SESRIC participated in the online Regional Consultations for Reviewing the Draft Strategic Plan for Ensuring Food Security in OIC Member States (Arab, African and Asian) organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) on 11-13 February 2025. These consultations aimed to review the draft Strategic Plan for Ensuring Food Security in OIC Member Countries and gather feedback from representatives of the African, Arab, and Asian groups. The discussions were held in line with the outcomes of the 9^th Ministerial Conference on Food Security and Agricultural Development, which took place in Doha, Qatar, in October 2023.

The consultations provided a platform for OIC Member Countries to assess their national priorities, evaluate the draft strategy, and propose adjustments to enhance its timely implementation. The development of the draft plan, which is a joint effort by IOFS, the OIC General Secretariat, SESRIC, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), will be followed by further consultations across OIC regions. The final draft is expected to be presented for approval at the 10th Ministerial Conference later this year in Chad.

During the online consultations, SESRIC’s representatives emphasized the organization’s ongoing support for OIC Member Countries, particularly in agriculture and food security. They highlighted the importance of data-driven policymaking, noting SESRIC’s OICStat Database, which offers key agricultural and food security indicators, as a vital tool for effective decision-making. They also discussed SESRIC’s capacity-building initiatives, such as the StatCaB and Agri-CaB programs, which help Member Countries enhance their agricultural productivity and resilience. Furthermore, SESRIC’s research on interconnected sectors, such as water resources and environmental sustainability, was highlighted, which directly supports the strategic objectives of the draft food security plan.

IOFS is dedicated to addressing food insecurity in the OIC Member Countries through a comprehensive strategy. Their approach encompasses a holistic food security ecosystem that establishes resilient and sustainable food systems.

For further updates on SESRIC’s work in food security and agricultural development, please visit SESRIC’s official website.