Riyadh, September 14, 2024 — Saudi Arabia has advocated for a unified global effort to achieve sustainable food security by implementing long-term strategic changes and fostering greater international collaboration. In his address at the G20 agriculture ministers' meeting in Brazil, Environment, Water, and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman AlFadley stressed the urgency of innovative solutions and practical measures to meet the increasing food demands.
AlFadley acknowledged advancements in technology and innovation but highlighted the ongoing necessity for substantial investments in agriculture to boost productivity and resilience within food systems. He underscored the need to improve access to sustainable financing for agricultural development.
Saudi Arabia has been proactive in attracting both domestic and international investments into its agricultural sector, leading to a notable increase in agricultural loans and a 35% rise in the sector's contribution to GDP. AlFadley called for addressing supply-chain disruptions and input issues to stabilize prices and ensure efficient food markets. He urged nations to refrain from imposing trade restrictions that could adversely affect global food security.
The minister also highlighted the importance of engaging stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, in achieving sustainable food systems. He praised Brazil's Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty initiative and recognized the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Center's (KSrelief) efforts in supporting food-security projects across 78 countries.
AlFadley touched upon the One Health approach, stressing the need to combat antimicrobial resistance to safeguard food systems. He extended an invitation to participants for the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November.