The Ministry of Environment and Water has expressed its intentions to foster stronger cooperation with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. The move was discussed in a meeting held between His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water with Dr. Kanayo F. Nwanze, President, IFAD, which was held on the sidelines of the “Gulf Forum to Enhance Food Security and Support Small and Medium Scale Farmers”, which took place recently at the Fairmont Hotel Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi.
During the meeting, the two senior officials exchanged ideas and suggestions on how to drive in more cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and Water and the IFAD, particularly in the move to further develop the country’s agricultural segment. For his part, H.E. Bin Fahad lauded the key role that IFAD has played in supporting the international agricultural sector and the initiatives and programs they have implemented to help bolster growth for the industry.
In response, Dr. Nwanze congratulated the UAE for its successful efforts to enhance food security and expressed his eagerness and willingness to expand the prospects of cooperation between IFAD and the Ministry of Environment and Water. The IFAD President then gave an overview of the Fund's current activities in the Near East and North African region.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment towards implementing key initiatives and programs that are aimed at developing the UAE’s agricultural system—utilizing innovation and adopting modern technologies as a means to further enhance food security; ensure the achievement of the ministry's strategic objectives in promoting food safety and achieving a sustainable local agriculture industry. The Ministry has also shared its keenness to learn and benefit from the knowledge and experiences to be provided by leading agri-focused countries as well as gaining more insight and understanding on the use of modern systems and legislation adopted by international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF).