Abu Dhabi will host the World Food Security Summit, for the first time, at the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre on November 26 and 27, as part of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week. This summit will gather key experts and decision-makers to explore innovative solutions to reduce or eliminate hunger worldwide, according to state news agency Wam.
"Food security is a major global challenge requiring the combined efforts and co-operation of all stakeholders worldwide to find innovative solutions to end hunger, a key UN Sustainable Development Goal," stated Saeed Al Ameri, director general of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
The summit aims to engage stakeholders globally, including representatives from developing countries, women and youth, to share experiences and knowledge.
The UAE has laid out comprehensive plans to enhance food security through modern technology and sustainable food production. Launched last year, the National Food Security Strategy aims to position the UAE at the top of the Global Food Security Index by 2051.
Additionally, the UAE has launched an agriculture centre, the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance Cluster, to strengthen food and water security locally and globally. Led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, this initiative is projected to contribute Dh90 billion ($24.5 billion) to Abu Dhabi's GDP and attract Dh128 billion in investments by 2045.
The World Food Programme estimates that 309 million people are facing chronic hunger in 72 countries. In light of this, Saleh Lootah, chairman of the Foods & Beverages Manufacturing Business Group, emphasized the importance of November's summit
He said, "The summit will include several themes and discussion sessions that will attract a select group of government officials, decision-makers, experts and specialists from around the world to discuss the prominent challenges facing the sector."