Astana, Kazakhstan – 10 December 2024 - A landmark agreement was formalized today between the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Astana. This significant event coincided with the inaugural celebration of OIC Food Security Day, an annual occasion to be observed every December 11, commemorating the establishment of IOFS in 2013.
The MoU was signed by His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, and His Excellency Ambassador Arken Arystanov, Chairman of the Board of KazAID. This agreement marks a new chapter in enhancing international development cooperation and addressing critical global challenges, particularly in the fields of food security and sustainable development.
The collaboration between IOFS and KazAID reflects a shared vision of fostering resilience and stability in regions experiencing humanitarian crises. The agreement underscores the commitment of both organizations to supporting governments, civil society, and private sector stakeholders in achieving their development goals. It places a strong emphasis on capacity-building initiatives, enhancing agricultural and food systems, and facilitating sustainable solutions to tackle poverty, malnutrition, and economic instability.
The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation, including advancing efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), eradicating poverty, and promoting economic prosperity. Additional focal points include climate change adaptation, environmental protection, advancing healthcare systems, and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for vulnerable populations. Both organizations reaffirm their dedication to delivering high-quality, impactful, and sustainable outcomes in the regions they serve.
OIC Food Security Day, established to promote awareness and action toward global food security, provides a symbolic backdrop for this partnership. The day underscores the importance of multilateral collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering a more sustainable and secure future. Through this partnership, IOFS and KazAID demonstrate their resolve to address the root causes of food insecurity and support the livelihoods of communities in need, particularly in OIC Member States.
The signing of this MoU represents a pivotal step in advancing international solidarity and action. It highlights the critical role of strategic partnerships in achieving long-term social, economic, and environmental stability. IOFS and KazAID are committed to working together to implement innovative solutions, strengthen resilience, and empower communities for a brighter future.