DUBAI: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), concluded the Food Innovation Conference 2024, hosted in the Museum of the Future and the Emirates Towers, Dubai between 13 and 15 May under the theme ‘Reimagining Future Food Systems’.
Bringing together 150 global experts, academics as well as local, regional and international private sector businesses, the event showcased national models of innovative food systems and the world’s latest advanced food techs. It also addressed the need to foster efforts of knowledge sharing and capacity building through the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiatives, and to facilitate partnership and collaborations between entrepreneurs, investors and leaders of the public and private sectors.
The 3-day event focused on advancing cooperation and the sharing of expertise to help take vital action in developing inclusive, sustainable food systems through the joint efforts of all food system stakeholders.
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red global vision
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) said hosting the Food Innovation Conference in Dubai reflects the visions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for the need to consolidate efforts, drive partnerships and cooperation between the public and private sectors as well as regional and international organizations, with the aim of developing a shared global vision for food system sustainability.
‘The conference is a practical example of one of MBRGI’s key principles, namely, being open to creative ideas and investing in research and development, while fostering all efforts and technologies aimed at creating balance between food system sustainability and protection of our planet. Such efforts help alleviate the effects of hunger and malnutrition, as well as protect the environment from the impact of climate change caused by food systems, which cause on
e third of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions,’ he said.
Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, said ‘The World Economic Forum is proud of this longstanding partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the United Arab Emirates on the vital topic of food innovation.
He added, ‘Innovative technologies and strong partnerships have the power to transform our food systems to address global challenges such as malnutrition, climate change, and food waste. Partners in the UAE are showing extraordinary leadership in innovation and the collaboration required to secure a positive food future for all.’
Long-standing cooperation
The Food Innovation Conference 2024 kicked off with a dinner at the Museum of the Future on 13 May, where Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, addressed the gathering and said the event embodies the UAE’s future foresight philosophy and embodies the country’s commitment to supporting international efforts in addre
ssing food security as one of the major challenges facing humanity.
Saeed Al Eter, Assistant Secretary General of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), applauded the long-standing cooperation between MBRGI and the World Economic Forum with the aim of creating innovative food system solutions, while Tania Strauss, Head of Food and Water at the World Economic Forum, stressed the importance of collaboration with the UAE on this major event, which advances collective action across all sectors to harness the power of innovation for inclusive and people-centered solutions.
Participants of the first day of the conference were introduced to environment friendly food products, innovative concepts related to food production, local ingredients, and low waste food.
Interactive platform
A two-day side showcase, the Boulevard exhibition, was held on the sidelines of the Food Innovation Conference 2024, drawing wide participation of national and global companies specialized in food and agricultural
products and tech designed to accelerate the adoption of innovation and provide effective solutions in the face of challenges that hinder the sustainability of global food supplies, while boosting resilience in food production.
While providing an optimal opportunity for specialized companies to exchange expertise and knowledge and discuss the latest trends in food sustainability, the showcase also acted as an interactive platform to educate on the most disruptive technologies and initiatives that are shaping the future of food systems.
‘Food Tech Valley,’ a project launched in 2021 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with aims to triple the UAE’s food production, introduced its latest achievements, while agricultural investment company Elite Agro highlighted the role of drones in advancing the agricultural sector through aerial surveys of agricultural areas to capture detailed data and information.
The showcase offered visi
tors an immersive VR experience to explore the latest smart farming technologies and automated agricultural systems such as irrigation, pest control, soil and crop monitoring, as well as best practices in vertical and hydroponic farming.
Impactful collaboration
Day 2 of the Food Innovation Conference 2024 addressed the role of innovation in food systems and focused on designing ecosystems. The day also focused on enabling knowledge exchange and dwelling deep into impactful collaborations that can foster food system innovation.
The session titled ‘Reimagining Future Food Systems’ session, in which Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, participated alongside experts and executives, introduced various current and future scenarios exploring strategies for launching effective food innovation markets within the UAE, regionally, and globally. They offered insights on the concrete investment in food innovation. The session also highlighted the latest methods applied in climate-smart fa
rming, healthy and sustainable consumption and effective marketing strategies.
Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), delivered the keynote speech at the session entitled ‘Purpose-Driven Innovation for a Positive Food Future’, which explored ways to design and manage effective collaboration models that enhance innovation, as well as forging paths to new investments and improved governance frameworks. The session also presented viewpoints from various stakeholders and sectors about the emerging primary needs from the food innovation system.
The conference concluded on the third day following field trips that took participants around a number of factories and farms specialized in food production. The visits showcased the latest technologies and research in food production within the UAE , highlighted innovative practices in sustainable agriculture and offered insights into food production practices that prioritize sustainability and carbon footprint reducti
on.
The Food Innovation Conference 2024 is powered by the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative, launched by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with MBRGI, UAE, the Government of the Netherlands and other public, private and civil society partners. The initiative leverages multi-stakeholder and market-based partnerships to scale fit-for-purpose innovations in food systems.
Source: Emirates News Agency
