Former US Secretary of Agriculture Applauds UAE's Efforts in Combating Global Food Waste

 In a recent high-level discussion hosted by APCO Worldwide, former US Secretary of Agriculture, Dan Glickman, praised the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its crucial role in combating global food waste. The event, titled "Fighting Food Waste: Pathways for People, Planet and Prosperity," marked the first in a series of discussions organized by the strategic communications firm in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), which the UAE will be hosting later this year.



During his speech, Mr. Glickman highlighted the UAE's proactive approach to sustainability, emphasizing that the country has been taking the lead in advancing efforts to tackle food waste. He pointed out that in 2021, the UAE and the United States launched the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at making farming practices more environmentally friendly and resilient to climate change. The initiative has grown to an impressive $13 billion and demonstrates the commitment of both nations in fighting climate change and producing food more sustainably.


The event brought together influential figures from various sectors, including government, academia, and industry. Speakers discussed topics such as the circular economy, where food waste is repurposed instead of ending up in landfills, and the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing the sustainability challenge.


Mr. Glickman drew attention to the alarming statistics surrounding food waste and its impact on climate change. Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption, amounting to about 1.3 billion tons annually, is discarded. As the UAE prepares to host COP28, Mr. Glickman urged the global community to unite and address the pressing issues of food waste, climate change, poverty, and hunger worldwide.


Food waste is a significant concern for nearly every country, including the United Arab Emirates. Up to 8% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced globally if we put an end to wasting food, according to the World Wildlife Fund. Urgent action is needed across the entire value chain, from farming and manufacturing to distribution, retail, and consumption.


APCO Worldwide, with its extensive experience as a trusted advisor and partner for organizations worldwide, has been at the forefront of helping navigate complex policy issues for almost four decades. Their strong relationships with decision-makers and advocacy groups across regions position them well to drive impact and deliver policy results.


As we look toward COP28 and beyond, it is essential for nations and stakeholders to come together, leveraging their unique skills and experiences, to address the critical issue of food waste. The global community must seize this opportunity to advance the collective goal of a sustainable future, ensuring a healthy planet for future generations and providing enough food to feed the hungry around the world.

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