The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine of Ireland to enhance cooperation in the field of food security.
The agreement was signed by Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, (Pictured above) UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Charlie McConalogue T.D Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will collaborate in leveraging the latest technologies to optimize food and water management, promoting foreign direct investments in sustainable agriculture, facilitating trade in food and agricultural products, and sharing knowledge of national governance frameworks that seek to address the critical water, food, and energy nexus.
Speaking on the new partnership, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said,“Strengthening national food security is a strategic priority for the UAE. Therefore, the Ministry is keen to step up collaboration with relevant entities in other countries to boost food trade, ensure the continuity of supply chains, and drive the adoption of innovative solutions in this field. The agreement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland will spur the exchange of successful innovation- and technology-based experiences in all aspects of food security and sustainability.”
For his part, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for Ireland, Charlie McConalogue T.D. said, “I believe Ireland can continue to be a strong partner for the UAE in respect of technical cooperation on food security objectives; as well as other areas of mutual interest; including trade opportunities, market access issues, and research and innovation. This is a relationship that can grow further to become even stronger in the years ahead.”
“I was glad to be able to share the story behind Ireland’s new stakeholder-led strategy: Food Vision 2030 – A World Leader in Sustainable Food Systems with Minister Almheiri. I acknowledge Minister Almheri’s leadership in respect of the AIM for Climate (Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate) global research initiative, in which Ireland is pleased to participate.”
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) was established in February 2006 as the Ministry of Environment and Water. Under its redefined scope, the ministry has taken on a dual mandate. On the national level, it aims to strengthen the UAE’s efforts in preserving the environment and promoting food diversity in accordance with the nation’s aspiration to emerge as a key benchmark for sustainable development. On the global level, MOCCAE joins international stakeholders in combating climate change and profiles the UAE’s path-breaking achievements in the sector at thought leadership platforms worldwide.