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29 March 2024

Malnutrition unacceptable in 21st century: Sheikha Lubna

Published
By Wam

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, has led the UAE’s delegation to the "Nutrition for Growth - Beating Hunger Through Business & Science" international conference that took place in London this weekend.

The conference, which was opened by British Prime Minister, David Cameron, aimed at shedding light on food security and nutrition issues with an emphasis on mothers and children.

Delivering the UAE's remarks at the event, Sheikha Lubna thanked the British Government for hosting and organising the conference, stating that it delivers a strong global message on the need to re-energise dialogue on nutrition and gather multi-sector support for the field.

Al Qasimi said that nutrition is of critical importance to growth and progress, pointing out that the world's leaders and decision makers, "Need to make firmer commitments to resolving the pervasive threat of malnutrition." She continued, "It is unacceptable for us to be in the 21st century, and have the capability to provide nutritious food for all, especially mothers and young children, and yet still not do so".

She also stressed the UAE's full backing of the Millennium Development Goals' mission of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, adding that the UAE was proud of the extent to which it delivered much-needed food assistance to various countries under different situations over the past few decades.

"The UAE has been providing food aid for decades to nations such as Yemen, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa nations hit by natural and man-made calamities, and it shall continue to provide such assistance to the best of its abilities" Al Qasimi stated.

She said: "A crucial aspect of the UAE's successful provision of food and nutrition security is the harmonious work between its government and private sectors. The UAE is pleased to be a part of the conference to help rally the world in harnessing business and science to ensure a hunger-free and healthy future".

On the sidelines of the conference, Sheikha Lubna also held separate meetings with Alan Duncan MP, UK Minister of State for International Development, and Julian Fantino, Canadian Minister of International Cooperation.

Talks with both officials concentrated on strengthening cooperation in global development and relief work.