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Activities & events

of focusing on policies that facilitate food trade. This It is worth noting that the workshop is part of a series
entails reducing trade barriers, identifying new areas for of scientific activities conducted by NAUSS in the field of
free trade, leveraging digital technologies, minimizing food security and gathered experts from Arab countries
non-tariff barriers, aligning regulatory practices, and relevant international organizations. The workshop
promoting governance, and encouraging cooperation reviewed the status of food security in the Arab region
and consistency among Arab countries and the global and the various governance frameworks, and explored
community. the decision-making prospects for future food security
issues. Additionally, it identified threats and obstacles
Mrs. Al-Ajizi referenced recent UN reports indicating to achieving food security and sovereignty for countries,
that approximately 181 million people, around 35% of discussed investment prospects, and examined the
the population in the Arab region, suffer from food role of technology and innovation in enhancing food
insecurity—an increase of about 12 million people from security. The workshop also highlighted the impact of
2022. economic globalization on Arab and global trade in food
security, emphasizing the health dimension of this issue
In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Ibrahim Adam El and outlining mechanisms and means to ensure it.
Dukheri, Director-General of AOAD, by Deputy Director-
General Dr. Raed Habtar, it was noted that the Arab
region stands as one of the world›s largest food importers,
bringing in approximately 100 million tons of food
annually—constituting 32% of its total needs. Projections
estimate this figure to rise to 130 million tons by 2030,
the targeted year for achieving food security according
to the Sustainable Development Goals timeline.

Dr. Habtar emphasized AOAD›s commitment to
achieving Arab food security and highlighted its
program dedicated to sustaining Arab food security. This
program encompasses strategic objectives and programs
aimed at developing Arab agricultural and food systems.
AOAD has recently formulated an Arab strategy for
food security to bolster countries› efforts in achieving
sustainable agricultural development and food security.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Dr. Naser Eddin Al
Obaid, General Director of ACSAD, Dr. Sayed Khalifa,
Director of ACSAD office in Cairo, addressed global
developments, climate changes, and the repercussions
of international wars and conflicts. These factors have
heightened vulnerabilities in agricultural and food
systems. The speech acknowledged the efforts of Arab
countries in adapting to climate change and mitigating
its negative effects on the Arab region. It specifically
highlighted the Middle East Green Initiative launched
by HRH, the Crown Prince—may God bless him—which
is poised to significantly contribute to enhancing the
comprehensive concept of increasing green areas.
This, in turn, aims to reduce carbon emissions, lower
temperatures, and mitigate their impact on climate
change.

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