For the first time, Abu Dhabi, UAE will host the World Food Security Summit on 26-27 November 2024. This significant event will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) during the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week (ADAFSW).
Objectives and participants
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the summit seeks to foster dialogue and actionable strategies for establishing a sustainable global food system and eradicating hunger. Organised by the ADNEC Group in collaboration with ADAFSA and the F&B Manufacturing Group (FBMG) as a knowledge partner, the event aims to gather experts and decision-makers to explore innovative solutions for bolstering global food security. This initiative supports international efforts to eliminate hunger and enhances the UAE’s role as a hub for global food security discussions and initiatives.
UAE’s contribution in food security
Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, director-general of ADAFSA, emphasised that food security is a critical global challenge requiring collective efforts and cooperation to develop innovative solutions. He highlighted the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s pioneering role in promoting sustainable food systems, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and guided by the vision of the UAE’s leadership.
Gathering the stakeholders
The summit will convene a distinguished group of global food security experts, officials from public and private sectors, and civil society leaders to discuss strategies for enhancing food security. Additionally, the event aims to engage stakeholders worldwide, particularly from developing countries, as well as women and youth representatives, to share experiences, knowledge, and ideas.
Advancing the food security sector
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, managing director and group CEO of ADNEC Group, noted that organising the summit aligns with ADNEC’s strategy to support national efforts in advancing the food security sector. The summit’s strategic importance is further underscored by its timing alongside the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) and the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition (ADDPE), both organised by ADNEC Group.
Assorted themes and discussion sessions
Saleh Lootah, chairman of FBMG, expressed his pride in the strategic partnership with ADAFSA and ADNEC to organise the inaugural Global Food Security Summit. He highlighted that the event will feature multiple themes and discussion sessions, drawing a select group of government officials, decision-makers, experts, and specialists from around the world to address the prominent challenges facing the sector.
Moreover, in the lead-up to the summit, ADAFSA will host a series of events and initiatives within the UAE to encourage participation from government and private sectors, civil society organisations, and various community groups.
The National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to position the UAE as the global leader in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) by 2051. This ambitious goal will be achieved through the development of a comprehensive national system that enables sustainable food production using advanced technologies, enhances local production, and fosters global partnerships to diversify food sources.
Addressing global challenges of food scarcity
Furthermore, the recently launched AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) complex in Abu Dhabi serves as a comprehensive economic hub, bolstering global efforts to ensure food and water security while tackling the challenges of food scarcity and water shortages. Additionally, the complex is expected to significantly impact Abu Dhabi’s economy, contributing approximately AED90 billion to the GDP and attracting investments of up to AED128 billion by 2045.