The World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference 2022, which will be held in the Middle East for the first time, offers an important opportunity to reshape global food systems, according to organizers and attendees.
WUWM Abu Dhabi 2022 will take place on October 19-20, 2022 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center.
The conference will take place at a time when the UN General Assembly has warned of rising hunger and malnutrition in the world, with factors including COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and international conflicts resulting in nearly a billion people going hungry in 2021.
As the world’s largest network of wholesale markets, WUWM represents the industry’s most significant suppliers of fresh food.
Attendees at the conference will include leading fresh food producers, wholesale markets, retailers, fresh food logistics companies, air and maritime freight providers as well as local, national and regional government representatives, policymakers and food systems experts.
WUWM 2022 will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the mechanisms required to secure global food supplies.
It will review pathways to ensure that food systems are sustainable, increase resilience of the fresh food supply chain, reduce food loss, promote innovation and digital tools to ensure long term food security.
Stephane Layani, WUWM Chairman, said: “WUWM is committed to tackling food insecurity and preventing food crises around the world.”
He said, “This conference will offer an opportunity to identify risks and anticipate future challenges for maintaining food supplies. Sharing innovations, best practices and new approaches will enable us to mitigate the impact of the current crisis and avoid future disruption to food supply chains.”
He added, “We are very proud to bring the event to Abu Dhabi, our first ever in the Middle East, in recognition of the steps that leaders and organizations in this region are taking to ensure food security.”
Layani said, “We have issued an open invitation to all industry persons around the world to participate, so we can agree to a multi-stakeholder approach to fixing and enhancing global food systems.”
The event is being hosted by AD Ports Group, which is playing a central role in building infrastructure and encouraging new market entrants in support of food security.
Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO, Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said, “Hosting the WUWM Conference will provide the UAE with an important opportunity to demonstrate the key steps we are taking in support of national, regional and ultimately global food security.”
He said, “It will provide us with a platform to exchange knowledge and learn from some of the largest and the most innovative fresh food suppliers in the world.”
As part of the national Food Security Strategy, the UAE aims to become the most secure nation in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, using modern technologies and enhanced local production to ensure sustainable production of fresh food.
According to experts who would attend the conference, resource intensity of food production is a challenge for global supply chains. Food production requires high levels of water, energy and shifting to alternative energy sources and reducing water wastage are key points for the industry.
Though this transformation will require careful management to avoid increased costs leading to higher food prices.
Other topics at WUWM include food security, digitalization, role of food hubs and supply chains.