H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead, stressed that the UAE prioritized global transition to sustainable agriculture and food systems at COP28, held in the UAE in late 2023.
She made those statements during her participation in the panel discussion titled “COP28: The Importance of Promoting Sustainable Food Systems,” organized by TRENDS Research and Advisory at the ballroom, Sharjah International Book Fair. The session was introduced by Elyazia Al-Hosani, Head of Media Communications Office at TRENDS, and moderated by Sumaya Al-Hadhrami, Deputy Head of TRENDS Global Sector and Chairperson of TRENDS COP28 Committee.
During her address, Almheiri pointed out that traditional food systems account for about 33% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change, leading to significant agricultural and food challenges. She emphasized that the issue of food loss and waste is a global concern that requires behavioral changes at the consumer level. Therefore, the UAE launched the National Food Security Strategy 2051, representing an ambitious vision to transform the country into a global leader in innovative food security.
She also highlighted that the UAE’s policy on food systems was strengthened before COP28, with sustainable agriculture being included in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which was launched in 2021. Since then, national capacities have been developed in vertical farming, aquaponics, and more.
Innovative Approaches
Regarding the outcomes of COP28 in terms of promoting sustainable food systems, Almheiri noted that the UAE is well aware of this issue. She mentioned the launch of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, which includes the implementation of over 25 integrated programs. She also highlighted how the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund has supported renewable energy projects and provided basic electricity needs for sustainable development.
Saving the Planet
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, stated that the panel discussion held by TRENDS as part of its roadmap to COP28, with the participation of H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead, was instrumental in shaping the world’s path to the most important conference in the history of COP meetings, COP28. The world relied on this conference to produce results that would contribute to saving the planet from the dangers of climate change, with all its dimensions and complexities.
News link:
https://www.albayan.ae/sustainability/cop28/2023-11-13-1.4762893
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