UAE and Netherlands discuss food and water security ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2021

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HE Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food  and Water Security and HE Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Water and Infrastructure for the Netherlands meet virtually during 2nd episode of ADSW Web Series 


COVID-19 has tested the resilience of the global food supply network and intensified problems relating to water distribution, ministers from the UAE and the Netherlands said during the second episode of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Web Series. 

HE Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri , the UAE Minister of State for Food and Water Security, was joined by HE Minister Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, Minister of Water and Infrastructure for The Netherlands, for the episode, hosted by Masdar.

 The web episode explored how the Covid-19 pandemic was affecting food and water security, how developing nations can address resource scarcity, and the role innovation is playing to overcome challenges in the sector.

“The current Covid-19 pandemic has tested the resilience of the global food supply network, both its physical infrastructure and through the willingness of countries to continue exporting food because of increased domestic pressures,” said HE Mariam Almheiri. “Now more than ever the global community needs to work together to both ensure the continued capacity of food chains and to share knowledge and expertise to develop countries’ own food systems, especially in the area of agricultural technology, as this will enhance their capacity to become self-sufficient with their food security needs.”

Her Excellency Cora van Nieuwenhuizen said, "The problems related to water are increasing. Water shortages, but also floods can propel instability in regions around the world. I believe that we need to cooperate, share knowledge, upscale proven technologies and build strong coalitions, especially in times like these. Global platforms, like Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, are important to delivering solutions and the Netherlands will host the first ever global summit of world leaders entirely focused on climate change adaptation. The Climate Adaptation Summit will be held on January 25, 2021, and we look forward to welcoming the UAE." 

Remaining committed to accelerating sustainable development, ADSW launched its Web Series to provide a year-round platform for maintaining dialogue on issues and topics that are shaping the global sustainability landscape and to help drive a green recovery.