Islamic Organization for Food Security

Director General of IOFS, attended Partnerships and Investment Forum on Food Security in Tashkent Tashkent, Uzbekistan – 6 September 2024 H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), participated in the Partnerships and Investment Forum on Food Security held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The forum gathered key international stakeholders to address pressing issues related to food security and to explore potential investment opportunities in the sector. On the sidelines of the forum, H.E. Amb. Aryn held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with prominent officials to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing food security and fostering partnerships within the region. 1. Ms. Rabab Fatima, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries, and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) of the United Nations. The two diplomats exchanged views on possible collaboration and discussed mutual areas of cooperation including the project on food security in LLDC as well as, IOFS mandates in Afghanistan. In conclusion H.E Ms. Fatima invited H.E Ambassador Aryn to the upcoming 3rd UN conference for LLDCs in Botswana. 2. Mr. Torobayev Bakyt, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic. H.E. Amb. Aryn provided an overview of the IOFS's key initiatives and stressed the importance of Kyrgyzstan’s membership to IOFS. In addition, an invitation was extended to Mr. B.Torobayev to attend the upcoming IOFS General Assembly. 3. Mr. Aloev Bakhromjon, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Both parties explored avenues for enhancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and the IOFS, with a focus on advancing regional food security efforts. One of the key topics of discussion was Afghanistan food security program. The parties agreed to strengthen cooperation in this field. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment of all parties involved to tackle global food security challenges through strengthened partnerships and collaborative actions. The IOFS continues to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainable food systems across member states and remains committed to engaging with international stakeholders to further its mission.

Director General of IOFS Delivers Keynote Address at International Forum on Food Security and Sustainable Development Goals Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 5 September 2024 — H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), delivered a compelling speech at the International Forum of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) on Food Security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The forum, a pivotal gathering for addressing food security challenges within the SDGs framework, underscores the importance of global collaboration and innovative solutions for landlocked developing countries. In his keynote address, Amb. Aryn highlighted the unique challenges faced by landlocked countries in achieving food security due to their geographic isolation and limited access to global markets. He emphasized the need for targeted initiatives to address environmental vulnerabilities, food price volatility, and infrastructure limitations, which are critical for enhancing food security in these regions. The Director General commended Uzbekistan’s leadership in organizing the forum and its historical role in addressing food security, referencing Tashkent's legacy as "the city of bread" during challenging periods. On the sidelines of the forum, Ambassador Aryn engaged in productive meetings with key figures in the agricultural sector. He met with: ·        Mr. Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, Minister for Agriculture of Uzbekistan, where they discussed the IOFS's mission and the Minister’s appreciation for Ambassador Aryn's speech. They explored future collaboration opportunities to advance food security initiatives in Uzbekistan. ·        H.E. Kurban Khakimzoda, Minister of Agriculture of Tajikistan, to express gratitude for Tajikistan’s longstanding support, particularly regarding the Gaza Appeal. They discussed ongoing and future joint efforts in the realm of food security. ·        Dr. Tarifa Ajeif AlZaabi, Ed.D Alzaabi, Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), where both parties agreed to implement joint projects aimed at enhancing agricultural resilience and innovation. ·        Mr. Zafar Ziyaev, Director of the Scientific Research Institute of Plant Genetic Resources under the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan, to strengthen cooperation in plant genetic resources and agricultural research. ·        Mr. Sanoussi Hisseine, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture of Chad, where they discussed potential prospects for collaboration in food security and agricultural development. In conclusion, Ambassador Aryn expressed his profound gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the forum and reiterated the IOFS’s dedication to collaborating with member states and international partners to achieve global food security. He urged continued unity and collaboration to overcome challenges and secure a future where food security is a global reality.

