On its second day, the Food Innovation Conference 2024 led discussions on the role of advanced technology in cultivating a transformative change in food systems, and explored ways to design and manage effective collaboration models that enhance innovation.
The conference, organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF), featured 150 global experts in Dubai.
The second day featured two panel discussions titled “Purpose-Driven Innovation for a Positive Food Future” and “Reimagining Future Food Systems”.
Global Challenges
At the "Reimagining Future Food Systems" session, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasized the pressing need for innovative solutions and collaboration to address challenges like climate change affecting food systems. With 40% of arable land degraded and significant food loss, she advocated for climate-smart, equitable agri-food systems leveraging technology.
Badr Jafar, CEO of Crescent Enterprises, underscored the role of technology and collaboration in creating sustainable food systems. Panellists discussed strategies for launching food innovation markets, emphasizing investment and partnership opportunities to scale innovation and ensure food security and sustainability.
Safeguarding Resources
During the "Purpose-Driven Innovation for a Positive Food Future" session, Dr. Abdulkareem Al Olama, CEO of MBRGI, emphasized the conference's alignment with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for pioneering solutions to global challenges like food security. He highlighted the UAE's efforts in resource management and climate change mitigation and underscored the importance of technology in driving human progress. The session explored purpose-driven innovation and showcased country-led ecosystems' power to foster collaborative partnerships for transformative change in the food industry, gathering diverse stakeholder viewpoints on emerging needs from the food innovation system.
Interactive exhibition
Amna Al Dahak visited the Boulevard Exhibition during the Food Innovation Conference, exploring cutting-edge food system innovations. The exhibition serves as an interactive platform to showcase disruptive technologies shaping the future of food systems. Supported by the Food Innovation Hubs Global Initiative, a collaboration between WEF and MBRGI, the conference aims to foster multi-stakeholder partnerships to accelerate the transformation of food systems towards health, net-zero, water-positive, and equitable outcomes. It facilitates knowledge exchange, showcases innovation ecosystem models, fosters partnership opportunities, and amplifies the role of technology in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
