Astana recently hosted a significant event, marking IOFS Day and the OIC Food Security Day. This roundtable gathered leaders who are serious about tackling food insecurity through teamwork.
The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) was born from a vision shared by Kazakhstan during the 7th World Islamic Economic Forum in 2011. Its goal is clear: to combat food security issues among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Berik Aryn, the IOFS Director General, expressed gratitude to Kazakhstan for its role in promoting food security. He highlighted important achievements in 2025, such as the expansion of the Food Security Program in Afghanistan and the Flour for Humanity initiative aimed at Gaza. These projects, backed by countries like Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, show a commitment to humanitarian aid and resilience in food systems across Africa.
Aryn emphasized that issues like climate change and conflict complicate the fight against food insecurity. However, with collective efforts, he believes we can ensure that no child goes hungry.
Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Alibek Kuantyrov, echoed these sentiments, stating that food security has evolved into a global concern. Armed conflicts, climate change, and supply chain disruptions impact every nation, regardless of development levels. The OIC has 57 member states, and 41 are currently part of the IOFS, with more interested in joining.
Plans are in the works for a gene bank in Kazakhstan to maintain vital plant genetic resources. This is just one step towards enhancing food security and responding to crises.
Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Agriculture, Ermek Kenzhehanuly, highlighted the nation’s agricultural strengths, including its potential for producing high-quality organic products. Agriculture contributes a whopping $18 billion annually, with exports reaching $5.1 billion in the last five years.
The discussions wrapped up with a commitment to deepening cooperation, including an agreement with M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University to foster education and research in agriculture.
Overall, this event underscored the importance of unity in addressing food challenges. In an age where threats to food security are more complex than ever, collaboration is vital.
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