Bin Fahad participates in Ministers of Agricultural forum in Expo Milan 2015

Food security is a top priority in the UAE which recognises the urgent need to address current social and environmental challenge

Dubai: Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, took part in the Ministers agricultural forum featured in Expo Milan 2015 alongside ministers from other participant countries.

This year’s edition of the forum is being held under the slogan, “From Expo Milano 2015 and Beyond: Agriculture to Feed the Planet”, and is taking place from June 4 to 5, 2015. The UAE’s participation in the forum reflects its steadfast commitment to contribute to the global effort to establish sustainable development throughout the international community.

During the “Food Security and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)” session, Bin Fahad said food security is a top priority in the UAE which recognises the urgent need to address current social and environmental challenges.

He also noted that ICT is integral to the growth and development of the economy and that it plays a crucial role in encouraging innovation and new business opportunities in the field of food security and other vital sectors.

Bin Fahad also emphasised the need to establish, enhance and implement national strategies for smart agriculture, and the value of integrating ICT into rural development to support food security and address food shortage.

He encouraged parties in the agricultural sector to actively collaborate and exchange knowledge on the latest technological advancements and pioneering practices in the field. Moreover, he explained the importance of using ICT to help individuals, communities and countries effectively prevent and adapt to potential food crises.

The Ministry will hold a series of meetings at the UAE pavilion to discuss vital matters in relation to the nation’s economy, food and biological security, and its smart transformation. In addition, it will also outline initiatives that will soon be implemented in line with the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021.