MOCCAE Launches First Biosecurity Forum To Strengthen UAE's National Preparedness Efforts

The UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, launched the inaugural Biosecurity Forum. This event brought together government officials, international experts, academics, and private sector representatives. The Forum's primary goal is to unify national efforts in enhancing biosecurity and preparing for future challenges. It aligns with the UAE's vision of creating a sustainable biosecurity system that ensures safety and development.

The Forum highlighted the importance of national legislation and policies as essential defences in biosecurity. Discussions also focused on the One Health approach, which integrates public health, animal health, and environmental systems. This strategy is crucial for early epidemic detection and managing biological risks effectively.

During the first dialogue session titled 'National Policies and Legislation as a Cornerstone of Biosecurity: Reality and Aspirations', experts from various entities discussed aligning national laws with international obligations. Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, Executive Office for Control and Non-Proliferation (EOCN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Emirates Health Services (EHS) participated.

Dr Amna Al Dahak emphasised that the Forum marks a new phase in national preparedness. She stated that biosecurity is a key element of national security, enhancing crisis response while promoting prevention. "We meet amid global transformations that have demonstrated that biological risks recognise no borders," she said.

The second dialogue session explored modern technologies like artificial intelligence as shields for biosecurity. Experts from organisations such as Dubai Police, UAE BIOTECH Research Centre, Khalifa University, and Baynunah Genetic Solutions discussed AI's role in early detection and risk prediction. They highlighted its potential in refining diagnostic methods and accelerating vaccine development.

A lecture by the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) underscored the One Health approach's significance in strengthening biosecurity. This framework integrates public health with animal health and environmental systems to anticipate biological risks better.

Strategic Framework for Future Preparedness

The Forum served as a platform to announce future directions based on the National Biosecurity Framework 2023–2032. This framework focuses on four main areas: enhancing prevention capabilities, expanding research activities, developing emergency management ecosystems, and improving infrastructure.

Participants agreed on adopting international standards alongside localising advanced technologies for monitoring and response. The 'One Health' approach was recommended to ensure national preparedness by leveraging AI and digital modelling.

Workshop on Practical Applications

A scientific workshop concluded the Forum by exploring practical applications of discussed topics through simulation scenarios themed 'Digital Modelling: An Early Warning System for Future Biological Risks'. Experts from MOCCAE, United Arab Emirates University, and Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) presented insights into using algorithms for proactive scenario development.

The workshop stressed adopting advanced scientific approaches rooted in real-world data to enhance societal protection against biological threats. Decision-makers were provided with robust insights to bolster national preparedness effectively.

The Forum concluded with a unified vision: sustainable biosecurity requires strategic partnerships beyond traditional government roles. Recommendations included adopting international standards while localising smart systems for monitoring and response to secure future generations' safety.

With inputs from WAM