On September 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of State, in collaboration with the International Organization for Food Security (IOFS), and hosted by the Republic of Tunisia, as the Chair of the 5th General Assembly, successfully organized the webinar titled "Seeding the Future: Governance Approaches to Building and Sustaining Food Security." The event witnessed distinguished speakers and participants from around the world who shared valuable insights and perspectives on the critical issue of global food security.
The webinar was inaugurated by His Excellency Mr. Abdelmonem Belati, the Minister of the Republic of Tunisia, who set the stage for an engaging and informative discussion and emphasized the need to promote solidarity to eradicate hunger worldwide. Following his opening remarks, His Excellency Prof. Yerlan Alimzhanuly Baidaulet, Director General of IOFS, emphasized the significance of the event, outlining its fourfold purpose:
a. Raising awareness about the governance challenges and gaps affecting food security worldwide.
b. Shedding light on existing initiatives, programs, and resources related to good governance in food security.
c. Identifying potential opportunities to address these governance challenges effectively.
d. Serving as a platform to facilitate multisector networking, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders committed to enhancing food security.
Director General Baidaulet emphasized that these objectives align perfectly with IOFS's 2031 Strategic Vision and its strategic pillar of "Governance and Enablement," highlighting the crucial role of effective governance in achieving a world free from hunger and malnutrition. These efforts also resonate with the U.S. Global Food Security Strategy and the U.S.-Africa Leaders' Summit, underscoring the global importance of addressing food security challenges.
Furthermore, Special Envoy for Global Food Security Dr. Cary Fowler, Office of Global Food Security, highlighted the critical role of good governance in food security efforts. He emphasized that effective public-private partnerships and community engagement are essential governance-based tools to promote and sustain food security practices. Mr. Fowler expressed eagerness for continued U.S.-IOFS collaboration in this important endeavor.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) also participated in the webinar and highlighted the importance of international cooperation in ensuring food security. The ongoing collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and the OIC was noted, underscoring the commitment to addressing global food security challenges together.
This was followed by a country perspective from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. HE Ms. Fatimetou Khatry, the Food Security Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania highlighted the political will of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to combat hunger and achieve food self-sufficiency in Mauritania. The role of the Islamic Organization for Food Security in advancing global food security and the challenges faced by many countries was elaborated by the Food Security Commissioner , with a call for collaboration to overcome the challenges in the team of agriculture development and food security in the OIC.
To conclude, Mr. Oliver Wilcox, representing the United States Department of State, underlined that the webinar served as a kickoff to a series of engagements and activities in the coming months, demonstrating the commitment to address food security challenges collaboratively. Participants from various nations expressed their enthusiasm and dedication to continue working together to ensure food security for all.
The "Seeding the Future" webinar marked a significant step towards addressing governance challenges in food security and fostering global cooperation. The dialogue and insights shared during this event will contribute to the collective efforts aimed at achieving a world where no one goes hungry.
