Maryam Al Muhairi calls for investment in sustainable food systems Al Khaleej newspaper

Dubai: «The Gulf»

Maryam bint Mohammed Al Muhairi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, responsible for the food systems file at the Conference of the Parties (COP28), called on world leaders to cooperate together to invest the potential of sustainable food systems in efforts to confront climate change.

This came during her participation in the World Food Security Summit, which was held in cooperation between the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the Somali Democratic Republic, and sponsored by the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in the British capital, London, on Monday.

The summit witnessed the presence of an elite group of international figures, including Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, President of the Republic of Somalia, and Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The summit also witnessed the United Kingdom highlighting its support for the “UAE Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action”, within the “COP28 Program for Food Systems and Agriculture”, which aims to encourage countries to invest in sustainable agricultural and food systems, and to align their national food systems and agricultural strategies with their specific contributions. nationally, national adaptation plans, and national biodiversity strategies.

She said: “I am pleased with the United Kingdom’s support for the UAE Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture and Climate Action, because collective action is what allows us to make a fundamental change and protect our planet and our people.”

She added: “Today the world is witnessing a cycle of escalating climate threats that can only be avoided if we show a real will to make a difference and make sufficient efforts to achieve this.”

During her opening speech at the summit, Al Muhairi confirmed that the UAE – which is preparing to host the COP28 Conference of the Parties in just 10 days – intends to “continue the momentum of the food and climate agenda set by the United Kingdom during the COP26 Conference of the Parties and its pace was further accelerated at the COP27 Conference of the Parties in Egypt.” .

She explained that the UAE will work, through the “COP28 Program for Food Systems and Agriculture,” to stimulate dialogue on food systems and “place it at the heart of the work agenda of the conference presidency.”

Later on Monday, Maryam Al Muhairi opened a panel discussion on “Building a sustainable and climate-resistant agricultural sector and food system.” She spoke about the importance of innovation, technology and finance in transforming our food systems and creating a more sustainable world.