Riyadh: Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the Near East and North Africa AbdulHakim Elwaer emphasized that nearly 40% of the Arab population faces food insecurity, with more than 66 million people in the region suffering from malnutrition.
According to Saudi Press Agency, this statement was made during the 27th session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission (NEFRC), hosted by the Kingdom in collaboration with FAO. Elwaer said the region's forests comprise dry forests, resilient shrublands, life-sustaining oases, protective mangrove forests, and multifunctional mixed agricultural systems.
He stressed the exceptional significance of this session, marking the 70th anniversary of NEFRC, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of FAO's founding.
Elwaer stated that the NEFRC has served as a regional platform for dialogue on forests and rangelands, uniting member states, technical experts, and development partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and develop collaborative solutions to the region's most pressing challenges.