As we embark on Cop29 in Baku, it is a time for reflection, but more importantly, a time for action, building on the exceptional platform created by Cop28 in the UAE.
The global food system, despite producing enough to feed everyone, is failing millions. The universal truth is that a hungry child cannot learn, a hungry adult cannot work, and a hungry society cannot thrive. Food insecurity is a silent thief, stealing potential and robbing futures. Empty stomachs breed empty dreams.
Food insecurity is a barrier to progress, trapping individuals and communities in a cycle of poverty and despair. And while progress has been made in certain regions, the number of people facing hunger remains stubbornly high, and the world is off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030. This stark reality demands a fundamental shift in our approach to food security. We must move beyond the simplistic notion that increasing yields alone will solve the problem.
The challenges we face are complex and interconnected. Climate change, with its increasing frequency of extreme weather events, is disrupting agricultural production and threatening livelihoods. Conflicts and economic downturns further exacerbate food insecurity, pushing vulnerable populations into a vicious cycle of poverty and hunger. A world where millions go hungry is a world out of balance.
Simply producing more food within this volatile context is not enough. We need to build food systems that are resilient, sustainable and equitable, ensuring that everyone has access to safe, nutritious and affordable food, regardless of where they live.
The fight against hunger is not a spectator sport. We all have a role to play, from supporting sustainable agriculture to reducing food waste in our own homes
This requires a paradigm shift, moving away from a narrow focus on production towards a holistic approach that encompasses the entire food system, from farm to fork.
We need to invest in climate-smart agriculture, promoting practices that conserve resources, adapt to changing conditions and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. We must strengthen local food systems, empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women, who play a vital role in food production and rural economies.
Reducing food loss and waste throughout the supply chain is equally crucial. Currently, one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted, representing a colossal waste of resources and a missed opportunity to feed millions. Investing in better storage, transport and processing infrastructure, as well as promoting responsible consumption patterns, can significantly reduce this waste and enhance food security.
Further, we need to prioritise the production and consumption of nutritious foods. While global food production has increased, the affordability of healthy diets remains a challenge for billions. Unhealthy food environments, characterised by the abundance of processed foods high in fats, sugars and salt, are contributing to a global rise in obesity and diet-related diseases.
We must create food environments that encourage the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes and other nutrient-rich foods, making healthy diets accessible and affordable for all.
But let me be clear: the fight against hunger is not a spectator sport. We all have a role to play, from supporting sustainable agriculture to reducing food waste in our own homes.
In fact, the UAE, guided by its commitment to sustainable development, is actively pursuing a holistic approach to food security. We are investing in cutting-edge agricultural technologies, promoting sustainable farming practices, working with our farmers and fisherfolk at a hyper-local level to support them, and strengthening international partnerships such as “Aim for Climate” to address global food challenges.
We are also working to enhance food trade and logistics, ensuring the efficient flow of food from surplus to deficit regions. Recently we launched our “Plant the Emirates” National Programme, aimed at bringing together business, communities and individuals to find new ways to address our biggest agricultural challenges, boost domestic production, upskill farmers and finance agricultural projects through a new National Agricultural Centre.
With Cop29 around the corner, let us recognise that food security is not just about producing more, but about producing better, distributing more equitably and consuming more responsibly. It is about building resilient food systems that can withstand shocks, nourish populations and contribute to a sustainable future for all.
How we achieve that is by acting in unison, because the truth is that the challenges of food insecurity are too great for any one nation or organisation to solve alone. We need to forge partnerships, share knowledge and work together to create lasting solutions. It requires a world where every nation contributes its strengths, every organisation lends its expertise, and every individual plays their part. That’s the power of collective action, and that’s how we will conquer hunger.
The UAE stands ready to collaborate with partners around the world to achieve this shared vision, and I know that each of the 160 nations that have now signed the UAE Cop28 Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action are equally committed to creating a global food system that feeds, rather than fails.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Marathon results
Men:
1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13
2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50
3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25
4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46
5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48
Women:
1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30
2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01
3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30
4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43
5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01
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How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019
December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'
JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.
“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”
November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’
SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.
SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."
October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'
MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.
“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December."
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Tips for job-seekers
- Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
- Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.
David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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How it works
Each player begins with one of the great empires of history, from Julius Caesar's Rome to Ramses of Egypt, spread over Europe and the Middle East.
Round by round, the player expands their empire. The more land they have, the more money they can take from their coffers for each go.
As unruled land and soldiers are acquired, players must feed them. When a player comes up against land held by another army, they can choose to battle for supremacy.
A dice-based battle system is used and players can get the edge on their enemy with by deploying a renowned hero on the battlefield.
Players that lose battles and land will find their coffers dwindle and troops go hungry. The end goal? Global domination of course.
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Engine: 3.5-litre supercharged V6
Power: 416hp at 7,000rpm
Torque: 410Nm at 3,500rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km
Price: Dh375,000
On sale: now
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Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder
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Power: 300hp
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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