Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - From May 6th to 8th, 2024, the workshop on Food Loss and Waste (FLW) management estimation and implementation, showcasing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's experience, was organized by IOFS, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (MEWA), in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD). The event convened experts and stakeholders from across Arab nations, aiming to deepen their understanding of the economic, food safety, social, and environmental implications of FLW, while sharing successful case studies and best practices from Saudi Arabia.
The workshop sought to enrich participants' comprehension of FLW's multifaceted impact and foster knowledge exchange on effective mitigation strategies, drawing from the experiences of Saudi Arabia and other Arab nations.
Commencing with an inaugural ceremony featuring addresses by distinguished figures such as Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Fozan, Deputy of the Food Security Authority, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and representatives from IOFS and AOAD, the workshop spanned three days of intensive deliberations.
The sessions covered diverse topics, encompassing the current status of FLW in Arab countries, associated challenges, prospects, and notable case studies from nations including Jordan, Yemen, Lebanon, Sudan, Djibouti, Libya, Iraq, Tunisia, Palestine, Sultanate of Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Mauritania, alongside representatives from the regional office of UN FAO in Riyadh and the International Date Council.
Facilitating a robust exchange of methodologies and innovative solutions for FLW estimation and reduction, the workshop featured expert insights from esteemed organizations such as the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the National Center for the Prevention & Control of Plant Pest & Animal Diseases (WEQAA).
Encouraging discussions and networking opportunities fostered regional cooperation and knowledge dissemination among participating nations, culminating in a field visit to "Istidama," offering practical insights into FLW management practices and implementation strategies, alongside showcasing Saudi Arabia's agricultural vision.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Fozan emphasized the workshop's pivotal role, stating, "This workshop represents a significant stride in our collective endeavor to tackle FLW challenges in the Arab region."
The workshop showcased the unwavering commitment of Arab nations towards addressing FLW, thereby making substantial contributions to global food security and sustainability initiatives.
