Dubai is hosting today the Food Innovation Conference 2024, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, under the theme "Reimagining Future Food Systems," which will run until May 15. The conference, hosted at the Museum of the Future and the Emirates Towers in Dubai, gathers over 150 global experts, academics, and local, regional, and international private sector companies, along with farmers. It features several discussion sessions centered on enhancing the role of technology in supporting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems, expanding global cooperation, and discussing the latest trends in food sustainability.
The conference also highlights best practices and global studies in the field of food, as well as the latest technological innovations, particularly artificial intelligence and data science techniques used in food sustainability. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Secretary-General of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, affirmed that Dubai's hosting of the Food Innovation Conference 2024 reflects the vision of the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in adopting creative ideas and formulating innovative solutions to provide economically affordable food systems that enable less fortunate communities to face food challenges arising from crises, natural disasters, and the impacts of climate change, as well as assist in refugee aid and enhance global humanitarian efforts.
He stated: "The conference embodies the close cooperation between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the World Economic Forum, and their shared visions in harnessing the immense potential offered by artificial intelligence and advanced technology to produce food and meet the growing global food needs, establishing frameworks to institutionalize this trend, and motivating research centers and innovators to find ways to achieve this noble goal."
Al Gergawi added: "This event aligns with the mission of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives to serve humanity and improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations, as well as the main objectives of the Food Innovation Center in the UAE, which was established in late 2023, reaffirming the UAE's steadfast commitment as a major contributor to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030."
The Food Innovation Conference 2024 aims to accelerate efforts in knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and capacity building through the global initiative of the Food Innovation Centers network, as well as to review and discuss national innovation system models in depth, showcase the latest advanced technological innovations in the global food industry, and facilitate partnership and cooperation opportunities between entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from both the public and private sectors.
The conference receives support from the Global Initiative for the Food Innovation Centers network established by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which includes a wide range of partners from the government and private sectors, international and regional organizations, and civil society. It aims to adopt partnerships, enhance cooperation in developing innovations within food systems, financing targeted initiatives and promising opportunities locally and regionally, and achieving global communication and exchange of ideas, experiences, and food-related data.
The Food Innovation Conference 2024 kicks off on May 13 with a welcoming dinner hosted by the Museum of the Future, featuring speeches by Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al Balooshi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Tania Strauss, Head of Food and Water at the World Economic Forum, and Chef Asma Khan from the World Food Programme.
An open exhibition will be held on May 13 and 14, showcasing the latest innovations in food systems, providing an interactive platform to engage the public and introduce them to the key technologies and initiatives that contribute to shaping the future of food systems, along with opportunities for experience and tasting.
The conference will also host a meeting of food innovation centers on Tuesday, May 14, following the agreement made between the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2022, designating Dubai as the international headquarters for the annual centers’ meeting.
Field visits for conference participants to various farms and specialized food production and manufacturing facilities will be organized on Wednesday, May 15, aiming to highlight the innovative practices adopted by the UAE in food sustainability and explore opportunities for enhancing cooperation and investment in this field, as well as showcasing the latest technologies and research in food production.
**Conference Objectives:**
- Share knowledge and experiences and build capacity through the global initiative of the Food Innovation Centers network.
- Highlight the latest advanced technological innovations in global food.
- Enhance opportunities for cooperation and partnership between entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders in the public and private sectors.
- Thoroughly discuss and review national innovation system models.
- Strengthen the role of modern technologies in supporting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
