UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Joins G20 Ministers

Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, recently collaborated with G20 Ministers of Agriculture on June 16–17 to address the urgent need for inclusive food and agriculture systems. The main objective of the meeting was to finalize the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Declaration 2023, which aimed to reaffirm the commitment to ensuring global food security and nutrition for all.

The discussions held during the meeting highlighted growing concerns about escalating rates of malnutrition and increasing global food insecurity. Factors such as poverty, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, conflicts, and biodiversity loss have exacerbated these challenges. In response, the declaration emphasized the critical importance of establishing sustainable agricultural and food systems that can adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss.

During the meeting, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, in her role as the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the paramount significance of sustainable agriculture and food systems. These systems must address the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss while ensuring food security for populations worldwide. Almheiri expressed gratitude to India for hosting the event and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation across various economic sectors, particularly in bolstering food security and mitigating the impact of climate change.

To mobilize global action, Almheiri called upon G20 member countries to support the upcoming Global Framework on Agriculture, Food Systems, and Climate. This framework, set to be announced at the United Nations Food Systems Summit, has the potential to revolutionize agricultural food systems within the context of global climate action.

The G20 Agricultural Track discussed a range of pressing issues that have far-reaching implications for global livelihoods. Rising food prices, disruptions in global supply chains, and volatility in food and fertilizer prices were key concerns. Recognizing the importance of resilient supply chains for achieving food security, the group emphasized the urgent need to enhance their stability, especially in low food security environments. Women and girls, particularly those in emergency and humanitarian crises, were highlighted as focal points in these discussions.

In line with their commitment to sustainable food sources and research advancements, the G20 Agriculture Ministers’ Statement for 2023 included an annexe dedicated to the Global Research Initiative on Millet and Ancient Grains. This initiative aims to diversify and improve sustainable food sources by focusing on underutilized grains that demonstrate adaptability to climate change. Through efficient publication and knowledge exchange platforms, the initiative seeks to accelerate progress in grain research.

During a side session on adapting to a changing world, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri showcased the UAE’s experiences in the agricultural sector, highlighting successful ventures in vertical farming and the ambitious national strategy for Food Security 2051. These endeavours underscore the UAE’s commitment to addressing the evolving challenges of the agricultural landscape.

The UAE’s active participation in the G20 agricultural track, coupled with its upcoming hosting of COP28 in November, demonstrates the country’s dedication to international cooperation in combatting climate change. The launch of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative, in collaboration with the United States, further exemplifies the UAE’s proactive stance in promoting investment in climate-smart agriculture and the development of sustainable food systems.

Aligned with the United Nations’ International Year of Millet 2023 program, the UAE’s multifaceted efforts highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture and research innovation in crop production and consumption. With a steadfast commitment to empowering women, fostering global collaboration, and embracing high standards, the UAE continues to emerge as a leading force in addressing the pressing challenges facing our planet.