Qatar Charity participated in the “Second High-Level Forum on Food Security” of the Islamic Organization for Food Security, which was launched on the first of October and lasted for three days.

 A memorandum of cooperation was also signed between Qatar Charity and the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and Mr. Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs, gave a speech during the Symposium on the role of civil society organizations in agricultural development and food security.

Investing in agricultural development

During the speech of Mr. Ahmed Al-Rumaihi, he stressed the role of Qatar Charity in promoting food security and said: “As an international non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian and development assistance in more than 70 countries, Qatar Charity has long realized that investing in agricultural development and food security is crucial to the response.” "It can effectively address development challenges when a crisis occurs and can provide long-term and sustainable solutions that can improve livelihoods, reduce poverty, and directly address the root cause of acute hunger and malnutrition."

He added: "Qatar Charity invests in agricultural programs and initiatives that enhance food production and support small farmers in Syria, Sudan, Palestine and many other countries."

Al-Rumaihi spoke about the importance of cooperation with civil society organizations, saying: “Cooperation with civil society organizations was crucial to the success, sustainability, and continuity of our interventions. We work on the front lines, bridging the gap between farmers, policymakers, and local communities, and providing a better understanding and ability to address the challenges faced by local communities.”

Al-Rumaihi touched on Qatar Charity’s experience in northern Syria through the wheat value chain project and said: “Qatar Charity supported the infrastructure of the wheat value chain to enhance local wheat production in northern Syria and facilitate a self-sustainable system through which farmers and bakeries can maintain their livelihoods.”

He added: "The long-term goal of the program is to build resilience and ensure sustainable agricultural practices capable of withstanding future challenges."

It is worth noting that the forum included many sessions and discussions aimed at promoting common goals by holding three sub-forums: the first forum, the forum on the role of civil society in enhancing food security, the second forum on advanced agricultural technology and its role in promoting sustainable food security, and the third forum on the Islamic Federation of Food Industries on Strengthening food markets in OIC countries.

The forum was an opportunity to exchange opinions and discussions and present advanced scientific interventions, which were presented by several scientists, experts, and policymakers, to establish innovative and modern mechanisms for developing plans, strategies, and programs to enhance food security.