To Mitigate The COVID-19 Risks On Food Security Unity Is Essential To Maintain Global Food Supply Chains
Unity is fundamental if the international community is to proceed making sure materials of food at the time of the present day coronavirus disaster that was the message delivered by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food Security at an awesome virtual meeting held the previous day for the impending G20 summit, which is scheduled to take place in Riyadh in November.
The meeting of agriculture and food ministers of the Group of 20 main economies was organized to make sure the persisting flow of essential agricultural products which includes Foods in order to mitigate the threat on international food safety in the course of the present day COVID-19 outbreak and to call for international cooperation at this time. Initially set to be held on March 21, the event had to be delayed due to the fact of fallout from the consequences of the pandemic.
Because of the necessity for social distancing and restricted travel, the ministers participated remotely for the teleconferenced meeting, which was hosted in the Saudi Arabian capital. During the activity Her Excellency mentioned an array of problems associated to food security, chief among them was the want for nations to act in unison to retain the supply of food and make sure that groceries and supermarket shelves continue to be entirely stocked.
My message today is clear and simple. Unity is indispensable if we are to effectively navigate the now and plan for the next. The coronavirus crisis is a wake-up call for the entire world - joint action and team spirit are what is required at this time, stated Her Excellency.
The global food supply, which is too often taken for granted, is witnessing serious disruptions triggered by various precautionary measures that threaten food manufacturing and food supply. These measures are additionally negatively impacting the lives of the people concerned in the food and agriculture industry, so it is essential we work collectively in an energetic and dedicated way, Her Excellency added.
Referencing the UAEs National Food Security strategy, which the Food Security Office launched in November 2018 and which has reinforced the countrys resilience to food crises and emergencies, Her Excellency stressed that in spite of imposed travel restrictions and social distancing measures developing challenges for cooperation, it was necessary that nations worked collectively and followed the suggestions of global organizations. She also warned about unscrupulous actors taking benefit of the crisis by increasing costs of vital foodstuffs.
It is our responsibility to work intently and cooperate with all actors that facilitate the export of meals and agriculture products. It is additionally incumbent upon us to comply with the suggestions of specialized global bodies, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization as much as possible, who suggest averting limiting food exports as this might intensify the threat of food insecurity. Additionally, It is our responsibility to make sure food affordability and to take measures that prevent unjustified food cost hikes and profiteering throughout the food supply chain during this time, stated Her Excellency.
Stressing the need for food safety in the course of the crisis, Her Excellency added: While COVID-19 is not transmitted directly via the consumption of food, food can be a vector for the virus if it comes into contact with it. It is consequently essential to remind people of good hygiene and quality food safety practices. These practices are pretty simple and effective to fight against the spread of COVID-19, specifically as people are relying on food delivery throughout the time of lockdown.
Her Excellency extended the UAEs gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for calling for the virtual meeting to talk about and enhance global efforts to fight Covid-19, as well for Saudi Arabias sterling leadership of the G20 response to the crisis. She also reiterated the sentiments of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, who declared a assertion for the Extraordinary G20 Leaders Summit previous month, reiterating that global cooperation and team spirit is required now more than ever.
Finally, Her Excellency praised the efforts of international medical staff, carers, and other key employees leading the battle against the virus.
Thank you to our front liners... The courageous and devoted men and women throughout the world who are working tirelessly day and night to keep us protected and to make sure food supplies are properly maintained. We are forever grateful for your devotion, hard work and sacrifices, stated Her Excellency.
The 2020 G20 Riyadh summit will take place in Riyadh on November 2122 in the Saudi Arabian capital. It will be the fifteenth meeting of Group of Twenty (G20), with the kingdom having assumed the G20 Presidency in December 2019.