Practical Training Empowers Farmers with Composting Techniques Nigeria – September 2-5, 2024 – A recent training program in Nigeria brought together 40 farmers and agricultural professionals to learn practical techniques for transforming agricultural waste into organo-mineral fertilizers. The hands-on sessions highlighted the importance of using organic fertilizers as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, which can lead to long-term soil degradation and environmental harm, adopting these composting techniques, participants were equipped to improve soil fertility, enhance crop yields, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

IOFS-HBKU Webinar Series: Water Security - Innovative Strategies for Financing, Policy, and Governance Join us on 8 September for an insightful discussion on “Water Security: Innovative Strategies for Financing, Policy, and Governance”! This engaging webinar, moderated by Dr. Dalal Aassouli from Hamad Bin Khalifa University, will gather a diverse panel of experts to tackle critical issues surrounding water security, which is increasingly crucial for food security and sustainable development. Date: 8 September 2024 Time: 7:00 A.M GMT (12:00 P.M Astana Time) Registration Link: https://lnkd.in/eRfJbe4r Speakers: -        Ms. Maheen Malik - Water & Climate Policy Coordinator, Alliance for Water Stewardship -        Professor Dr. Ali Fares - Endowed Professor of Water Security and Water-Energy-Food Nexus, College of Agriculture & Human Sciences, Prairie View A&M University -        Dr. Raha Hakimdavar – Senior Advisor to the Deans of GU-Q and Earth Commons, Georgetown University, Founder and CEO of Zyon Space -        Dr. Bapon Shm Fakhruddin, PhD – Water Sector Lead at Green Climate Fund -        Ms. Katrina Donaghy – Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Civic Ledger - Dr. Dr. Amgad Elmahdi - Director of MENA Region, Green Climate Fund What to Expect: ·       Expert Panel: Hear from leading voices across sectors, including tech, finance, multilateral organizations, and academic institutions. ·       Tech Innovations: Discover how advancements, such as blockchain, are revolutionizing water management and governance. ·       Finance Insights: Learn about cutting-edge financing mechanisms supporting sustainable water projects. ·       Global Perspectives: Gain valuable insights into international collaboration and resource mobilization to tackle water security challenges. ·       Policy and Governance: Explore effective policy-making strategies and governance approaches for managing water resources. A special focus will be on the water-food-energy nexus, emphasizing the need for integrated management to optimize resource use and ensure sustainability. This is especially relevant for the OIC region, where varying levels of water availability and challenges like rapid growth and climate change impact both food security and socio-economic development.

Empowering Sustainable Agriculture through Capacity Building on Soil Health Nigeria – 2-5 September 2024 – As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing food security in African countries, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) has strengthened its collaboration with Nigerian farmers through a highly impactful training program on "Converting Agricultural Wastes to Organo-Mineral Fertilizers through Composting." This initiative not only underscores the IOFS's dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural practices among its member countries but also directly tackles the pressing challenge of soil degradation, a significant threat to food security, particularly in Africa. Recognizing the importance of sustainable agricultural methods, the IOFS is actively addressing this challenge across its member states. This training program is a key component of the IOFS's broader strategy to enhance food security and resilience through capacity building and innovation. The initiative equipped farmers and agricultural professionals with essential skills to improve soil fertility and boost agricultural productivity.

IOFS and OPEC Fund Discuss Strengthening Cooperation Astana, Kazakhstan - 3 September 2024 – His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director-General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), welcomed His Excellency Abdulhamid Alkhalifa, President of the The OPEC Fund for International Development, to discuss potential areas of cooperation between the two institutions. During the meeting, held at the IOFS Headquarters in Astana, both leaders provided an overview of their respective institutions. Ambassador Aryn highlighted the mission of the IOFS to ensure food security across its member countries, while H.E. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa elaborated on the OPEC Fund’s commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives, particularly in food security. The discussions focused on identifying specific areas where IOFS and the OPEC Fund could collaborate effectively. Both sides agreed on the importance of forging a strategic partnership that leverages the strengths of both organizations to address critical challenges in food security. The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to formalize this collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to be signed in the near future. This MoU will define key areas of cooperation, setting the stage for joint initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and promoting sustainable development across the regions served by both institutions. H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn expressed his confidence that this partnership would significantly contribute to the shared goals of IOFS and the OPEC Fund, emphasizing the importance of such collaborations in achieving global food security and sustainable development.

