Partnerships And Communication Are Key To Achieving Sustainable Food Security At IGCF 2025

During the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025) at Sharjah Expo Centre, leaders from both government and private sectors discussed the significance of resilient food systems. The session, titled "Government Communication and Sustainable Food Security," highlighted how effective communication can attract agricultural investments, foster innovation, and form partnerships to secure future generations' food needs.

Sheikha Najla Ali Al Mualla, Director of the Central Laboratories Department at Sharjah Municipality, emphasised that food security relies on three main pillars: safety, sufficiency, and health. She stated, "These elements, when interconnected, create a comprehensive and sustainable food system." Sheikha Najla also explained the municipality's role in monitoring the entire food chain through stringent standards and laboratory analyses.

The Sharjah Municipality has been committed to maintaining high-quality standards for years. Sheikha Najla noted that their Central Laboratories Department has held the United Kingdom Accreditation Service certification for over 25 years. This reflects their adherence to international standards. Additionally, she mentioned the Sharjah Food Safety Initiative, which has trained more than 140,000 individuals in food establishments since its inception.

Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden, Executive Director of the Supply Chain Sector at Sharjah Cooperative Society, highlighted supply chains as crucial to food security. He remarked that diversifying import sources allows for flexibility in delivering quality products swiftly. "Most importantly," he added, "we do not depend on just one country; we diversify to ensure the sustainability of supplies."

The Sharjah Cooperative Society has invested significantly in digital transformation. Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden explained that their electronic system can now implement plans and predict future needs by analysing sales and import data. This system also provides precise pricing suggestions tailored for each region within the emirate.

Mustafa Al Husseini, General Manager of Golden Loaf Est (Sharjah), shared insights into his company's journey since its establishment in 1979. He stated: "For decades, our goal has been to serve the community. We have consistently offered a wide range of products that meet the needs of different groups in society." Despite market changes and increased online sales, Golden Loaf remains dedicated to producing nutritious bread.

Adapting to Market Changes

Al Husseini stressed that Golden Loaf continues to balance tradition with innovation while focusing on affordability and nutrition. The company aims to cater to specific consumer segments by offering diverse bread products tailored to various dietary needs.

The discussions at IGCF 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration between government entities and private businesses in ensuring sustainable food systems. By leveraging communication strategies and technological advancements, stakeholders aim to build a resilient framework capable of withstanding climate and economic challenges.

With inputs from WAM