Pioneering food safety: Building resilient agrifood systems for tomorrow

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today is set to host a pivotal Co-Creation Workshop to establish a Regional Food Safety Research Network and Innovation Hub (RFSRNIH) in the Near East and North Africa region. This initiative marks a significant milestone in enhancing food safety and agrifood system resilience across the region.

Food safety is a critical pillar for agrifood transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The region faces vulnerabilities in global supply chains due to its growing population and increasing food demand. Consequently, consumers across several NENA countries are at heightened risk of exposure to contaminated food and foodborne diseases.

“Foodborne illnesses, result in approximately 600 million cases globally each year. In the region, over 100 million people are affected annually, with 32% being children under five. According to the World Bank, losses due to foodborne diseases in low- and middle-income countries cost $95.2 billion annually, with treatment costs around $15 billion per year,” said Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Senior Economist for the NENA region.

This risk is exacerbated by climate change, unsafe water supplies, and limited infrastructure and resources, underscoring the urgent need for effective food safety management strategies.

To tackle these challenges, a science-based, innovative approach is crucial. Key measures include updating food legislation, strengthening food safety institutions, enforcing effective mechanisms, and establishing comprehensive monitoring programmes and surveillance data systems for risk analysis. Advanced laboratory systems and conformity assessment services are also vital.

However, the region must overcome significant hurdles such as fragmented academic programmes, gaps in risk assessment, limited data and stakeholders training. In response, FAO is leveraging South-South and Triangular Cooperation to spearhead the creation of the RFSRNIH. This initiative aims to strengthen coordination and knowledge sharing across the region, foster innovation, build regional capacity, and harmonize food safety practices. The RFSRNIH will serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration among governments, private sector, academia, civil society and international partners. It seeks to develop, test and scale innovative food safety solutions tailored to the region’s unique needs while drawing on global best practices and cutting-edge technologies.

The Co-Creation Workshop represents a foundational step in this transformative journey. The event brings together regional public sector representatives, researchers, innovators, private sector stakeholders and key actors from the innovation ecosystem. The workshop will create a collaborative environment to design the RFSRNIH’s foundational framework, activities and governance model, ensuring the RFSRNIH is both locally relevant and globally connected. The two-day workshop will feature interactive sessions, panel discussions and showcases of research and innovation. These activities are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster partnerships, and co-create actionable strategies for the development and sustainability of the RFSRNIH. The workshop will also establish a shared vision and roadmap, setting the stage for a resilient and sustainable agrifood system that prioritizes food safety and the well-being of populations across the NENA region.

Participants will include public sector representatives, policymakers, academic and research institutions, technology providers, innovation hubs, accelerators, incubators, and representatives from UN organizations. Additionally, the event will feature key stakeholders from the Arab Economic Integration Department, Economic Affairs Sector, League of Arab States (LAS), and various international research and innovation networks.