UAE eyes to be global leader in food security

UAE and the wider region pro-actively introduced smart initiatives and policies to strengthen and further develop a sustainable and safe food supply

The UAE Minister of State for Food Security, Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Almheiri, opened the World Food Security Forum, on Nov 16, affirming the UAE’s vision to be the world leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, and among the top 10 countries by 2021.

Addressing industry delegates at the Forum, Almheiri shared an update on progress on the National Strategy for Food Security and relayed key areas of focus to achieve the UAE’s aims, namely:

• To make the UAE the world’s best in the Global Food Security Index by 2051 and among the top 10 countries by 2021.
• To develop a comprehensive national system based on enabling sustainable food production through the use of modern technologies
• To enhance local production
• To develop international partnerships to diversify food sources
• To activate legislation and policies that contribute to improving nutrition
• To activate legislation and policies to reduce waste.

The minister explained how, from the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the UAE and the wider region pro-actively introduced smart initiatives and policies to strengthen and further develop a sustainable and safe food supply. She further outlined how industry can best support the UAE’s progress towards improved food security, in particular through investment, innovation and technology.

The World Food Security Forum, MENA convened government and industry leaders from across the region, virtually connecting the regional food community to discuss how to ensure a resilient future to sustainable agriculture.