Food Security top of 7th World Green Economy Summit agenda
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) are organising the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) for the seventh year on 6-7 October 2021 at Expo 2020 Dubai alongside the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) Show.
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attendees will discuss solutions, resources and research required to address the pressing global food security challenges and threats during the Summit. They will examine and propose proactive measures to enhance stakeholder resilience and preparedness for any future changes. These areas of discussion include the importance of food security, ensuring continued operation of the vital sectors, and meeting development requirements across various fields.
Food security will remain as one of the top priorities of governments after the pandemic. WGES will look into ways to advance the food and agricultural technology sectors to fulfil the requirements of the circular or green economy and promote the sustainable use of natural resources, particularly water, during production processes. Several pioneering and leading food security initiatives have been launched worldwide to combat different challenges. One of these is the Dubai Food Tech Valley, a major programme launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to leverage genetic engineering in agriculture, along with hydroponics and vertical farming, to ensure food security for residents.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy in Dubai, and Chairman of WGES said, “The upcoming WGES will discuss how to promote food technology and strengthen the food value chains, and capitalise on advanced technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This strengthens the UAE’s role in coming up with global sustainable solutions to improve people's lives all over the world. This will cement the UAE’s prestigious position as a leading global hub for food security that is based on innovation and knowledge.”
Habiba Al Marashi, Co-founder and Chairperson of the Emirates Environmental Group, stressed that the green economy is a means to achieve sustainable development, and that making the economy environmentally sustainable in the region is no longer an option, but rather an imperative to achieve sustainable development goals and create more job opportunities without affecting the nature of the planet. The food issue is complex; on the one hand, there is the problem of food waste, and on the other, there is the question of food security. On top of everything else is the imperative of sustainable agriculture and green growth. The issue requires concentrated, innovative, multi-sector partnerships and collaborative platforms. The UAE, in convening the World Green Economy Summit 2021, is to be lauded for its consistent effort and leading role in this regard.
