Cape town: Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, led a high-level UAE delegation to Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) Ministerial Meeting. During her visit, she also inaugurated the UAE-South Africa Sustainable Agriculture and Food Forum, aimed at boosting collaboration in food security and agricultural innovation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE’s involvement in the G20 meeting sought to solidify its role as a key player in global environmental and climate efforts. The focus was on contributing to international dialogues and translating discussions into practical economic and investment partnerships to advance food security and sustainable development. Dr Amna Al Dahak reiterated the UAE’s commitment to multilateral cooperation on pressing environmental and climate issues, emphasising the importance of recognising diverse national capacities.
In her keynote address, Dr Amna Al Dahak outlined the UAE’s initiatives in biodiversity conservation, desertification, circular economy, and air quality improvement. She reaffirmed the nation’s goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050 through investments in clean energy and nature-based solutions. The UAE’s dedication to the objectives of the Ministerial Declarations and presidential statement from the meeting was highlighted.
On the sidelines of the G20 meeting, the UAE-South Africa Sustainable Agriculture and Food Forum was organised. This platform for dialogue aimed to advance cooperation in food security, innovation, and climate-resilient agriculture. The Forum sought to facilitate trade and investment flows, promote public-private partnerships in agricultural technology, and exchange expertise in desert agriculture and logistics.
The Forum was attended by key figures, including Premier Alan Winde of the Western Cape Province and Mahash Saeed Alhameli, UAE Ambassador to South Africa. Emirati and South African senior officials, along with representatives from relevant government entities and companies in the food and agriculture sectors, participated in the event.
Dr Amna Al Dahak highlighted the shared commitment to building sustainable food systems in the face of climate change and increasing global food demand. She emphasised the importance of partnerships between UAE and South African companies in achieving shared food security objectives.
The UAE delegation included officials from various government and private entities, such as the National Agriculture Centre, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and major companies in food security and agricultural sectors. South African participation included representatives from key government bodies and leading sectoral institutions, fostering a substantial exchange of expertise.
The Forum featured roundtables and strategic dialogues on Sustainable Agricultural Innovation, Food Security and Resilient Supply Chains, and Trade Facilitation and Investment. Discussions explored investment opportunities, agricultural logistics, technology operations, and livestock sector investments. A comprehensive roadmap for bilateral agri-investment and innovation collaboration from 2026 to 2030 is anticipated.
The UAE delegation’s itinerary included field visits to understand South Africa’s agricultural sector, including tours of lemon farms and central laboratories in the Western Cape Province. These visits aimed to identify cooperation and investment opportunities, facilitate trade, and foster practical partnerships.