Islamic Organization for Food Security

IOFS Reports on its Activities to Senior Official Meeting Preparatory to the 40th COMCEC Ministerial Session in Türkiye Istanbul, 02 November 2024 – Upon instructions of H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, the Director General of the Islamic Organization of Food Security (IOFS), Mr. Abdula Manafi Mutualo, Chief Multilateral Affairs Officer represented the Organization at the Senior Official Meeting Preparatory to the 40th Ministerial Session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC), being held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye. In his address, Mr. Manafi highlighted the centrality of food security issues within the economic domains and interests of all Member States. In such context and while emphasizing the excellent relationship the IOFS enjoys with COMCEC, he reported on the activities held since the last Ministerial Session, highlighting the successful implementation of i) Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI), emphasizing the activities of IOFS that were held for the first time in Benin, Gambia, and Uganda, particularly in searching for innovative solutions for cassava post-harvest loss and waste reduction; ii) the Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP), with the focus on the project on Wheat Cultivation for Sustainable Development in West Afghanistan implemented in October 2024 in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), as well the overall implementation of iii) the IOFS Strategic Vision 2031. The IOFS Representative also requested the Meeting to support the Organization in its Gaza Appeal, thanking those Member States that have already extended their generous support accordingly, including Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Qatar, and Tajikistan. Additionally, and taking into account that the وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE (MOCCAE) has graciously invited the IOFS to be an institutional partner for the holding of the Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) on 26-27 November 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Mr. Manafi encouraged the participating Member States and relevant OIC Institutions to actively participate and contribute for the successful convening of this important gathering. The Senior Officials are therefore expected to adopt all related documents, including the Resolutions of the 40th COMCEC Ministerial Session on 03 November 2024, and the same is to be opened on the following day under the chairmanship of the His Excellency Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the President of the Republic of Türkiye. It should be noted that, for the first time, the IOFS Subsidiary, the International Islamic Food Processing Association (IFPA) represented by its CEO Mr. Saleh Lootah, attended the COMCEC Meeting, which was requested to include it in the periodical Trade Working Group Meetings with a view to supporting IFPA’s relevant initiatives within intra-OIC trade promotion.

The Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) is set to launch in Abu Dhabi on 26-27 November 2024, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority ADAFSA. As a proud partner, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) invites you to join this transformative event, which aims to combat world hunger by focusing on biosecurity and agriculture in arid environments. Anticipated to be one of the largest scientific gatherings in the MENA region, GFSS will explore innovative, sustainable, and profitable approaches, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. Bringing together heads of state, experts, and representatives from developing countries, women, and youth, GFSS fosters inclusive dialogue to address critical food security challenges. Held under the theme “Together, for Humanity,” this Summit is part of the 3rd Global Food Week (GFW) and promotes global collaboration to create sustainable solutions for food security. 🔹 600+ Conference Delegates 🔹 80+ Visionary Speakers 🔹 70+ Visiting Countries Don't miss your chance to be part of this global gathering where every discussion shapes our collective future. Register today: https://lnkd.in/ddkHEPTN وزارة التغير المناخي والبيئة Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, ADNEC Group, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority ADAFSA, UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, FAO

IOFS and OPEC Fund Continue Strengthening Cooperation on Food Security Initiatives Astana, October 30, 2024 – Today, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and The OPEC Fund for International Development conducted an online consultation, building on their ongoing collaboration to enhance food security in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States and other developing nations. The consultation follows the productive bilateral meeting held in September 2024, where both organizations explored potential areas for cooperation, including humanitarian initiatives, strategic projects, and agricultural development programs. During today’s meeting, IOFS provided an update on ongoing projects and activities, including the Cassava Project in several African countries and the initial stage of the IOFS Gene Bank project. Other key initiatives discussed were the Wheat Development Project, Biochar, Food Banking, and Livestock projects. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing these initiatives as part of a broader partnership aimed at addressing food insecurity across vulnerable regions. The draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also discussed, and both organizations expressed their commitment to finalize and sign it as soon as possible. Additionally, the two organizations discussed joint humanitarian activities, particularly focused on providing support to Gaza, as part of their shared commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs in vulnerable regions. The consultation concluded with optimism, reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to work together to achieve food security, build resilience, and support sustainable development for all.

On the occasion of the Republic Day of the Republic of Turkiye, the Islamic Organization for Food Security extends its cordial congratulations!

2/2 Islamic Organization for Food Security Strengthens Global Efforts at the Donors' Conference to Aid Displaced Populations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region Ambassador Khusrav Noziri further engaged with Mr. Fahad Al-Osaimi, Director of Emergency Relief at KSrelief, discussing potential collaborations to address humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Yemen, Palestine, and Sudan. Both parties agreed to initiate technical consultations to explore collaborative project implementations, enhancing their shared commitment to food security and resilience-building in conflict-affected communities. In line with this agenda, Ambassador Noziri held a productive consultation with Mr. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), exploring synergies between IOFS’s reach within member countries and WFP’s expertise. Their discussions centered on coordinated food security initiatives and building climate-resilient agricultural systems to alleviate food insecurity in vulnerable regions. Ambassador Noziri also met with Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, where they discussed collaborative approaches to alleviate pressures on host countries, address root causes of displacement, and promote climate-resilient agricultural practices for stabilized food supplies in fragile regions. The IOFS-UNHCR partnership aims to deliver solutions that empower host communities and address the factors driving displacement. Additionally, the IOFS delegation engaged with representatives from the European Union, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AGENCIA ESPAÑOLA DE COOPERACION INTERNACIONAL PARA EL DESARROLLO - AECID), and the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). These discussions focused on expanding partnerships to support IOFS’s objectives, specifically in strengthening food security and resilience initiatives across Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States through a coordinated multilateral response. The conference highlighted a crisis often overshadowed by other global events, bringing urgent attention to over 33 million people across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, and Mali who face severe consequences from conflict, displacement, and critical food insecurity. Leaders and donors emphasized the importance of a unified response and committed to immediate action to meet the needs of affected populations. At the event’s conclusion, donor commitments exceeded $1.1 billion, including substantial in-kind contributions from over ten donor countries, agencies, and organizations. This collective effort underscores the international community’s dedication to addressing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises and building resilience for communities in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.

