In developed countries like the UAE, we’re all guilty of food wastage, while millions of others face shortages that result in malnutrition and death.

The rate of the world’s population growth means that by 2030, there will be 520 million mouths to feed. Abu Dhabi is taking responsibility to address the issue by hosting MENA Food Production 2030, hosted from 20th to 21st March as part of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture.

The announcement comes after the launch of the UAE Food Bank, a non-profit charitable organisation that aims to reduce waste and distribute food to those in need. Both canned and fresh foods will be collected before being distributed within the UAE and abroad. It’s part of an aim to become a zero waste society, and further supports the Year of Giving.

“We chose food as our first initiative as it is one of the most basic human needs,” explained UAE vice president HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. “Through the UAE Food Bank, we aim to instil the value of giving deep in the hearts of our people.”