ne’ma and JICE Join Forces to Combat Food Waste
In Abu Dhabi, ne’ma, the National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aligns with the 2024 World Food Day theme, “Right to foods for a better life and a better future.” The signing was attended by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy, during a high-profile UAE delegation visit to Japan.
Goals and Objectives
The MoU aims to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030, supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 and the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. This builds on a 2023 collaboration where “The ne’ma 7 Days Diary” was launched to raise awareness among students about food waste.
Key Figures and Statements
Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation, emphasized the importance of educational approaches and strategic partnerships. Yoshida Kozo, President of JICE, expressed excitement about sharing Japan’s expertise to help the UAE achieve its goals.
Delegation’s Activities in Japan
The UAE delegation assessed Japan’s policies and community efforts to enhance ne’ma’s sustainability. Tadweer Group, part of the delegation, aims to divert 80% of waste from landfills, aligning with circular economy values. Ali Al Dhaheri, CEO of Tadweer Group, highlighted the visit’s role in advancing sustainable practices.
The delegation also engaged with Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency and visited Toyosu Market, Second Harvest Japan Food Bank, and other sites to learn about food waste reduction strategies.
Doubts Revealed
ne’ma -: ne’ma is an initiative in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that focuses on reducing food loss and waste. It aims to make sure that less food is thrown away and more is used wisely.
JICE -: JICE stands for Japan International Cooperation Center. It is an organization in Japan that works on international cooperation projects, including those related to reducing food waste.
MoU -: MoU stands for Memorandum of Understanding. It is an agreement between two parties to work together on a common goal, like reducing food waste in this case.
World Food Day -: World Food Day is celebrated every year on October 16th to raise awareness about hunger and promote actions to ensure food security for all. It is a day to think about how we can help everyone have enough food.
Circular economy -: A circular economy is a way of using resources where we try to reuse, recycle, and reduce waste as much as possible. It means making sure that products and materials are used for as long as possible, instead of just throwing them away.
