Abu Dhabi, UAE – November 26, 2024 – The Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) 2024 officially began today, bringing together policymakers, experts, and organizations to address pressing food security challenges. Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the event is co-organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Summit, themed “Together, for Humanity”, seeks to foster collective efforts toward sustainable and resilient food systems.
The opening ceremony featured high-level speakers, including H.E. Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, who delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of collaborative approaches in tackling global food security challenges. Additional notable speakers included H.E. Mr. Alaa Eddine Farouk Zaki El-Sayed, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation of Egypt; H.E. Mr. Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, UAE; and HRH Princess Basma bintAli, FAO Regional Goodwill Ambassador for the Near East and North Africa.
One of the key highlights of the event was the Ministerial Majlis of the GFSS, chaired by H.E. Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak. This distinguished session facilitated a high-level exchange of perspectives on advancing global food security initiatives through strategic partnerships, shared expertise, and innovative approaches, gathering a number of high-level dignitaries, including Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Food Security of a number of countries, most of which are IOFS Member States.
Ambassador Berik Aryn was among the distinguished high-level dignitaries that has actively contributed to frank and result-oriented exchanges at the Ministerial Majlis. The Director General focused on the need to prioritize precision agriculture, digital platforms for market access, and resilient supply chainsthrough, for instance, enhancing the value chains of OIC strategic commodities (wheat, rice, and cassava) with projects to be implemented within the framework of IOFS Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI). Additionally, he mentioned that a defining chapter in the IOFS’s journey, which is theOrganization’s 7th General Assembly, is expected to be held in the last part of the second quarter of 2025 in Astana under the chairmanship of hosting country’s Ministry of Agriculture, expressing therefore his delight to count with active participation of Member States and relevant partners at this landmark gathering of the IOFS.
Day one of the Summit also featured insightful dialogues on themes such as strengthening agricultural sustainability, building resilient food systems, and unlocking innovative funding for food security initiatives to which different IOFS officials attended as speakers. These discussions set the stage for actionable strategies and collaborative partnerships to tackle global food security challenges effectively.
The IOFS highlighted its ongoing initiatives, which include supporting vulnerable populations, enhancing member states’ capacities, and promoting innovative technologies in agriculture. These efforts align with the GFSS’s vision of ensuring that all communities have access to nutritious and sustainable food.
The Summit will continue in the coming days with in-depth sessions and high-level meetings where IOFS will contribute to critical conversations aimed at advancing global food security objectives.
