Overview
The National Seminar on World Food Day, held on October 15, 2022, at Crystal Hall, Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, focused on the theme “Food Safety Matters; Leave No One Behind.” The event gathered leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to address critical issues related to food security and water management. The seminar provided a platform for in-depth discussions on food safety, innovation, and regulatory frameworks, with a view to ensuring a sustainable and inclusive approach to food security.
Detailed Speaker Talks
Arrival & Welcome of Guests
Participants arrived and were welcomed to the seminar, setting the stage for a day of insightful discussions and networking.
Sitting of Guests & Networking
Guests took their seats, and the networking session allowed for preliminary interactions and discussions among attendees.
Inaugural & Technical Session
Recitation of Holy Quran & National Anthem
The seminar commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem, creating a respectful and unified atmosphere for the proceedings.
Welcome Note
Speaker: Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman, National Alliance for Safe Food
Mr. Rana Awais Khan delivered the welcome note, emphasizing the importance of World Food Day in highlighting global food security challenges and the need for collective action. He stressed the role of water in food production and the importance of ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all.
Keynote Address
Speaker: Dr. Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Dairy Association
Dr. Shehzad Amin’s keynote address focused on the dairy industry’s role in the national economy and food security. He discussed the challenges faced by the dairy sector and the importance of sustainable practices to ensure the safety and quality of dairy products.
Remarks
Speaker: Mr. Usman Zaheer Ahmad, Senior Vice Chair, Pakistan Dairy Association
Mr. Usman Zaheer Ahmad provided remarks on the ongoing efforts within the dairy industry to address food safety and security issues. He highlighted recent advancements and the industry’s commitment to maintaining high standards.
Presentation
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor, University of Education
Topic: Emerging Challenges of Food Security – Global Perspective vs National Perspective
Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha presented on the emerging challenges in food security from both global and national perspectives. He discussed the impacts of climate change, economic factors, and other challenges that affect food security and highlighted the need for integrated solutions.
Presentation
Speaker: Mr. Rao Muhammad Imran, Head R&D/Innovation, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs, Fauji Foods Ltd
Topic: Dairy as a Wholesome Food
Mr. Rao Muhammad Imran’s presentation focused on the nutritional value of dairy products and their role in a healthy diet. He discussed the importance of quality assurance and innovation in the dairy sector to ensure product safety and consumer health.
Tea Break
A brief tea break provided participants with an opportunity to network and discuss the topics covered so far.
Presentation
Speaker: Mr. Awais Bin Nasim, MD Tetra Pak
Topic: Food Safety Through Innovation
Mr. Awais Bin Nasim discussed how innovation in food packaging and processing can enhance food safety. He highlighted the role of technology in improving food preservation and reducing contamination risks.
Address
Speaker: Mr. Hamed K. Lateef, CEO, TTI Testing Laboratories
Mr. Hamed K. Lateef addressed the importance of food testing in maintaining food safety standards. He emphasized the need for rigorous testing protocols to ensure the safety and quality of food products.
Address
Speaker: Mr. Muhammad Ali Raza Khan Khakwani, Chairman, Punjab Food Authority
Mr. Muhammad Ali Raza Khan Khakwani spoke about the efforts of the Punjab Food Authority in ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance. He highlighted recent initiatives and the importance of effective enforcement.
Address
Speaker: Miss Farah Naz, Country Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
Miss Farah Naz discussed the role of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in addressing global food security challenges. She emphasized the importance of nutrition-focused interventions and partnerships.
Remarks
Speaker: Mr. Sardar Shahabuddin Khan Seehar, Minister for Livestock & Dairy Development, Punjab
Mr. Sardar Shahabuddin Khan Seehar provided remarks on the government’s efforts to support the livestock and dairy sectors. He highlighted recent policy initiatives and the importance of addressing sector-specific challenges.
Chief Guest Address
Speaker: Honorable Sardar Hasnain Bahadar Dreshak, Minister Food, Punjab
Honorable Sardar Hasnain Bahadar Dreshak delivered the chief guest address, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving food security and safety. He discussed ongoing programs and future plans to enhance the food system in Punjab.
Souvenirs Distribution
Speaker: Honorable Sardar Hasnain Bahadar Dreshak, Minister Food, Punjab
The chief guest distributed souvenirs to recognize the contributions of key participants and speakers.
Panel Discussion: “Food Safety Matters; Leave No One Behind”
Moderator: Dr. Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Dairy Association
Panelists:
- Mr. Mudassar Riaz Malik, Director General, Punjab Food Authority
- Prof. Dr. Nasim Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
- Dr. Shinawar Waseem Ali, Chairman, Department of Food Sciences, Punjab University
- Mr. Muhammad Yasin Akhtar, Director, PSQCA
- Mr. Mian Mitha, Corporate Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Manager, Nestle Pakistan Ltd
- Mr. Awais Ali, Country Manager Food & Agri, Bureau Veritas
The panel discussion explored the key issues related to food safety and security, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches and collaborative efforts. The panelists discussed their perspectives on regulatory frameworks, industry practices, and the importance of addressing food safety challenges comprehensively.
QA Session, Discussion & Recommendations
The QA session provided an opportunity for attendees to engage with the speakers and panelists, discuss key takeaways, and offer recommendations for improving food security and safety.
Vote of Thanks
Speaker: Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem, President, National Alliance for Safe Food
Dr. Hafiz Rehan Nadeem closed the seminar with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all speakers, participants, and organizers for their contributions and engagement.
Lunch Break
The seminar concluded with a lunch break, allowing participants to network and further discuss the topics covered during the event.
Conclusion
The National Seminar on World Food Day effectively highlighted the essential link between water and food security. The event provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions related to ensuring safe and nutritious food for all. The discussions emphasized the need for sustainable practices, robust regulatory frameworks, and collaborative efforts in addressing food security challenges.
The seminar demonstrated a collective commitment to improving food safety standards, advancing research and innovation, and fostering partnerships to enhance global food security. The event underscored the importance of inclusive approaches and comprehensive solutions in addressing the multifaceted issues affecting food security.
Summary
The seminar successfully brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss critical issues related to food security and water management. The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing, dialogue, and recommendations on improving food safety and security. The detailed presentations and discussions highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to address food security challenges and ensure a sustainable and inclusive food system.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Collaboration: Continue to foster partnerships among government agencies, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to drive effective solutions and ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Enhancing Research and Innovation: Support research initiatives and technological advancements to address current and future food security challenges. Encourage innovation in food production, processing, and packaging.
- Advancing Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and implement robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and quality of food products. Strengthen enforcement mechanisms and ensure alignment with international standards.
- Promoting Public Awareness: Increase public awareness about food safety and security issues through educational campaigns and community outreach. Empower consumers with knowledge to make informed choices.
- Addressing Water Management: Focus on sustainable water management practices to support food production and address water scarcity issues. Implement strategies to improve water use efficiency in agriculture and food production.
The seminar provided a valuable foundation for future actions and initiatives aimed at achieving a secure and sustainable food system for all.
