FAO Assistant Director-General Calls for Urgent Action to Combat Global Hunger at Dubai Summit

During his participation in the “Food for Future” Summit, Abdul Hakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, called for immediate and decisive action to tackle the global hunger crisis. This summit was part of the “Gulfood Green 2024” event held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In a session titled “Food Security and Climate Change - Global Access to Food and Justice,” Elwaer highlighted the alarming statistics: approximately 9.1% of the global population has been suffering from hunger since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 alone, between 713 and 757 million people faced hunger, equating to one in every 11 people worldwide, and one in every five in Africa. Elwaer stressed that the ongoing issue of hunger and food insecurity, particularly in the Near East and North Africa, demands collaborative efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of eradicating hunger.

“Climate change is significantly impacting crop productivity,” Elwaer noted. “Rising temperatures accelerate plant growth cycles, which can lead to reduced yields.” He emphasized the need to bolster community resilience to these changes to ensure food security. Elwaer also underscored the importance of cooperation among all stakeholders to enhance food access and achieve justice, especially in regions most affected by climate change.

Elwaer praised the UAE's commitment to sustainable food systems, stating, “The UAE's proactive approach in addressing food security challenges sets a remarkable example for the region. Their innovative practices and partnerships are vital in the global fight against hunger.”

The Food for Future Summit, held alongside the Gulfood Green event, convenes leaders from various sectors to discuss innovative solutions and sustainable practices in food production. The summit aims to raise awareness about the importance of food security and sustainability and to encourage immediate actions to combat hunger.