Ministry Of Environment Raises Awareness On Sustainable Agriculture

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 17th Oct, 2018) Students from the UAE, Australia and the Netherlands today interacted with academia, industry representatives and thought leaders on sustainable agriculture, food production and consumption, as the UAE marked the World Food Day.

Titled ‘Our Food, Our Future’, the youth workshop was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, MoCCAE, in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute, GGGI, and the embassies of Australia and the Netherlands in the UAE. The event provided an opportunity for the country’s youth to participate in developing government policies on food management.

The participants addressed a variety of food-related topics, such as the latest developments in sustainable agriculture and water management, changing food consumption patterns and behaviours for a more sustainable future, and local challenges to food diversity. They also exchanged relevant experiences and case studies.

In his speech at the event, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, "The issue of the future of food is vast and complex, but joining forces will make a difference. We need to raise awareness among all segments of society, especially the young generation, about sustainable agriculture, food production and consumption."

"In the UAE, we consider youth engagement a core priority in our efforts to build a sustainable future.

The launch of the Emirates Youth Climate Change Strategy 2018-2021 in August 2018 is a case in point. This workshop seeks to empower our young people to take action to protect our environment," he added.

Frank J.M. Mollen, Ambassador of the Netherlands to the UAE, said, "In the Netherlands, modern agriculture is characterised by cooperation according to the Dutch Golden Triangle, in which Government, Universities and companies work together in finding sustainable and innovative solutions. Also in the UAE, sustainable and innovative solutions in food production are central. It is an exciting time for the youth, as the different concepts of farming in the desert are being explored and tested, and further optimised. This provides many opportunities for the young bright minds of the UAE, as they can play a valuable role in these developments and transformations that are taking place."

Mohammed Angawi, GGGI’s Acting UAE Country Representative, said, "Innovation and collaboration go hand in hand. Today’s workshop was a great opportunity for students to engage in important environmental topics and we are very proud to support this youth platform in the UAE."

The workshop was part of a series of events launched in 2015 within the framework of GGGI’s Green Growth Youth Programme, and aligned with the Emirates Youth Climate Change Strategy 2018-2021.