The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has called for a concerted global effort to achieve sustainable food security through long-term strategic shifts and enhanced international cooperation. 

 

In a speech at the Group of Twenty (G20) agriculture ministers' meeting in Brazil, Saudi Environment, Water, and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman AlFadley emphasized the need for innovative solutions and practical measures to address growing food needs.

 

AlFadley acknowledged the progress made in technology and innovation but stressed the continued need for investment in agriculture to increase productivity and build resilience in food systems, reported SPA. 

 

He also highlighted the importance of improving access to sustainable financing for agricultural development.

 

According to him, Saudi Arabia has actively encouraged domestic and foreign investments in its agricultural sector, resulting in a significant increase in agricultural loans and a 35% growth in the sector's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). 

 

AlFadley called for addressing supply-chain and input issues to stabilize prices and maintain efficient food markets, urging countries to avoid trade restrictions that can negatively impact global food security.

 

The minister emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, including the private sector and civil society, to achieve common goals for sustainable food systems. 

 

He also commended Brazil's Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty initiative and highlighted the King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Center's (KSrelief's) efforts to support food-security projects in 78 countries, said the SPA report.

 

The minister also addressed the One Health approach, emphasizing the need to address antimicrobial resistance to protect food systems. 

 

He later invited participants to the fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November.