[ad_1]
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammad Al Muhaili, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, called for urgent global action to address food insecurity and climate change at a Security Council meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States. His Excellency Almheiri also discussed important related topics with Alain Berset, President of Switzerland and current President of the UN Security Council.
At a UN Security Council meeting entitled “Ensuring the Safety and Dignity of Civilians in Conflict: Addressing Food Insecurity and Protecting Basic Services”, Minister Mariam Almhaili highlighted the rapidly escalating impact of climate change on food security and the need for greater compliance International humanitarian law, and the role of climate change as a “threat multiplier”. Her main points are in line with the Secretary-General’s report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, which highlights that by 2022 more than 2.5 billion people face acute hunger in 58 countries, many of which are in armed conflict.
Addressing the UN Security Council, His Excellency Almhaili said: “A significant reason why civilians continue to suffer from conflict-induced food insecurity is the gap in the implementation of clearly stated rules. It is vital that we collectively recommit to upholding international humanitarian law .”
She added: “At COP28 later this year in the UAE, we plan a strong, solutions-led approach to climate action. Food and water systems will be high on the agenda, reflecting their Central role in climate change. The ability of conflict-affected and fragile states to recover from disasters.”
Minister Almheiri then attended a lunch hosted by President Berset and discussed how nations can work together to advance the values of peaceful coexistence and human fraternity in order to maintain peace and prevent conflict. HE Almheiri highlighted the UAE’s commitment to host an inclusive COP28 later this year, focusing on food and water systems in the context of climate change.
His Excellency Almheiri outlined the UAE’s strategic vision for food systems and security at the United Nations’ “Group of Friends of Food Security and Nutrition” briefing. Her speech highlighted the importance of coordinating the food and climate agendas. She also highlighted the UAE’s efforts to address domestic food security challenges, focusing on sustainable, technology-driven food supply and diversifying international food sources.
HE Almheiri further underscored the urgency of the matter, saying: “It is clear that the food system must transform – it must if we are to keep pace with the 1.5C warming target outlined in the Paris Agreement. We must reduce emissions and build resilience to ensure food security.”
Given the UAE’s geographical location and limited water and arable land resources, His Excellency Almheiri outlined the steps the UAE is taking to confront domestic food security challenges head-on. She also highlighted the nation’s focus on sustainable, technology-enabled food supplies, diversification of food sources internationally, fostering stronger global agribusiness trade, reducing food waste, improving nutritional intake, and building capacity to respond to food safety crises.
HE Almheiri said: “Agtech solutions are at the core of our strategy to strengthen domestic food security. Innovations such as vertical farming, hydroponics and AI-driven irrigation systems are key to building a more sustainable, efficient and resilient food production system in the UAE key. “
She also highlighted the critical role of COP28 as an opportunity to integrate food systems into climate policy and encourage concrete commitments by state and non-state actors to systemic change. She emphasized the importance of collective action.
“We strongly encourage countries to commit to integrating food systems into their latest NDCs by 2025 and to prioritize food systems in climate policy,” said HE Almheiri.
Minister Almheiri’s participation during his visit to the United States underscored the UAE’s commitment to climate change and food security, highlighting the importance of these themes as the country celebrates the Year of Sustainability in 2023 and prepares to host a The hosts play a key role between November and December this year.
[ad_2]
Source link