Global Food Security Summit to convene in Abu Dhabi on November 26

emirates7 - Abu Dhabi will host the first Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) on November 26, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA).

The summit, supported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), is organized by ADNEC Group in partnership with ADAFSA and with support from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group. It will address critical food security challenges, especially those impacting Africa.

Held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi, the event will bring together global leaders and experts to discuss innovations in food security and develop strategies to incorporate best practices in food production for regions most affected by food crises worsened by climate change.

Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, expressed appreciation for the support of the FAO and IOFS, especially as the summit focuses on Africa. He stated that the partnership presents a unique chance for global cooperation in agriculture and food security, noting that knowledge exchange is essential for overcoming the growing issues in the agricultural sector.

ADAFSA is committed to achieving sustainable development that benefits communities and enhances quality of life, aiming to foster partnerships that promote innovation and best practices in global agriculture.

Humaid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, emphasized the summit's importance in uniting leaders and experts to confront food security challenges in vulnerable areas. He also highlighted the value of partnerships with FAO and IOFS in shaping food security's future and advancing sustainable approaches.

Kayan Akram Jaff, Head of Mission of the FAO Subregional Office for GCC states and Yemen, noted that approximately 28.9 percent of the global population—about 2.33 billion people—face moderate to severe food insecurity as of 2023, underscoring the urgent need for action.

Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director-General of IOFS, emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainable food security that includes socio-economic initiatives. He pointed out that the Abu Dhabi summit provides an essential platform for OIC Member States to collaborate on food production strategies that can benefit Africa and the wider world.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, expressed gratitude for the FAO's and IOFS's involvement in tackling food insecurity and highlighted the UAE's leadership role in advancing innovative solutions toward achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger.

The summit will explore ways to combat food insecurity by focusing on climate-smart agriculture, modern technology, and improved supply chain management. The FAO and IOFS will contribute insights to establish a robust framework for food security enhancement.

The event aims to foster a sustainable global food system through active dialogue and initiatives inspired by the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.