New Zealand expertise showcased at food, agriculture and livelihoods business forum in Dubai

Government and industry leaders highlighted New Zealand’s expertise in sustainable food systems at Expo 2020’s Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods Business Forum, which s is held in Dubai on February 21, 2022.

Attended by hundreds of delegates in person at the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) and online, the Forum sought to galvanize collective action for a transition to more sustainable food systems to feed 10 billion people by 2050. It was part of Expo 2020’s continuation of Food, Agriculture and Livelihoods Week (February 17-24), one of 10 themed weeks anchoring its people and planet agenda.

New Zealand was selected by Expo 2020 Dubai and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce to co-host the Forum due to its leadership in sustainable food systems, applied science and proven track record in producing high value products.

New Zealand’s participation in the Forum was led by New Zealand G2G, a joint venture between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Manatū Aorere and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise – Te Taurapa Tūhono. New Zealand G2G sells New Zealand public sector capacity to international governments and has brokered over 100 projects in 21 countries since 2014.

Alongside New Zealand as co-curator, the event included participants from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Estonia, Ghana, Hungary, India, Morocco, Peru, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the Netherlands. , Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United States of America, Viet Nam and Zambia.

In a series of panel discussions, flash chats and fireside chats, delegates discussed the importance of public-private collaborations in the global agricultural ecosystem, the efficient use of resources for farmers, modern food security systems, livestock productivity and the role of technology in solving challenges for global food systems.

Agriculture Minister and Minister for Trade and Export Growth Damien O’Connor joined the forum virtually and delivered special remarks reflecting New Zealand’s role as co-host. Food Safety Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall also delivered a virtual speech during a session of the Forum on Modern Food Safety Systems.

Alongside the Ministers, a wide range of New Zealand industry experts and business leaders also participated in the Forum:

• Volker Kuntzsch, CEO of the Cawthron Institute, participated in a panel discussion on “The Future of Food and Agriculture – Feeding 10 Billion People” in conversation with panelists from the United Arab Emirates, India and Brazil. “With 71% of the earth’s surface covered by ocean and marine environments being some of the most renewable ecosystems on earth, we need to consider how we sustainably use these areas more efficiently to feed 10 billion people,” Kuntzsch commented. during the conference. Event.
• Alpha Kennedy, Beachhead Advisor to New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, participated in a panel discussion on “Collaborative Growth: Public-Private Partnership in the Agricultural Ecosystem”, alongside panelists from Costa Rica and Zambia.
• Vincent Arbuckle, Deputy Managing Director of Food Safety New Zealand, MPI, and Dr. Sue Bidrose, CEO of AgResearch, participated in a panel discussion on “Made with Care – A Modern Food Safety System” with Kateryna Onul, Policy Officer based in Ukraine for the World Bank’s IFC Global Food Security Advisory Program. Their discussion focused on system design, the underlying science, capacity building and training to deliver and maintain world-class food safety.
• Dr Suzie Newman, Head of International Development, Plant and Food Research, opened a session on “Resource Efficiency for Farmers”, also with participants from Ghana, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago and Viet Nam. Citing Plant & Food Research’s fieldwork with small horticultural farmers in India and Viet Nam, Dr Newman said: “What our collaborations have shown us is that lasting and transformative change is possible for small farmers, but there are many moving parts with applied science. , collaboration and trust required. It’s all about partnership – there’s real strength in working together to overcome big challenges. It can dramatically change lives.
• Jason Schrier, Market Solutions Manager, Livestock Improvement Corporation, presented a session on “Tech for Tomorrow” alongside delegates from Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
• Sharl Liebergreen, Consultant, AbacusBio, participated in a fireside chat on “promoting greater productivity of local livestock” in conversation with Dr. Mamdouh Alsharari, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Animal Production at the Ministry Saudi Arabia for Environment, Water and Agriculture. Dr Lisbeth Jacobs, Global General Manager Animal Management, Gallagher New Zealand, also presented at the session.

Commenting on New Zealand’s leading conservation role in the forum, Hon. Damien O’Connor, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Trade and Export Growth, said:

“It was an honor to bring together such an impressive collective intelligence from so many nations. We know we need to work together to build more positive, resilient and inclusive food systems for all. Be in balance with nature, not against it.

“Food production is one of the noblest human endeavours. It should enable thriving rural communities and rewarding livelihoods. It must generate social and economic prosperity while maintaining and improving the integrity of natural resources.

“We have a lot to learn from each other, especially from indigenous communities. New Zealand’s future vision for our food production system is based on the Maori concept of Te Taiao; a deep relationship of respect and reciprocity with the natural world. From the perspective of Te Taiao, the health of climate, land, water and living systems comes first. When nature thrives, so do our families, communities and businesses. It is a unifying concept that concerns us all, as experts and leaders with a role to play in shaping food systems that serve current and future generations.

“The lesson is clear: we must act collectively now and innovate to sustainably and fairly feed the planet. By doing so, we will end world hunger.

About New Zealand G2G

New Zealand G2G is a New Zealand government organization that sells New Zealand public sector capabilities to international governments. We are the single point of contact for countries wishing to leverage New Zealand’s proven expertise and practical solutions in various sectors.

Established in 2014, NZ G2G has brokered over 100 projects in 21 countries. Our areas of expertise include: Education for the Future, Ease of Doing Business, Food Safety and Sustainability, Government Efficiency and Innovation, and more.

Our goal is to help equip our partner governments to solve problems, explore opportunities and create lasting change.

For more information on New Zealand G2G, please visit www.g2g.govt.nz.

© Scoop Media