- UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, chaired the Emirates Council for Food Security meeting.
- The council highlighted food security as a crucial focus for the UAE and stressed the importance of employing sustainable technologies and approaches to tackle national challenges.
- The council evaluated the progress made to date, and the 2023 action plan was discussed.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 14 April 2023 – Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired the first meeting of the Emirates Council for Food Security in 2023, which reviewed the action plan and the latest developments in the global agricultural sector, and aligned local efforts to enhance national food security on a sustainable basis.
The meeting was attended by council members from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Health and Protection, Ministry of Education, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Health Authority, Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, Umm Al Quwain Municipality, Ras Al Khaimah Environment Protection and Development Authority (RAK EPDA), and Fujairah Municipality.
At the meeting, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri underscored the significance of food security as a key strategic priority for the UAE and highlighted the challenges faced by the country, such as limited arable land and water resources, along with global economic and political shifts that place increased strain on the nation’s food systems. She emphasized the importance of swift and efficient efforts to strengthen national food security in response to these challenges.
Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri said: “As the UAE prepares to host the COP28 conference, it is crucial to highlight our nation’s approach to food security, utilizing the most sustainable technologies and practices that aid in climate change mitigation and environmental conservation at both national and global levels. The UAE undoubtedly presents a global model for food security innovation, boasting unique and pioneering agricultural projects.”
Her Excellency added: “We have faith in our collective ability and the dedication of our work teams to implement all strategic objectives aimed at enhancing the entire food value chain, most importantly boosting food and agricultural production and reinforcing logistical efforts to ensure the supply of healthy, nutritious, and safe food for all members of society at reasonable prices and at all times.”
The council assessed its most notable accomplishments from the previous period by tracking progress through established performance indicators and evaluating the impact on national food security. The council also examined the latest developments in the global agricultural sector, considering various modifications to assess the situation and implement the necessary measures to fulfil the nation’s demand for strategic agricultural and food commodities. This includes facilitating the movement of food trade and ensuring unhindered access to the country’s ports.
Furthermore, the council discussed the 2023 action plan and reviewed the work plans of the technical committees for the upcoming year.
