Rome: The UAE has underscored the critical importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and facilitating supply chains to secure agricultural inputs and maintain the stability of regional and global food security. The nation reaffirmed food security as a pillar of national security, urging for proactive strategies that bolster supply chain resilience against geopolitical and climatic shocks.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE is currently chairing the 38th session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Regional Conference for the Near East and North Africa (NERC38) in Rome. The conference sees participation from ministers and senior officials across the region. In her opening remarks, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the need for transformative actions beyond crisis management.
Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's experience in turning water scarcity and limited arable land into catalysts for technological advancement. She called for mobilizing climate finance and ensuring equity to protect rural populations from environmental changes. The outcomes of the COP28 UAE Declaration were presented as a foundational framework for building resilient food systems in the region.
The Minister also pointed out that nature-based solutions could provide economic returns while stressing the urgency of addressing land degradation, which affects over 410 million people. She advocated for reforming financing frameworks to incorporate equity and inclusivity, drawing attention to the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and poor rural communities.
The Ministerial Meeting, themed 'Innovating for the Transformation of Agrifood Systems', addressed systemic shocks from conflicts and climate change. Discussions included a high-level roundtable on circular solutions in agricultural value chains and bridging the climate financing gap.
The FAO presented an assessment on the Middle East conflict's impact on food systems, warning of severe geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains and trade. The disruption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global fertiliser trade, was highlighted as a factor leading to increased agricultural production costs.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed the UAE's strategic approach to national food security, emphasizing proactive management and international partnerships. He outlined the UAE's commitment to transforming its agricultural sector and securing supply chains, stressing the importance of protecting navigation freedom.
Al Nuaimi also spotlighted the UAE's strategic investments through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the Emirates Development Bank to bolster regional economies and food systems. He called on the FAO to develop early warning systems for food, energy, and fertiliser markets to protect import-dependent countries.
The UAE delegation emphasized youth empowerment in the agricultural sector. Laila Ahmed Al Dhaheri from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment highlighted investing in agricultural technology and innovative financing as key to unlocking arid lands' potential.
The Ministerial Meeting concluded with a strong regional consensus to develop a roadmap under the UAE's Presidency. The focus will be on aligning national policies, adopting circular bioeconomy innovations, and scaling up climate-smart agricultural solutions to address water scarcity and climate change.
The conference marked a turning point for the region, shifting from diagnosing challenges to coordinated implementation. The emphasis was on mobilizing finance and advancing knowledge exchange to build resilient food systems capable of withstanding geopolitical pressures and securing future food security.
