UAE Minister Mariam Almheiri Champions Sustainable Agriculture for Global Food Security

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, joined forces with G20 Ministers of Agriculture on June 16–17 to engage in crucial discussions regarding inclusive food and agriculture systems. The primary objective was to finalize the G20 Agriculture Ministers' Declaration 2023, which aimed to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to ensuring food security and nutrition for all individuals across the globe.

During the meeting, the G20 Agricultural Track shed light on mounting concerns regarding the escalating rates of malnutrition and the worsening state of global food insecurity. These challenges have been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including poverty, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid acceleration of climate change, persistent conflicts, and the distressing loss of biodiversity worldwide. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the declaration emphasized the critical need to establish sustainable agricultural and food systems that possess the resilience to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, in her capacity as the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, seized the opportunity to stress the paramount importance of sustainable agriculture and food systems. These systems must not only address the imminent challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss but also ensure the provision of food security to populations worldwide. Expressing her gratitude to India for hosting the event, Almheiri underscored the UAE's unwavering commitment to enhancing cooperation in various economic sectors, with particular emphasis on bolstering food security and mitigating the impact of climate change.

In a bid to galvanize global action, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri issued a resounding call to G20 member countries, urging them to lend their support to the upcoming Global Framework on Agriculture, Food Systems, and Climate. This framework, scheduled to be announced at the highly anticipated United Nations Food Systems Summit, holds the potential to revolutionize agricultural food systems within the broader context of global climate action.

The G20 Agricultural Track deliberated on a wide array of pressing issues that have far-reaching implications for the lives and livelihoods of people across the globe. Of particular concern were the spiralling food prices, the disruptions plaguing global supply chains, and the volatility observed in both food and fertilizer prices. Recognizing the critical role of resilient supply chains in achieving food security, the group emphasized the urgent need to enhance their stability, especially in low food security environments. Women and girls, particularly those in emergency and humanitarian crises, emerged as focal points in these discussions.

To further their commitment to sustainable food sources and advancements in research, the G20 Agriculture Ministers' Statement for 2023 included an annexe dedicated to the Global Research Initiative on Millet and Ancient Grains. This groundbreaking project seeks to diversify and improve sustainable food sources by focusing on underutilized grains that possess inherent adaptability to climate change. By enhancing the efficiency of grain research through effective publication and knowledge exchange platforms, this initiative strives to accelerate progress in the field.

As part of a side session on adapting to a changing world, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri seized the opportunity to showcase the UAE's extensive experiences in the agricultural sector. From their successful ventures in vertical farming to the ambitious national strategy for Food Security 2051, the UAE demonstrated their commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of the agricultural landscape.

The UAE's active participation in the G20 agricultural track, coupled with its upcoming hosting of COP28 in November, solidifies the country's dedication to international cooperation in combatting climate change. Additionally, the launch of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative, carried out in collaboration with the United States, exemplifies the UAE's proactive stance in promoting investment in climate-smart agriculture and the development of sustainable food systems over a five-year span.

Aligned with the International Year of Millet 2023 program announced by the United Nations, the UAE's multifaceted efforts underscore the significance of sustainable agriculture and research innovation in the production and consumption of crops. With an unwavering commitment to empowering women, fostering global collaboration, and embracing high standards, the UAE continues to emerge as a leading force in addressing the pressing challenges facing our planet.