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A major conference on Arab food security initiatives launched in Dubai today, organized by the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development under the theme “Sustainability is the Path to Food Security.” The event, sponsored by the UAE Ministry of Finance, brings together high-level participation from ministers, government officials, representatives of Arab and international organizations, financial and development institutions, and experts specializing in agriculture, food, and investment sectors.
His Excellency Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, delivered the opening address, emphasizing that food security constitutes one of the strategic pillars of sustainable economic development in the Arab world. The two-day conference features six main themes addressing Arab efforts to achieve food security through investment, innovation, and institutional integration.
Launch of First Arab Food Security Index
During the opening ceremony, Younis Haji Al Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, unveiled the first Food Security Index in the Arab World. Developed in partnership with Azimut Group and S&P Global, this groundbreaking financial index monitors the performance of companies operating in the food sector, providing investors with a transparent analytical tool that enhances capital flow toward this vital sector.
According to Minister Al Hussaini, financial policies play a pivotal role in creating a supportive environment for agricultural and food investment. He noted that this is achieved through developing innovative financing tools and encouraging partnerships between the public and private sectors, which contributes to directing capital toward projects with sustainable economic and developmental impact.
Comprehensive Approach to Food Security
His Excellency Abdullah Sulaiman Al Sheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development in Mauritania and Chairman of the Shareholders Council at the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, stated that the conference embodies advanced Arab awareness that food security has become a cornerstone of national sovereignty amid accelerating global challenges. He emphasized that the conference addresses the food security system with a comprehensive vision based on sustainability, encompassing investment, production, innovation, and marketing.
Additionally, Dr. Al Zaabi highlighted that the conference coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the Authority’s establishment, marking a pivotal moment in its history. He outlined four strategic pillars that form the roadmap for the upcoming phase, aimed at bridging the Arab food gap and enhancing food security on integrated investment and developmental foundations.
Innovation and Climate Change Solutions
Dr. Konrad Rein, Director of the Innovation Committee for Climate Change and Food Security and Secretary of the Global Leading Initiative for Food Security, explained that sustainability represents the fundamental pathway to achieving long-term food security. He stressed the importance of relying on scientific solutions, strengthening international partnerships, and expanding successful initiatives that can be implemented on a large scale.
Meanwhile, the strategic approach includes developing reference indicators for food security, digital transformation through implementing an advanced electronic platform project, and launching a financing fund for small farmers and fishermen as a permanent platform in partnership with international financing institutions. The conference also emphasizes enhancing regional integration and supporting food sovereignty through deepening investments in strategic markets.
Six Core Themes Addressed
The conference agenda covers six main themes over two days: Arab efforts to achieve food security, agricultural investment and financing initiatives and economic development, investment and financing initiatives in basic food commodities production, investment in food manufacturing and trade exchange, innovation and modern technologies in the agricultural sector, and investment in agricultural companies’ investment portfolios. In contrast to traditional approaches, the event focuses on practical implementation and scaling successful models.
However, the opening session concluded with honoring winning scientific research across different conference themes, evaluated by specialized scientific arbitration committees. This initiative supports scientific research and encourages researchers to present quality studies that contribute to sector development and enhance food security in the Arab world, alongside recognizing sponsors for their contributions to supporting the conference.
The conference is expected to produce actionable recommendations and commitments from participating nations and organizations, though specific timelines for implementation have not been confirmed. Authorities indicate that outcomes will be announced at the conclusion of the two-day event, with follow-up mechanisms to be established for monitoring progress on food security initiatives across the Arab region.
