Oman Joins Global UN Food Summit to Support Sustainable Farming

Photo: Oman News Agency

As per the royal orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultanate of Oman is taking part in a major global meeting focused on food systems. Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has travelled to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead Oman’s delegation at the 2nd UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4).

This two-day summit will begin on Monday and is jointly organised by the governments of Ethiopia and Italy. The event brings together leaders and experts from around the world to discuss how to improve the way food is produced, distributed, and managed across nations.

The Summit’s Focus on Food Security and Sustainability

The main goal of the summit is to find solutions for developing food systems that are sustainable and fair for all people. A food system includes everything from growing food, transporting it, storing it, selling it, and ensuring people have access to it.

In today’s world, many countries are facing problems like hunger, rising food prices, climate change, and supply chain disruptions. The summit provides a chance for countries to work together and support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

These goals aim to end hunger, protect the environment, and ensure healthy lives for everyone, especially those in poor or developing areas.

Oman’s National Strategy for Sustainable Resources

Since the last Food Systems Summit in 2021, Oman has taken important steps to align its national policies with global goals. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has developed sector plans that support both the United Nations' SDGs and Oman Vision 2040.

One important part of Oman Vision 2040 is the “Sustainable Environment” pillar, which focuses on protecting natural resources like water, land, and marine life. This includes smarter ways to use water for farming, fishing responsibly, and using modern technology to improve food production without harming the environment.

Oman's Role in Global Food Security

By joining the summit, Oman is showing its strong commitment to global food security efforts. The country is not only focused on feeding its own people but also wants to help solve international food challenges through cooperation with other nations.

Oman’s policies include better use of water in farming, protecting fish stocks, and improving agricultural productivity while maintaining ecological balance. These policies match the goals of the UN summit and offer a model for others facing similar issues.

The country’s leaders believe that working with other countries and international organisations, like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is the best way to move forward.

Sharing Oman's Success Stories

During the summit, Oman’s delegation will present its experiences and achievements in various fields. These include:

• Water resource management, such as recycling wastewater and using smart irrigation
• Fisheries sustainability, including seasonal bans and marine life protection
• Modern agricultural development, such as using greenhouses and organic farming

Oman’s team will take part in working sessions and meetings with experts, scientists, and representatives from other countries. These discussions will help share ideas and find joint solutions to common challenges.

Why This Summit Matters Now

This year’s summit comes at a critical time. In recent years, many countries have suffered from:

• Global supply chain disruptions caused by pandemics and conflicts
• Extreme weather like droughts, floods, and heatwaves due to climate change
• Food price increases and shortages affecting millions of people

All these problems show the need to build stronger and fairer food systems that can survive global shocks. The UN summit aims to push countries to speed up their efforts, track progress, and adjust their strategies to meet both local and global food needs.

A High-Level Gathering of World Leaders

The UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake is a major international event. It brings together:

• Government ministers and officials
• Scientific researchers
• Private sector companies
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

These groups will work together to evaluate what has been achieved since the first summit in 2021, and decide what needs to be done next.

Oman’s presence at this high-level event reflects the country’s active role in shaping international discussions on food security and sustainability.

Food, Climate, and Development: All Connected

One of the most important ideas of the summit is that food systems are connected to everything else—such as climate change, public health, energy, water, and the economy.

For example:

• Poor farming practices can damage soil and water.
• Overfishing can destroy marine ecosystems.
• Climate change can reduce food production.

So, the UN summit encourages countries to see food systems as part of a bigger picture and to design climate-smart, people-friendly, and environmentally safe solutions.

Oman’s Long-Term Vision for Food and Sustainability

Oman has a clear vision for the future through its Oman Vision 2040, which includes:

• Protecting natural resources
• Using clean and smart technologies
• Increasing food self-sufficiency
• Creating jobs in green industries
• Cooperating with international partners

The UN summit gives Oman a chance to share this vision and learn from others. The goal is not only to solve today’s food challenges but also to prepare for tomorrow’s needs in a way that is fair, healthy, and sustainable for all.

Oman’s Global Role in Building Better Food Systems

By participating in the UN Food Systems Summit in Ethiopia, Oman is showing that it takes food security and sustainability seriously. The country is not just focusing on its own needs but is also willing to help the world find better ways to grow, share, and protect food resources.

With strong policies in water management, fisheries, and farming, and by aligning national strategies with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Oman is helping lead the way toward a more secure, resilient, and eco-friendly global food system.

This event is a step forward in international teamwork and responsibility, and Oman’s active involvement is a sign of its commitment to a greener and safer future for everyone.