Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), is holding a three-day workshop, 20-22 January 2026, in Riyadh, titled “One Codex: together we learn, together lead”. The workshop aims to strengthen collaboration, leadership and coordination among Codex coordinators, and highlights the importance of Codex regions for the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). 

In welcoming the participants, H.E. Prof. Hisham Saad Al Jadhey, CEO of SFDA, stressed that “the gathering of Codex leaders in this workshop represents a platform for exchanging expertise and knowledge, and exploring opportunities for innovation that includes the application of artificial intelligence in the development of food standards”. The CEO of SFDA further highlighted that the workshop provides an opportunity to ensure Codex standards “remain responsive to the developments in the food industry and modern technologies, while enabling early and effective responses to emerging risks”. 

This in-person event provides an opportunity for coordinators to share ideas and experiences on leading regional work, while reflecting on the different challenges and how to overcome them, in preparation for the next cycle of the FAO/WHO coordinating committees which coincides with the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031 coming into effect. Coordinators are sharing experiences and lessons-learned and reflecting on how to strengthen their role, with FAO and WHO food safety experts, representatives of the Codex Secretariat, and the Chairperson and Vice-Chairpersons of CAC. 

“This workshop is an opportunity to learn together, to exchange knowledge, strengthen technical capacity and deepen our understanding of Codex texts and processes” commented Allan Azegele, CAC Chairperson. “It is also an opportunity to lead together: to apply what we learn, to contribute actively to Codex work, and to champion food safety and quality within our own institutions, countries and regions”. 

The programme of the workshop addresses opportunities for enhanced regional collaboration, the role of FAO and WHO in the FAO/WHO coordinating committees,  the alignment of the agendas for the upcoming coordinating committees including the monitoring of the implementation of the new Codex Strategic Plan 2026–2031, with a specific focus on the role of the coordinators. 

“This workshop comes at an important moment—when through the Codex Strategic Plan 2026-2031, Codex Members, Observers and partners are being called upon to work more closely than ever. And at the heart of this collaboration are our coordinating committees” said Sarah Cahill, Codex Secretary. “These committees are, I believe, the cradle of Codex. They nurture Members, build confidence, encourage participation, and create a sense of shared purpose. They offer a space where every voice matters and every Member can grow”. 

Highlighting the importance of the workshop, and reaffirming the commitment of FAO Members to food safety programmes and Codex, Catherine Bessy, Senior Food Safey Officer, FAO, noted that “Regional coordinating committees offer a vital platform for mutual exchange of information and represent a golden opportunity to discuss initiatives, challenges, and solutions,” further stressing that “inclusion, dialogue, and understanding one another’s perspectives lie at the core of the Codex process”. 

Words that were echoed by Simone Raszl, Head Unit, Standards and Scientific Advice Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS), WHO, who also noted the commitment of Coordinators to strengthening food safety systems and advancing Codex work. "Codex is evolving - continued Raszl "Issues like antimicrobial resistance, food fraud, climate‑related food safety risks, and novel technologies are reshaping the agenda. Your leadership will help countries prepare for these challenges and translate global standards into stronger national food control systems".

“This tailored workshop organized by SFDA for coordinators, with the Codex Secretariat, FAO and WHO, provides all of us with a possibility of enhancing engagement in Codex while giving us the necessary knowledge to apply its rules”, concluded Khalid Al Zhrani, CAC Vice-Chairperson. 

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Photo credit © Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)