On June 8, 2022 Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security HE Mr. Yerlan A. Baidaulet held a meeting with representatives of Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) of the State of Qatar. HBKU as a graduate research-focused public university of Qatar, was founded in 2010, currently is a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development was represented by Associate Professor at the HBKU College of Public Policy, Dr. Logan Cochrane and Assistant Professor at the HBKU College of Public Policy Dr. Ozcan Ozturk.
IOFS Director General elaborated on the implementation of the IOFS strategic plans and initiatives undertaken to promote and manage food security issues and conveyed appreciation on ongoing efforts of Qatar in enabling shared challenges within IOFS activities.
During the meeting parties discussed wide scope of themes related to the joint implementation of IOFS strategic programs and goals, particularly cooperating in the construction of quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model of Food Security Index and Dr. Logan’s contribution in setting indicators that measure the drivers of food security across OIS region countries, also contributing to the IOFS quarterly published Food Security Bulletin.
Furthermore, parties explored facilitating cooperation with active engagement of HBKU and other Qatari research entities in joint partnership research projects oriented towards collaborative research, knowledge exchange and capacity building for resilience in food security.
HBKU delegates extended heartfelt appreciation for outstanding hospitality and assured their willingness to cooperate with IOFS to implement targeted projects in the food security sphere.
The second part of the meeting involved Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) representatives, Dean of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at University of Gezira Prof. Adil DEIFALLA and Program Manager-Training and Community Development, Dr. Anthony EGERU.
Sides within bilateral meeting explored areas of cooperation between RUFORUM and IOFS to enhance Asia-Africa relations with possible dialogue on a range of programmes on food security, agricultural development, entrepreneurship, and exchange programmes particularly through the involvement of African universities. Other highlights included discussion of participation of IOFS in the RUFORUM’s Annual Conference in Zimbabwe, December 2022 and in Uganda in 2023.
