Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment (MBRC), in collaboration with the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation, organised a high-level panel discussion titled 'From Giving to Sustainability: The UAE's Leadership in Global Food Security' on the occasion of World Food Day, which will be observed tomorrow. Hosted at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, the session was attended by Abdullah Al Basti, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment, and brought together leaders, decision-makers, and experts in humanitarian work and sustainable development.
According to Emirates News Agency, the panel discussion featured Saeed Aletter, Assistant Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI); Amb. Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation and Chairman of DISAB, Roving Ambassador of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) for the GCC Region; and Stephen Anderson, Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) UAE Office and Representative to the GCC Region. The session was moderated by Khaled Al Attar, Director-General of the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation.
The session was inspired by a belief in the importance of food security as a cornerstone of societal stability and growth, especially amid humanitarian crises, climate change, and economic disruptions. Participants underscored the UAE's experience in developing systems capable of achieving food self-sufficiency and strengthening international partnerships aimed at reducing hunger and supporting long-term development.
Marking World Food Day, and in alignment with this year's theme, "Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future," participants emphasised that the UAE's humanitarian approach reflects a commitment to ensuring food availability through initiatives and projects that deliver solutions to the growing global challenges in this field. The session also highlighted the role of the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation through its international initiatives and programs.
Dr. AlMadani affirmed that food security is a fundamental pillar of human stability and one of the key priorities of humanitarian action today. He explained that World Food Day represents a call to renew the international community's commitment to combating hunger and promoting sustainable development. He stated, 'The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated that combining giving, innovation, and humanitarian diplomacy can transform lives and lay the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future.'
The DIHAD Sustainable Organisation continues to advance the humanitarian vision of the UAE's leadership through international partnerships and initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation in humanitarian work. These include international programs such as the DIHAD Humanitarian College, established in collaboration with UCAM University in Spain, to offer the world's first Master's Degree in Sustainable Humanitarian Action.
Participants in the panel discussion also highlighted the UAE's initiatives to combat hunger, including the '1 Billion Meals' initiative, which has reached more than 65 countries, and the development projects led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment, aimed at enhancing food availability both locally and globally. The discussion also examined the UAE's national and international efforts to strengthen food security.
Organising the session reflects the commitment of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Charitable Establishment and the DIHAD Sustainable Organisation to enhancing global awareness of the importance of food security as a shared humanitarian and developmental issue. This collaboration also demonstrates the dedication of both organisations to uniting efforts and mobilising resources and expertise to develop solutions to global food challenges.
Participants emphasised that World Food Day serves as a platform to renew the international community's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger. The session concluded with a collective call to strengthen international partnerships and enhance joint action to address the impacts of climate change and ensure global food security for all.
Participants underscored that the UAE's humanitarian and development experience represents a global model that unites foresight with human compassion. This reflects the nation's values of giving and shared responsibility, reinforcing its role in advancing sustainable development and shaping a future for humanity.