Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has been selected to host the first Regional Centre of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems, announced during a collaborative workshop in Dubai between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
According to Emirates News Agency, the workshop highlighted the strengthening of ties between the FAO and the UAE, with a focus on enhancing the UAE’s efforts towards sustainable national food security. The event also aimed to address the challenges faced in the region, in line with the strategic goals of the FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen.
The workshop gathered key stakeholders including officials from FAO, MOCCAE, local authorities, academic bodies, and the private sector. These participants worked on defining the expectations for the role and mission of the new FAO Subregional Office, ensuring a collective understanding of goals and objectives. They disc
ussed necessary mechanisms and resources for successful cooperation and pinpointed major areas for future partnerships.
During the workshop, Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hamadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity at MOCCAE, emphasized the commitment to bolstering the UAE’s food security through modern, climate-smart technologies. He also highlighted significant initiatives such as the “Plant the Emirates” and the “National Agricultural Centre”, which aim to support local farmers and utilize smart technologies to boost local agricultural production and competitiveness.
Dr. Al Hamadi expressed confidence in FAO’s role in supporting these national programs and emphasized the importance of practical solutions to overcome agricultural challenges in the UAE.
Kayan Akram Jaff, Head of Mission at the FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council States and Yemen, reiterated the FAO’s dedication to supporting the UAE in tackling food security issues. “Our partnership will concentrate on strategic initi
atives that are in line with our mutual objectives and the priorities of the United Arab Emirates,” Jaff stated.
The meeting concluded with MOCCAE and FAO affirming their commitment to develop a clear roadmap for ongoing collaboration in food security and agricultural practices, a step that is expected to significantly enhance food security across the region.