Sharjah: TRENDS Research and Advisory has introduced an analytical study titled "The Role of Government Communication in Promoting Food Security: The Case of the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051."
According to Emirates News Agency, the study delves into the government communication strategies utilized to engage the UAE community with food and resource issues. It evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies in driving behavioral change and achieving economic and social outcomes. The study was released at the conclusion of TRENDS' participation in the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) in Sharjah, followed by a panel discussion featuring Mouza Hassan Al-Marzooqi, Director of the Economic Studies Department at TRENDS.
Al-Marzooqi explained that the study found the UAE has bolstered efforts in government communication to secure food resources and eliminate waste. This is achieved through developing government messages, improving targeting methods to influence behaviors that support food recycling, enhancing local food production practices, and developing communication tools for resilient food safety within companies via capacity building and digital systems.
She pointed out that the UAE focuses on proactive government communication through digital media and content creation. This includes crafting food-related messages to prevent waste and empowering robust food safety media systems by integrating traditional and digital channels. The study also explores the use of augmented reality and artificial intelligence technologies for effective public outreach.
The study outlines lessons from the UAE's experience in food security promotion, such as communication integration across national institutions, the use of multimedia, message customization for different audiences, and periodic assessments of behavioral and economic impacts.
She emphasized the study's recommendation to support communication campaigns for strengthening the national food security strategy. Suggestions include increasing the use of artificial intelligence to analyze audience behavior, incorporating food security into school curricula, and creating interactive content for children and young people.
Al-Marzooqi noted that the study calls for awareness campaigns showcasing local farmers' success stories and technological projects, expanding partnerships with civil society and the private sector, and integrating government communication into national food security policies for consistent messaging and practice alignment.
