Baku, Azerbaijan – At COP29, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture and food security across OIC Member States through key collaborations and initiatives.
Dr. Abdelaziz Hajjaji, IOFS Program Manager, participated in discussions with leaders from the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and COMSATS on critical issues such as climate resilience, water management, and agricultural programs focused on olive, rice, and wheat cultivation. IOFS also co-organized impactful side events that explored the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture, as well as the intersection of water security, biodiversity, and peace. These efforts underscore IOFS's dedication to harnessing innovative technologies, science-driven solutions, and regional cooperation to mitigate climate risks, enhance food security, and promote sustainable development in agriculture.
IOFS and AOAD Join Forces at COP29 to Boost Regional Agriculture
During COP29, Dr. Hajjaji met with H.E. Prof. Ibrahim Adam Ahmed El-Dukheri, Director-General of AOAD, Dr. Kamel Mostafa Elsayed, and Dr. Nisreen Lahham to strengthen collaboration in water management, climate impact adaptation, and agricultural programs focusing on olive, rice, and wheat cultivation in the Arab region. The discussions reinforced their shared commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and food security across the Arab world.
IOFS Partners with COMSATS to Advance Science-Driven Agricultural Solutions
In a productive meeting with H.E. Amb. Dr. Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of COMSATS, IOFS discussed opportunities for joint initiatives focused on climate resilience, innovative agricultural technologies, and capacity-building to enhance food security across OIC member states. The partnership aims to bridge science and practice, ensuring sustainable agricultural development across the region.
IOFS Co-Organizes COP29 Side Event on Climate Change and Food Security
At COP29, IOFS co-organized a side event titled "Economic Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture: Predictive Modeling Insights," held at ICESCO’s Pavilion. The session highlighted the use of predictive analytics to address the economic effects of climate change on agriculture. Dr. Hajjaji emphasized IOFS’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security across the region. Panel discussions focused on multi-scale assessments and regional collaboration to mitigate climate risks and build resilience in agricultural systems.
IOFS Co-Organizes COP29 Side Event on Water Security and Biodiversity
On November 16th, IOFS co-organized another significant side event at COP29 titled "Fostering Water Security, Biodiversity, and Peace Through Innovation and Earth Observations." The event, held at the UNFCCC Side Event, brought together global leaders to discuss the potential of innovation and Earth observation technologies in tackling urgent challenges such as water security, biodiversity conservation, and regional peacebuilding. IOFS emphasized its commitment to addressing both water and food security challenges through sustainable development initiatives in member states.
IOFS-SMIIC Cooperation
IOFS participated in the side event "Global Food Safety through OIC/SMIIC Standards," emphasizing the critical role of cooperation with SMIIC in advancing food safety and security within the OIC region. Dr. Hajjaji highlighted the importance of integrating OIC/SMIIC standards to promote harmonized practices, resilient agricultural systems, and sustainable development.
IOFS-OPEC Cooperation
IOFS also participated in the "Enhancing Food Value Chains through Climate-Smart Technologies" side event, where panelists explored innovative strategies to strengthen food systems, adapt to climate change, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Hajjaji also met with OPEC Fund representatives, including Mr. Khalid Khadduri and Ms. Fatma Elzahra Elshhati, to discuss ongoing collaboration in mobilizing resources and fostering innovative solutions to enhance food security and climate resilience within the OIC region.
Side Event on Climate-Resilient Agriculture
IOFS co-organized a side event titled "Integrating Permaculture and Predictive Modeling for Climate-Resilient Agriculture" at ICESCO’s Pavilion. Esteemed experts, including Amb. Dr. M. Nafees Zakaria, Col. Salar Malik, and specialists from ICARDA and the Living Indus Initiative, shared valuable insights on leveraging permaculture and predictive modeling to build climate-resilient agricultural practices and enhance food security.
Through these initiatives and partnerships, IOFS continues to play a vital role in addressing global challenges, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering regional cooperation to create a more secure and resilient agricultural future for OIC member states.
