Dubai hosts Food Innovation Conference 2024 with 150 international experts participating

Dubai: The Food Innovation Conference 2024, organized by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF), began in Dubai today with the theme ‘Reimagining Future Food Systems’.

Bringing together over 150 global experts, academics, innovators, and representatives from public and private sectors and farming communities, the three-day conference aims to devise innovative solutions for food sustainability. It seeks to expand agricultural and food systems innovation and investment, accelerate knowledge exchange, learning, and collaboration, and foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.

The event aims to mobilize global efforts and drive urgent action to transform food systems while safeguarding food security and protecting the planet. It strives to unite public and private sectors, multilateral organizations, and food system stakeholders to scale frontier technology solutions in food systems.

The conference builds upon the partnership between MBRGI and WEF, which established the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative in 2022. The initiative includes the Food Innovation Hub UAE, with hubs in development in Colombia, India, Kenya, Europe, and Vietnam.

The conference commenced with a welcome dinner attended by dignitaries including Her Excellency Dr. Amna Al Dahak, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Saeed Al Eter, Assistant Secretary General of MBRGI; Tania Strauss, Head of Food and Water at WEF; and Asma Khan, Chef Advocate of the World Food Programme (WFP).

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Dr. Al Dahak expressed hope that the conference would contribute to achieving food security, especially in countries affected by climate change and crises, through the adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Fourth Industrial Revolution applications.

Al Eter emphasized the conference’s role in facilitating knowledge exchange and collective action to address food production challenges and hunger risks. Tania Strauss highlighted the initiative’s aim to accelerate technology and innovations for a positive food future.

Asma Khan stressed the importance of partnership and collective action in improving the food system.

The conference’s first day featured displays of organic and environmentally friendly food products and innovative concepts in food production. The second day will include panel discussions on the role of emerging technology and innovation in food systems transformation.