UAE Convenes High-Level Dialogue on Building Resilient Food and Water Systems
At the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment led discussions on strengthening global food security and supply chain resilience in the face of mounting international disruptions.
During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) brought together senior government officials, international organisations and financial institutions to address critical vulnerabilities in global food and water systems. The High-Level Ministerial Majlis, chaired by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, explored pathways to building systemic resilience amid escalating regional disruptions and supply chain challenges.
Held at the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, the dialogue titled ‘From Shock to Resilience: Safeguarding Food Security and Critical Supply Chains Amid Regional Disruptions’ examined the interconnected nature of food security across water availability, energy supply, agricultural inputs and international trade routes. Rather than responding reactively to crises, participants focused on proactive preparation and risk mitigation strategies that strengthen entire systems before disruptions occur.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasised that food security extends far beyond production capacity alone. “It depends on the ability of the entire system to keep operating under pressure, from water, energy and agricultural inputs to trade, transport and supply chains,” she noted, underscoring the necessity of building resilience before crises emerge. She outlined the UAE’s comprehensive approach under the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which integrates climate-smart agriculture, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies with enhanced support for domestic farmers and sustainable production methods.
The ministerial discussion, moderated by Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Alzaabi, Director General at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, gathered representatives from the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the World Bank Group and other international bodies. Participants identified critical vulnerabilities across interconnected systems and examined how disruptions to energy markets, agricultural input availability and transportation logistics affect production, pricing and food access for vulnerable populations.
Deliberations addressed practical solutions including diversified supply sources and logistics routes, strengthened strategic stockpiles, improved data sharing mechanisms and the development of early-warning systems. Participants recognised that effective resilience building requires unprecedented cooperation among governments, international organisations, financial institutions and the private sector, alongside technology transfer and appropriate financing mechanisms tailored to developing nations’ capacities.
Beyond the majlis, Dr. Al Dahak participated in parallel dialogues addressing sea level rise, green industrialisation and climate finance during UNGA’s high-level week. She reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to Small Island Developing States, announcing the nation’s US$100 million pledge to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and highlighting the 47 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2035. These engagements reinforce the UAE’s integrated approach linking climate action, economic development, water security and community resilience in an era of accelerating global change.
Source: WAM