Abu Dhabi: The Global Food Security Summit 2024, held during Global Food Week, concluded its sessions today in Abu Dhabi. The summit brought together 21 ministers and senior officials involved in global food security policymaking, along with leading experts and scientists from around the world, to address pressing challenges and explore future opportunities to enhance food security.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and the Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group as a knowledge partner. Discussions at the summit focused on fostering sustainable and resilient food systems to face future crises. A key issue addressed was global hunger, with over 733 million people affected worldwide, posing threats to peace, stability, and human dignity.
The summit also highlighted the progress of the Islamic Organisation for Foo
d Security, which is implementing governance, sustainability, and resource mobilisation initiatives across its 41 member countries. The organisation emphasised the importance of establishing a dedicated Food Security Day for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to further these efforts.
A significant focus was placed on Africa, with discussions on sustainable agri-food systems in West Africa where 73 percent of farming households have improved their resilience to climate shocks. Participants underscored sustainability as a cornerstone for achieving food security, advocating for efficient resource use, renewable energy in agriculture, and fostering value-added food production.
Women’s empowerment in agriculture was highlighted for its essential role in driving economic growth and sustainability. Despite challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions, the summit called for a clean energy transition using a six-pillar framework that includes inclusivity, incentives, data, investments, institutions, and
innovation.
The summit stressed the need to invest in advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable practices to ensure reliable food supplies for future generations. It called for enhanced cooperation along food value chains to address global crises effectively. Additionally, a global call to action urged immediate and unified international efforts to create a resilient, equitable global food system, ensuring access to healthy and sustainable food for all.
The spotlight was also on the UAE’s initiatives, with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 being praised for its alignment with global goals. Initiatives like the “Nema” platform, which combats food waste and promotes sustainable consumption practices, were highlighted. The UAE’s leadership role at COP28 was acknowledged, as the nation advanced its vision of eliminating food waste and transforming traditional food systems.
By convening the first-ever Global Food Security Summit, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to building sustainable food
systems, setting an example for collective action towards a future free of food waste.