GCC and UN Food Agency Deepen Cooperation to Advance Regional Food Security

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in agriculture, food security and sustainable development across the Gulf region.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi met with Nizar Jamal Haddad, the FAO’s Programme Director in Saudi Arabia, at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday to discuss expanding cooperation between the two organisations.

According to a statement issued by the GCC General Secretariat, the meeting focused on enhancing joint initiatives, exchanging technical expertise and developing research partnerships aimed at supporting the strategic priorities of GCC member states in the agricultural and food security sectors.

The discussions also explored opportunities to leverage innovation, scientific research and sustainable technologies to improve food production systems and strengthen resilience against future food security challenges.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted the importance of continued collaboration with international organisations such as the FAO, praising the agency’s role in supporting GCC countries through science-based solutions and sustainable agricultural practices.

He also commended the FAO’s commitment to fostering partnerships with regional and global institutions to address pressing food security concerns and promote long-term sustainability.

The meeting reflects growing efforts by GCC member states to strengthen regional cooperation on food security, particularly amid global challenges affecting supply chains, climate resilience and agricultural sustainability.

Both sides expressed optimism that closer cooperation and knowledge-sharing would contribute to achieving the region’s food security objectives while supporting broader economic and development goals.