The visit adds further impetus to the long-running strategic partnership between ICBA and FAO
The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have reaffirmed their joint efforts to accelerate the transition to more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems.
During a high-level FAO delegation visit to the centre’s head office in Dubai, the UAE, Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, emphasised the importance of bolstering collaboration to support countries in their goals to transform agrifood systems, and mitigate and adapt to climate change.
Dr Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, said: “We have a long-running strategic partnership with FAO and this visit symbolises our shared commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – in particular SDG 2 of Zero Hunger – through science and innovation. We have implemented a number of successful initiatives aimed at improving food security and livelihoods, enhancing natural resources management, and developing individual and institutional capacities in various countries. By combining our capabilities, we can create innovative and transformative solutions for the challenges facing agrifood systems and achieve greater synergy and impact.”
“As the UAE marks the Year of Sustainability and prepares to host COP28, it is important to work together towards a more sustainable future at local and international levels. More than ever, we need solidarity and collective action to tackle global issues such as climate change,” Dr Tarifa Alzaabi added.
Dr QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, recognised ICBA as an important research and development partner, highlighting the centre’s contributions to FAO projects in the Middle East, North Africa, and other regions. He expressed FAO’s commitment to strengthening collaborations with partners like ICBA to achieve SDGs and create a food-secure future for all.
