The United Arab Emirates will chair the 38th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization Regional Conference for the Near East (NERC38), with the Ministerial Meeting scheduled for April 21 in Al Ain.

The conference will be held alongside the second Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, highlighting the UAE’s growing leadership in advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems across the region.

Proceedings began with the Senior Officers’ Preparatory Meeting, chaired by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, bringing together over 200 representatives from Near East and North Africa countries.

The meeting is setting the stage for key ministerial decisions, focusing on strengthening food security, improving supply chains, diversifying food sources, and driving innovation in agrifood systems.

Held under the theme “Innovating for Transforming Agrifood Systems,” discussions also emphasised regional cooperation to tackle mounting challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and economic pressures.

FAO officials, including Abdulhakim Elwaer, stressed the urgent need for coordinated action as millions across the region continue to face food insecurity and resource constraints.

The outcomes of the preparatory meeting will help shape policy direction at the Ministerial Meeting, reinforcing efforts to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems across the region.