2/2 IOFS Concludes Biochar Application Training to Empower Kazakhstani Institutions for Sustainable Agriculture Looking forward, the Kazakh National Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry will conduct applied research on biochar production and application during the autumn of 2024 and spring of 2025. The results of this research will be presented in August 2025. The event concluded with a ceremony where participants were awarded certificates. International Office KazNARU, along with other Kazakhstani research institutions, expressed their appreciation for IOFS and ICESCO's efforts in organizing the event and introducing biochar production and application at the small-scale farmer level. This initiative represents a pivotal step in promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Central Asia. As the first of its kind in Kazakhstan, it sets the stage for the broader adoption of biochar technology throughout the region. IOFS remains committed to fostering innovation and collaboration to drive sustainable agricultural development among its member states and plans to expand similar initiatives to other regions.

1/2 IOFS Concludes Biochar Application Training to Empower Kazakhstani Institutions for Sustainable Agriculture The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) successfully concluded the capacity-building segment of the "Train Stakeholders on the Use of Biotechnology for Sustainable Farming: Harnessing the Potential of Biochar" project. The training, which took place at the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (International Office KazNARU), was marked by the handover of a biochar machine prototype to Kazakhstani institutions, symbolizing a significant step toward sustainable agriculture in the region. At the conclusion of the first day, First Deputy Rector of KazNARU, Prof. Dr. Primkul Ibragimov, met with the organizers from IOFS and ICESCO, along with the international experts. He commended the innovative approach of biochar application discussed during the training and highlighted the positive feedback from the participating scientists. Dr. Ibragimov stressed the importance of this technology for advancing sustainable agriculture in Kazakhstan and expressed his support for its continued development and application. On the second day participants engaged in hands-on training with the biochar machine, gaining practical experience in biochar production and its application to enhance soil health and agricultural productivity. The sessions were led by international experts, including Dr. Ghulam Haider from Pakistan's National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and Dr. Ahmed H. El-Naggar from the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The sessions began with a theoretical session where international experts introduced the concept and working principles of the biochar machine. Following this, the practical segment brought together researchers, university teachers, farmers, and students, who, alongside the experts, actively engaged with the biochar machine. They produced biochar using the provided biochar machine prototype and collected samples for analysis and comparison with the European Biochar Certificate (EBC) standard.

11th December is Now the OIC Food Security Day as adopted by the 50th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Yaoundé Yaoundé, Cameroon – 30 August 2024: Upon instructions of His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), Mr. Abdula Manafi Mutualo, Chief Multilateral Affairs Officer, represented the Organization at in the 50th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ), being held in Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon, that was from 29 to 30 August 2024. This year’s Session was themed: “Developing Intra-OIC Transportation and Communication Infrastructure: Key Instrument for Combating Poverty and Insecurity.” His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cameroon, opened and closed the two-day deliberations that were presided over by H.E. Mr. Lejeune Mbella Mbella, Minister of External Relations of the Republic of Cameroon, who received such role transferred by the Chairman of 49th CFM, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. A Ministerial Brainstorming Session on the theme: “Developing Intra-OIC Transportation and Communication Infrastructure: Key Instrument for Combating Poverty and Insecurity” was held on the first day, and participating Member States highlighted their views on how to advance such agenda within the OIC geography, and some of them mentioned the critical role that robust transportation and communication infrastructure play in fostering economic cooperation and ensuring food security across OIC Member States. Among the more than 100 resolutions that were adopted by the 50th CFM, it is to be highlighted the decision of launching the OIC Food Security Day that is to be celebrated on every 11th of December, the day that the IOFS was established in 2013. Additionally, the Ministerial Meeting welcomed the idea of initiating the IOFS Gene Bank to be hosted by the Republic of Kazakhstan to serve all Member States, as well as the establishment of a Regional Center for Training and Guidance on the application of good agricultural practices for Member States and promoting awareness of agricultural insurance among the Member States, as proposed by the State of Qatar. The Session brought together Foreign Ministers from OIC Member States, as well as representatives of OIC Institutions, to discuss a wide range of topics, including political issues, the Palestinian cause, economic affairs, science and technology, cultural and social matters, and humanitarian concerns. It should be noted that the meeting also marked the 50th anniversary of Cameroon’s accession to the OIC in 1974, adding a historic dimension to the event, which in its Declaration, welcomed the kind offer of the Republic of Turkiye to host the 51st CFM in 2025.

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