UAE highlights need to protect food supplies from global disruptions

The UAE has called for countries to strengthen food and water systems to protect supplies from disruptions to trade, transport and energy.

Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired talks on food security and critical supply chains during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The discussions examined how disruption to trade routes, energy supplies, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs could affect food production, availability and prices.

Al Dahak said food security depends not only on production but on the ability of the wider system, including water, energy, transport and supply chains, to continue operating during periods of disruption.

"Building resilience before crises occur has therefore become a necessity," she said.

Participants discussed diversifying supply sources, markets and logistics routes, strengthening strategic stockpiles and improving the use of data to anticipate potential shortages.

They also considered early-warning systems and technology that could help governments identify risks and respond before disruption significantly affects farmers and consumers.

Al Dahak highlighted the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, which includes greater use of climate-smart agriculture, artificial intelligence and advanced technology, alongside measures to increase the efficiency and sustainability of domestic food production.

Representatives from organisations including the World Food Programme, World Bank, UN Trade and Development and the International Fund for Agricultural Development took part in the talks.