In the vibrant city of Tunis, a pivotal event took place on December 20-21, 2023, tackling a pressing issue in the Arab World. The Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) joined forces to host the “World Conference on Food Security in the Arab World During and After Crises” at ALECSO’s headquarters.
ALECSO, a Tunis-based institution of the Arab League, aims to achieve unity of thought in the Arab world through education, culture, and science. And, IOFS focuses on coordinating and implementing agricultural policies to reduce food crises in its member states.
The conference was more than a gathering; it was a call to action. Food security, a topic of global concern, has taken center stage in the Arab world, where the hazards of climate change loom large. H.E. Mr. Abdel Monêm Belâati, the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, underscored the urgency of the situation, advocating for a focus on agricultural research and climate change mitigation.
The conference covered a range of topics, including global cooperation, the use of modern technology in agriculture, and the interconnection of food security with health, energy, and water resources.
The first day of the conference saw 15 interactive sessions. One of the key themes discussed was the establishment of a diaspora network. A highlight session titled “A Round Table to Establish an Alecso Network for Arab Diaspora Scientists in the Field of Food Security, Water and Environment” was moderated by ALECSO Director of Science and Scientific Research Directorate, Professor Mohammed Sand Abu Darwish.
The session featured distinguished Arab researchers, including SASTA Chairman Professor Wael Al-Delaimy, SASTA President Professor Rana Dajani, and Professor Issa Batarseh.
Additionally, Professor Dajani was honored at the conference and delivered a tribute speech to all Arab scientists; male and female, past and present, and across all disciplines of science.
SASTA was proud to participate in the conference and is looking forward to the next steps, which include organizing a workshop to establish an Arab network of scientists from the diaspora in the field of food security, water, and the environment.
Comments