Rome: Dr. Jihad Abdullah Al Fadhel, Second Deputy Chairperson of the Shura Council, actively participated in the preparatory meeting for the Third Global Parliamentary Summit against Hunger and Malnutrition, held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Al Fadhel put forward several proposals aimed at strengthening a parliamentary vision for food security. Her suggestions included establishing a parliamentary network for sustainable food security and a parliamentary observatory to oversee the right to food, involving representatives from agricultural, health, and environmental committees worldwide in collaboration with specialised organisations. Additionally, she recommended the initiation of green and food parliamentary budget programmes to evaluate national budgets from the perspectives of food security and environmental sustainability. Dr. Al Fadhel also emphasized the importance of a Parliamentary Network for Food Security to bolster the role of parliaments in advocating for the right to food and revising pertinent national legislation.
During the meeting, Dr. Al Fadhel identified key global trends in enhancing food security and nutrition, such as the heightened focus on national food security strategies and the transition towards smart and sustainable agriculture to counter water and resource deficits. She advocated for the integration of agriculture, health, education, and environmental sectors to construct resilient and inclusive food systems. Dr. Al Fadhel also highlighted the increasing public consciousness around healthy eating, responsible consumption, and the reduction of food waste, alongside expanding regional and international cooperation in financing, research, and capacity building.
Dr. Al Fadhel also addressed the significant challenges faced by the Arab region, including water scarcity, desertification, a heavy dependency on food imports, and the ramifications of climate change on production and supply chains. She remarked on the Kingdom of Bahrain's initiatives to establish a sustainable national food system that enhances quality of life and ensures food security as an essential component of national security.
She praised Bahrain's National Food Security Strategy (2020-2030), which aims to diversify local production sources, boost agricultural and fisheries investments, and adopt modern smart farming technologies to enhance water efficiency and decrease import reliance. The strategy also supports the integration of agriculture, health, education, and environmental sectors, positioning Bahrain as a regional exemplar for resilient and sustainable food systems capable of adapting to climate and economic challenges.
Dr. Al Fadhel emphasized that Bahrain's Legislative Authority is actively involved in reinforcing national food security in line with global developments in food systems. The Shura and Representatives Councils have reviewed legislation related to agriculture, trade, health, and the environment to promote resource efficiency and ensure food equity. She mentioned that parliamentary committees continue to monitor the progress of the National Food Security Strategy through constitutional tools during the assessment of draft laws and proposals. Members of both councils are also engaged in drafting new legislation that supports agricultural innovation and investment in modern technologies, in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Al Fadhel further highlighted Bahrain's effective contribution to joint GCC efforts to develop a unified food security strategy, focusing on synchronizing agricultural and food policies, sharing investments and expertise in smart and sustainable agriculture, and promoting joint scientific research. She reiterated that food security is both an economic issue and a shared global responsibility, asserting that parliaments must play an active and influential role in addressing it.