Abu Dhabi signs Milan Urban Food Policy Pact, commits to reducing food waste

Abu Dhabi has signed the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), showing its commitment to reducing food waste and developing a more sustainable food system.

The pact was signed at the recent World Union of Wholesale Markets 2022 Conference held in Abu Dhabi under the theme “Global Food Security in the Twenty-first Century: Risks, challenges and solutions to ensure resilient and sustainable fresh food supply chains”.

The Milan Pact involves over 250 cities representing 450 million people. It includes recommendations and actions that support sound planning of laws and systems, governance, the production and distribution of sustainable food systems and supply networks, social and economic fairness, and how to avoid wasting food resources.

According to the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Dr Salem Al Kaabi, DG of Operations Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said: “Food security is of paramount importance for the sustainability and continuity of quality of life. DMT seeks to support the goal of food security by providing subsidised food distribution centres throughout the emirate to ensure easy access to food products for citizens in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The department also improves food security and sustainability by developing a sustainable transportation solution, managing licenses, and facilitating procedures to support investment in the agricultural sector.”

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, DG of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, said: “All the signatory cities of the pact will have an invaluable opportunity to exchange experiences, work together and benefit from the experiences of other countries. By doing so, food security institutions can build their capacities and develop integrated strategies for overcoming future and present challenges.

“Using an integrated food security and agriculture data platform, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority gathers the necessary data for decision-making related to food security and provides alerts to ensure that food security emergencies and risks are handled rapidly. Our team also strives to provide accurate information about the food and agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi. A comprehensive dashboard allows us to monitor the situation of food security locally, regionally and globally.”

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, said: “This agreement aligns with the wider framework of the UAE’s long-term strategy for food security and sustainability, and reflects the vision of our wise leadership to support local, regional, and international efforts to build resilient supply chains for our community and for future generations. Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD) Group is developing the infrastructure that will support Abu Dhabi as it pursues the objectives of the MUFPP, including advanced storage facilities suitable for all types of food that contribute to food security and reduce levels of food waste and spoilage. In addition, we are developing production facilities that will support local food production with the highest international health and safety standards.”

Anna Scavuzzo, Vice-Mayor of Milan in charge of food policy, said: “We welcome Abu Dhabi to our network of more than 250 cities around the world that have committed to more sustainable food systems. Collectively, cities can be at the forefront of tackling the issues relating to hunger and realising a major transformation of food systems, and with its long-term strategy and strong leadership, Abu Dhabi is positioned to play a key role in our efforts.”