own agricultural landscape but also setting an example globally by adopting innovative solutions that address pressing issues like climate change impacts on farming practices.

With inputs from WAM