Astana, Kazakhstan - 10 December 2024 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) celebrated its annual IOFS Day and the inaugural OIC Food Security Day, signifying a milestone in global efforts to address food security challenges. The event, held in Astana brought together Members of the Cabinet of the Republic of Kazakhstan, parliamentarians, diplomats, policymakers, and key stakeholders to honor the progress made and reaffirm collective commitments to sustainable food systems.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, highlighted the importance of solidarity and innovation in combating food insecurity across the OIC Member States. He described the event as both a celebration of IOFS’s achievements since its establishment in 2013 and a call to action for greater global collaboration.
Ambassador Aryn emphasized the significance of the inaugural OIC Food Security Day, stating, “This day represents a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to ensure that no individual or nation is left behind in the fight against hunger. It is an opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our partnerships, and renew our commitment to building resilient food systems.”
The event featured reflections on IOFS’s impactful initiatives in 2024. These included the launch of a Climate-Smart Agriculture program in Central Asia, Cassava value chain and efforts to reduce wheat import dependency both within the implementation of Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI), and the successful implementation of the Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP), which supported communities in earthquake-affected regions. Ambassador Aryn also noted the humanitarian aid that is to soon be provided to Gaza through generous contributions from some OIC Member States, as well as the ongoing development of innovative, climate-resilient wheat varieties in collaboration with Kazakhstan.
The celebration also acknowledged the IOFS’s leadership in fostering partnerships and innovation to address food insecurity. Ambassador Aryn outlined the organization’s priorities for 2025, which include strengthening resilience in disaster-prone regions, promoting cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and enhancing collaboration with international organizations and the private sector. He reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the new OIC Program of Action 2026-2035.
Gracing the event as the Guest of Honour, H.E. Mr. Aidarbek Saparov, Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, delivered his remarks in representation of the IOFS hosting country, the Republic of Kazakhstan. His statements underscored Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in hosting and supporting IOFS’s mission.
The evening concluded with a reception, providing an opportunity for networking and dialogue among policymakers, participants from the diplomatic corps, international organizations, mass media and other stakeholders. The event underscored the importance of continued collaboration in addressing global food security challenges.
Looking ahead, IOFS will continue its closer engagement with its Member States and those of the OIC that are yet to join the Organization. All of them were encouraged to attend the 7th IOFS General Assembly to be held in Astana in the first semester of 2025.
