The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) recently participated in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81) in New York. As part of its participation, MOCCAE convened a High-Level Ministerial Majlis and Resilience Dialogue titled 'From Shock to Resilience: Safeguarding Food Security and Critical Supply Chains Amid Regional Disruptions'. The event was chaired by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The Majlis brought together senior government officials and representatives of international organisations and development and financial institutions. They examined the readiness of food and water systems and the continuity of critical supply chains, including the availability and flow of goods, energy, fertilisers, and agricultural inputs through trade and transport routes. The discussion focused on moving from responding to disruptions after they occur to preparing proactively for risks and building resilience.
Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised that food security cannot be measured by production alone, but depends on the ability of the entire system to keep operating under pressure. She highlighted the UAE's approach under the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which includes climate-smart agriculture, the use of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, support for farmers, and more efficient and sustainable domestic production.
The Majlis was moderated by Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Alzaabi, Director General at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). Participants included senior officials from various international organisations, such as UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Bank Group. They discussed identifying vulnerabilities across food and water systems and supply chains, and assessing how disruptions could affect production and prices.
The dialogue also addressed ways to diversify supply sources, markets, and logistics routes, strengthen strategic stockpiles, and improve data sharing for planning and decision-making. Participants examined the development of early-warning and decision-support tools, and cooperation among governments, international organisations, financial institutions, and the private sector.
Beyond the Majlis, Dr. Amna Al Dahak participated in other discussions during UNGA high-level week, connecting international climate action with the resilience of communities and economies. She delivered the UAE's statement at the 'High-Level Meeting on Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea Level Rise', reaffirming the UAE's solidarity with Small Island Developing States and coastal communities.
Dr. Al Dahak also participated in the 'High-Level Solutions Dialogue on Accelerating Green Industrialisation: From Ambition to Implementation' and a dialogue titled 'Expanding the Finance Base: The Urgent Case for Scaling Up Loss and Damage Finance'. She stressed the need for international cooperation, climate action, and finance to support countries in building resilient and prepared food and water systems.
Key points
- MOCCAE convened a High-Level Ministerial Majlis to address global disruptions in food, water, and critical supply chains.
- Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised the importance of international cooperation and climate action in building resilience.
- The UAE pledged US$100 million to the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage.
