According to the United Nations, global hunger and food insecurity are rising. One in 10 people suffer from hunger, while 1 in 3 lack regular access to adequate food. In 2020, 47 per cent of countries experienced soaring food prices, up from 16 per cent in 2019.
Guided by its wise leadership, the UAE is taking steps with its National Food Security Strategy 2051 to develop sustainable global food systems, Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of AD Ports Group, said in his speech at the World Union of Wholesale Market held in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
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Al Hameli said: "The aim is to place the UAE at the top of the Global Food Security Index, through international partnerships and create diverse food sources, improve nutrition, and introduce laws to reduce waste.
"I would like to congratulate Her Excellency Mariam, for her efforts, which have today resulted in the UAE becoming the first in the MENA Region on the Global Food Security Index, compared to the third place in 2021.
"With delegates and experts and officials from 45 countries, more than 700 delegates and over 50 speakers, this event is truly a world union. And I am confident that we will conclude the day with the state of the world being better than what it is right now."
CEO of AD Ports Group also added: "AD Ports Group, and especially its Economic Cities & Free Zones, has a mission to ensure that every modern facility is available for the import, distribution and processing of food.
"The integrated ecosystem of the UAE is designed to encourage production, and, at the same time, make imports and re-exports easier and more efficient.
"In KEZAD, our integrated trade and logistics hub, we have established a dedicated food ecosystem as the platform for food processing, storage, and distribution activities in the UAE."
"The keystone facility within this ecosystem is our new state-of-the-art food hub, to make trading in food products more efficient and increase choice and variety for the consumer. We are hosting today’s conference in the same spirit. And we look forward to these vital discussions." he concluded.
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