Ukraine scales up Food from Ukraine initiative: talks held with DIHAD in the UAE

During his working visit to the UAE, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine Denys Bashlyk met with Khaled Al Attar, Director General of DIHAD Sustainable Organisation.

The parties discussed the prospects of creating agri-food hubs as a new format for international cooperation in the field of food security.

Particular attention was paid to the development of cooperation between the state and business at the B2B and B2G levels, as well as the establishment of partnerships between scientific institutions. Practical steps include organizing a Ukrainian pavilion at the DIHAD exhibition in the UAE, as well as holding a thematic round table dedicated to food humanitarian aid issues.

Denys Bashlyk emphasized that food security and the construction of food hubs, particularly in the Middle East, could become a new strategic direction for cooperation.

"Ukraine is already actively pursuing the expansion of the Food from Ukraine initiative, namely the creation of food hubs in African countries. This is not just about exports—it is about building local infrastructure for food storage, processing, and distribution. We want to scale up this approach. Together, we can create a network of modern food hubs that will ensure stable food supplies to the regions that need it most, including the Middle East. This is a contribution to global food security and stability," noted the Deputy Minister.

Denys Bashlyk also emphasized that the development of such cooperation will contribute to the formation of a new innovative agroecosystem and the deepening of economic and investment ties between countries. Through joint efforts, it is possible to create an effective partnership model that will serve as an example for the entire region and strengthen Ukraine's role in ensuring global food security.

Background information

DIHAD Sustainable is a specialized platform and international initiative aimed at promoting sustainable practices in agriculture, food, water, forestry, and natural resource management. It brings together government institutions, international organizations, agribusinesses, scientific institutions, and civil society organizations to exchange knowledge, best practices, and technologies that promote the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in the context of climate change, economic challenges, and growing environmental safety requirements.