The second high-level forum on food security of the Islamic Organization for Food Security began today at the Sheraton Doha Hotel and via video conference. The event will continue for three days.
In his opening speech, HE Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said that the forum is an important platform for discussing issues of food security and agricultural development in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, reflecting the shared commitment to find sustainable solutions to the faced challenges collectively.
The agenda of this important forum, His Excellency added, covers many sessions and discussions aimed at promoting common goals through holding three sub-forums, the first of which is the forum on the role of civil society in promoting food security, the second is the forum on advanced agricultural technology and its role in promoting sustainable food security, and the third is the forum of the International Islamic Food Processing Association
on strengthening food markets in the OIC countries.
Dr. Al Subaie pointed out that these forums are an appropriate opportunity to exchange opinions and discussions, and that its advanced scientific presentations are presented by a number of scientists, experts, and policy makers in order to establish innovative and modern mechanisms to help the countries develop appropriate plans, strategies and programs to enhance food security.
His Excellency hoped that the activities of the high-level forum will culminate in fruitful discussions and positive results that meet the aspirations of the Islamic countries, and that its proposed strategies and solutions will be implementable to contribute to confronting challenges, improving food security indicators and promoting sustainable agricultural development in all OIC member states, stressing that exchanging visions and enhancing cooperation and joint discussions would pave the way for a safer future for the food of the Islamic peoples.
HE Minister of Agriculture, Wat
er Resources and Fisheries of the Republic of Tunisia Mahmoud Elyes Hamza stressed the importance of focusing on achieving development and self-sufficiency as much as possible to achieve food security, especially in light of the crises and profound and rapid transformations the world is witnessing at various levels with regard to unprecedented high prices of basic foodstuffs, energy and fuel, as well as climate change and droughts in some countries, and the increasing pressure on natural resources and their effects, risks and repercussions on the agricultural sector and food security for peoples.
These circumstances require all of us to pay attention, intensify efforts and mobilize energies to improve agricultural sector and raise its productivity, in a way that enhances the food security of our countries, given that food is the first necessary and basic human need, the first necessities of life and the source of peoples’ security and stability, he added.
He pointed out that the meeting of senior officials
in this forum is an opportunity to review what has been achieved within the framework of cooperation between the Islamic Organization for Food Security and member states as well as to determine plans, programs and mechanisms to deal with urgent challenges and exploit available opportunities. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency