OPEC Fund reiterates commitment to food security

Extreme weather events, armed conflict, population displacements – dramatic events with an immediate impact on global food security keep making headlines. In addition to emergency aid the world needs long-term solutions. 

At the 2024 Scientific Forum of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna in September, OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “As we confront the challenges of hunger and climate change, it is clear that science-based, innovative solutions are essential.” 

The Forum took place during the IAEA’s 68th General Conference under the theme “Atoms4Food: Better Agriculture for Better Life”. Speakers included, among others, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali and Uruguay’s Minister of Agriculture Fernando Mattos, who discussed how nuclear science and technology can enhance sustainable agrifood systems, improve food security and address climate-related challenges. 

President Alkhalifa hailed recent progress made in the field: “Nuclear technology, usually associated with energy, is now making a difference to agriculture and food security in innovative ways. Ground-breaking research has demonstrated enormous opportunities for strengthening resilience and optimizing results.” Applications of new technology include the control of pests and diseases, the increase of crop production and the protection of land and water resources. 

Agriculture has traditionally been a cornerstone of the OPEC Fund’s work, as there can be no development where people are suffering from hunger. “Famine is unacceptable,” underlined President Alkhalifa. Between 2018 and 2023, development projects completed by the OPEC Fund have directly benefited more than 2.1 million farmers globally. Projects, boosted by the OPEC Fund’s US$1 billion Food Security Action Plan adopted in 2022, have improved access to essential resources, technologies and training and are helping farmers increase productivity and secure livelihoods. 

Given recent developments President Alkhalifa used his speech to announce the OPEC Fund’s readiness to step up its efforts: “Going forward, we are deepening our commitment to fighting hunger and making food systems more resilient worldwide by pledging another US$2 billion to food security projects between 2025 and 2030.” 

Atoms4Food is a joint initiative by the IAEA and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It aims to help countries boost food security and tackle growing hunger. President Alkhalifa said: “New technology will be essential to feed a global population that is forecast to reach 10 billion by 2050. Nuclear science must be part of our answer. We need effective solutions, urgently.”