Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Fostering global food security and encouraging global collaboration to achieve water sustainability, through integrated management, were on top of the agriculture and water deputies’ agenda. Exchanging best practices to set food loss and waste targets, promoting responsible investment in agriculture and fostering resilient water systems were the main topics discussed at the first G20 Agriculture Deputies meeting hosted by the Saudi G20 Presidency.

During the two-day meeting, agriculture and water deputies from the G20 members, invited guest countries and representatives from international organizations addressed the main challenges to food security and water management.

The meetings were chaired by Deputy Minister for Animal Resources Dr. Hamad Al-Batshan and Deputy Minister for Water Dr. Abdul-Aziz Al-Shaibani, from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA).

Achieving food security and resilient water systems are considered two of the greatest global challenges, with almost 800 million people suffering from hunger, and around 1 billion people still suffering from water scarcity.

Focused on people empowerment and safeguarding the planet as two of its aims, the Saudi G20 presidency will foster agreement on policies that address the rising challenges in agriculture and will enhance efforts to tackle food security and water management challenges.

The next agriculture deputies meeting as well as the agriculture ministers meeting will be held in March.