1/2 Islamic Organization for Food Security Strengthens Global Efforts at the Donors' Conference to Aid Displaced Populations in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region Astana, 29th October – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), led by Ambassador Khusrav Noziri, Assistant Director General of IOFS, attended the Donors' Conference to Support Displaced People and Refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad Region. This critical conference, hosted in Jeddah by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), was organized in cooperation with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) , with coordination from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (United Nations OCHA) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The conference aimed to mobilize resources for urgent humanitarian and development initiatives supporting communities severely impacted by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. By bringing together international leaders, government representatives, and prominent aid organizations, the event highlighted a shared commitment to address the critical needs of displaced individuals and refugees across the region. During the event, IOFS’s delegation engaged in multiple high-level discussions with key stakeholders, focusing on strengthening partnerships and aligning efforts on shared humanitarian priorities. Ambassador Noziri held discussions with His Excellency Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Their meeting emphasized collaboration in humanitarian initiatives across the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, with a particular focus on IOFS's support for capacity-building in water management, livestock, food production, and sustainable livelihoods. Through coordination with the OIC Regional Mission in Niger, both sides underscored the importance of the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus to bolster food security and refugee support across member states in the region. Ambassador Bakheet commended the Islamic Organization for Food Security’s impactful humanitarian efforts, notably in Afghanistan under the Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP), and expressed a commitment to deepen cooperation in IOFS’s focal areas.

On behalf of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and myself, it is a great honor to extend our warmest congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan and to His Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of Republic Day, a celebration of Kazakhstan’s National Day. As a founding member of the IOFS, Kazakhstan has played a pivotal role in its establishment and remains a key contributor to ensuring food security among OIC Member States. Through the steadfast support of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, along with other Member States, the IOFS has been able to strengthen its mission to promote global food security in the geography of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) . We celebrate Kazakhstan’s continued achievements and wish the nation ongoing prosperity. Happy Republic Day! Ambassador Berik Aryn Director General of IOFS

Strengthening Ties for Food Security—IOFS Director General Meets Kuwait's Ambassador Astana, Kazakhstan – On 24 October 2024, H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), held a meeting with H.E. Omar Ahmad Al-Kanderi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the IOFS Headquarters. During the meeting, both sides discussed the importance of strengthening cooperation between IOFS and Kuwait. They explored opportunities for collaboration on joint projects that align with the objectives of enhancing food security and agricultural development in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC )Member States. Notably, IOFS is poised to open new markets for Kuwait and importers from OIC Member States, facilitating international technology exchange and attracting experts to contribute to regional projects tailored to Kuwait's priorities. Ambassador Aryn also extended an invitation for Kuwait to participate in ongoing IOFS projects, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing food security challenges in the region. Significant initiatives of the Organization include the IOFS International Gene Bank, Climate Smart Agriculture, Food Banks to Combat Food Loss and Waste, Water Resources Management, and Wheat Development, as well as ongoing humanitarian initiatives. In addition, the upcoming visit of the Director General to Kuwait was discussed, highlighting the potential for deeper collaboration and engagement in shared objectives. To conclude, both parties expressed their commitment to fostering partnerships that promote sustainable agricultural practices and food systems. By pooling resources and expertise, the IOFS and Kuwait aim to address pressing food security issues that affect communities in their regions

IOFS Participates in the Regional Strategic Dialogue on Climate Change and Women in Agriculture in Baku, Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan – 22-23 October 2024 — The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) participated in the Regional Strategic Dialogue on Climate Change and Women in Agriculture: Challenges and Opportunities in the CAC Region, organized by the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The two-day event, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, gathered women experts from Central Asia and the Caucasus to address critical issues related to climate change, agriculture, and women's empowerment. Key discussions focused on gender equality, women’s leadership in agriculture, and innovative technologies for climate-resilient agriculture. Participants explored solutions for empowering women in agriculture through community-based actions, food security strategies, and climate adaptation technologies. IOFS’s participation reflects its ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable food security and supporting initiatives that enhance the role of women in agriculture. By fostering collaboration, IOFS aims to contribute to building resilient agricultural systems in the face of climate change.

IOFS Launches Webinars on Value Chain Analysis in Livestock Sector Astana, Kazakhstan – 23 October 2024 – The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) has officially commenced a series of webinars focused on Value Chain Analysis (VCA) in the livestock sector for participants from OIC Member States. The inaugural session features renowned expert Dr. Ahmed Deif from California Polytechnic State University, who will guide participants through this essential analytical framework. The livestock sector is a cornerstone of the economies and food systems in many Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States. By utilizing VCA, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into the intricate relationships and processes involved in the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of livestock products. This approach aims to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies while uncovering opportunities for enhancement across the entire value chain. The first seminar saw active participation from representatives of the UAE, Qatar, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Jordan, and Iraq. Their engagement highlights the commitment of OIC Member States to improving livestock productivity and sustainability. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, 29 October 2024, at 11:00 AM Astana time. Participants are encouraged to register and join this vital discussion, as the series aims to empower stakeholders with the tools and knowledge necessary for advancing the livestock sector.