Today's Edition
SARA AL ZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation on Tuesday marked its 80th year of service to humanity at the ongoing Global Food Week (GFW) in Abu Dhabi.
For the organisation, the past eight decades have revolved around developing agrifood systems, combatting hunger, and promoting sustainable agriculture. It now looks to the coming years with sharper focus on advancing climate-resilient agriculture, fostering digital innovation, strengthening governance, and advancing progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, said Dr Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Representative and interim to the UAE.
“Our Strategic Framework 2022–2031 focuses on transforming agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” Dr Mukhtar told Aletihad.
“We will continue supporting countries ... through innovation, policy support, and investment.”
In the UAE and the GCC, that vision includes the expansion of the work of the Centre of Excellence for Food Security, with a strong focus on climate resilience, digital tools, and regional knowledge exchange, he added.
FAO regards the UAE — recognised for its leadership in climate action and agricultural innovation and investment — as a key partner in achieving its goals, Dr Mukhtar said.
“The country’s forward-looking approach allows us to scale best practices across the GCC and beyond,” he added.
On the global scale, FAO remains committed to ending hunger and ensuring no one is left behind, guided by its long-term vision for sustainable and equitable food systems, Dr Mukhtar said.
Inclusive leadership is also in focus, he added, emphasising that women, youth, and rural communities are central to building resilient, innovative food systems.
During its participation in GFW, FAO highlighted the use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to forecast potential supply and demand shocks. It led a panel on the role of venture capital versus sovereign funds in agrifood investment.
The organisation also presented key findings from the latest ‘The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) report, aiming to suport evidence-based national and regional policymaking and strategic responses to future food challenges amid climate change and increasing pressure on natural resources.
Food security is not just about producing food, Dr Mukhtar stressed. “It is about equity, resilience and cooperation. Long-term partnerships, inclusive policies, and community engagement are essential for sustainable food systems.”
At GFW, partnerships remain at the core of FAO’s approach. “Global Food Week allows us to deepen cooperation with national authorities, regional institutions, the private sector and civil society. We are working together on climate-smart farming, digital agriculture and sustainable livestock systems.”
FAO’s collaboration with ADAFSA and other UAE entities are central to these efforts, he added. “This week is not just about discussion; it is about forming alliances that lead to real impact.”
