FAO advances policy innovation, youth leadership and investment for food security at Global Food Week

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concluded its participation as a key partner of Global Food Week 2026 highlighting how stronger policies, targeted investment and agricultural innovation can address water scarcity, scale up agricultural innovation and improve access to healthy diets.

Held at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 6 to 8 October, the event provided a platform for FAO to bring its technical expertise and regional priorities into dialogue with governments, researchers, financing partners, innovators and the private sector. FAO’s engagement spanned the Global Food Security Summit, the first global edition of Youth Action Leadership for Agrifood Awareness and Systems Transformation (YALAFAST), the FAO Agrifood Policy Majlis, the Agritech programme and technical sessions at its booth.

“Achieving food security requires collective action, strong partnerships and sustained investment,” said Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa. “Water scarcity, climate change and the rising cost of healthy diets are among the most pressing challenges facing the region. Addressing them requires coordinated action across sectors and investment in more resilient, inclusive and sustainable agrifood systems.”

Bridging policy priorities with investment pathways

The FAO Policy Majlis for Agrifood Systems Transformation in the Near East and North Africa brought technical experts, youth representatives, researchers, innovators, financing partners and private sector stakeholders together to exchange knowledge, share innovative solutions and identify pathways for addressing food insecurity, the rising cost of healthy diets, water scarcity and climate change.

Discussions explored policy responses and the conditions needed to scale science, technology and innovation. Financing was a central theme, including how technical advisory support, financing mechanisms and public-private partnerships can translate national priorities into credible investment pathways. During the Majlis, FAO also launched key tools as “SheGrows AI”, an AI chatbot to support women in agrifood systems and the GCC Agricultural Import Optimization Dashboard.

FAO highlighted its Hand-in-Hand Initiative’s country-led, data-driven approach to identifying investment priorities, both through the Majlis and technical sessions at its booth. The emphasis was on linking analysis with viable programmes and partnerships that can help reduce poverty and hunger.

Making innovation accessible

Through the Agritech programme, FAO highlighted water-efficient practices and artificial intelligence as tools for more resilient agriculture and financeable systems. Discussions also addressed youth entrepreneurship and women’s participation, emphasizing the skills, finance and technical support needed to make innovation accessible.

At the Global Food Security Summit, FAO connected regional and global perspectives on food security and nutrition with the need for coordinated action across agriculture, water, trade and finance. Its message throughout the event was that innovation and investment must deliver demonstrable benefits for producers and consumers.

Young leaders shaping agrifood solutions

Building on its first cohort in 2025, the YALAFAST programme held its first global edition on the sidelines of Global Food Week, beginning on 5 October. It brought together around 70 young leaders and innovators from government, the private sector, academia and civil society.

Through peer learning and collaborative activities, and a hands-on hackathon, participants explored responses to agrifood systems challenges through entrepreneurship, technology and digital innovation. The programme placed young people at the centre of discussions on transformation, with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and build networks across regions.

Building on the UAE partnership

“Our partnership with the UAE combines policy support with practical work on sustainable agriculture, food safety and stronger national capacities,” said Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Representative in the United Arab Emirates and Subregional Coordinator for GCC States and Yemen. “Global Food Week creates opportunities to connect this experience with regional priorities and new partners. Our focus is on solutions that can be adapted to local conditions and deliver lasting benefits for farmers, businesses and consumers.”

FAO’s engagement built on cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and other national and local partners. This includes sustainable agricultural planning in Abu Dhabi, strengthening national food control systems and practical training for date palm farmers. These activities support national food security priorities while providing experience for regional knowledge exchange.

As Global Food Week closed, FAO emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to advance more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.