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Dubai Municipality Marks International Food Loss and Waste Reduction Awareness Day Under the Theme: Safe Food Systems for a Sustainable Future

• The event reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to raising community awareness on sustainability through food safety practices across the food chain, from production to consumption.
• A series of initiatives were introduced to promote sustainability within the food retail sector.

Dubai Municipality, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Sub-regional Office for the GCC and Yemen, celebrated International Food Loss and Waste Reduction Awareness Day under the theme, “Innovating for Safe Food Systems towards a Sustainable Future” The event highlighted Dubai Municipality’s ongoing commitment to promoting community awareness about the critical role of innovation in sustainable food systems, with a focus on enhancing food safety practices  to ensure food remains suitable and safe for consumption.

The event brought together experts and specialists from government authorities, private sectors, and academic institutions to discuss advanced strategies for food sustainability. Key discussions focused on regulatory and legislative frameworks, governmental initiatives, and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of food systems and strengthen food security across Dubai.

Dr. Naseem Mohammed Rafiee, Acting CEO of Environment, Health & Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “This celebration is a reflection of our commitment to sustainability in Dubai. We firmly believe that innovation and collaboration are pivotal to advancing sustainable food systems. By encouraging dialogue across sectors, we aim to build a food-secure future that meets the needs of generations to come and enhances the well-being of our community. Furthermore, we are dedicated to raising awareness around responsible consumption by educating the public on sustainable practices that preserve our food resources.”

Kian Akram Al Jaf, Head of Mission of the FAO Sub-regional Office for the GCC and Yemen, “In his remarks, Kayan Akram Jaff, FAO Senior Advisor and Chief of Mission for the FAO Sub-regional Office for the GCC States and Yemen, emphasized, “As we mark the fifth observance of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact that reducing food waste can have on our planet and our communities. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and ensuring more food reaches those in need, we can make a significant difference.

He further highlighted, “Our collaboration with Dubai Municipality exemplifies the power of partnerships in creating sustainable and resilient food systems.”

As part of its sustainability efforts, Dubai Municipality has introduced several initiatives aimed at raising public awareness of food safety and quality, which is closely linked to long-term sustainability. A series of workshops were conducted, targeting a diverse audience that included schools, students, community members, and food industry workers. The workshops offered practical tips and valuable insights to promote a deeper understanding of sustainable consumption practices.

In a related initiative, Dubai Municipality partnered with 14 schools to launch a competition aimed at developing innovative solutions for sustainable food systems. The competition encouraged students to present protypes and working models featuring financial feasibility analysis, risk assessments, and strategic goal-setting, fostering creativity and strategic thinking among participants. The competition provided a platform to showcase the students’ contributions towards addressing one of today’s most pressing global issues.

In addition, Dubai Municipality introduced a comprehensive guide for supermarkets and hypermarkets, promoting sustainability practices in the food retail sector. This guide offers clear recommendations on optimizing inventory management and implementing proper food storage practices, aligning with Dubai’s broader commitment to fostering a circular economy.