Overview
The National Seminar on World Food Day, held on October 17, 2023, at Crystal Hall, Faletti’s Hotel, Lahore, addressed the critical theme “Water is Life, Water is Food; Leave No One Behind.” This event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the intersection of water, food security, and sustainable practices. The seminar aimed to highlight the importance of water in food production and security, emphasizing the need for inclusive approaches to ensure no one is left behind.
The seminar began with a warm welcome and networking session, followed by an inaugural segment featuring the recitation of the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. The sessions that followed offered in-depth discussions on various aspects of food security, safety, and sustainability.
Detailed Speaker Talks
Welcome Note
Speaker: Mr. Rana Awais Khan, Chairman, National Alliance for Safe Food
Mr. Rana Awais Khan opened the seminar with a welcome note, emphasizing the significance of World Food Day in addressing global food security challenges. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to ensure safe and nutritious food for all, stressing that water is a fundamental element in achieving this goal.
Keynote Address
Speaker: Dr. Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan Dairy Association
Dr. Shehzad Amin delivered the keynote address, focusing on the vital role of the dairy industry in the national economy and its contribution to food security. He discussed the challenges and opportunities in the dairy sector and the importance of adopting sustainable practices to ensure the safety and quality of dairy products.
Importance of World Food Day
Speaker: Mr. Jiro Ariyama, Technical Officer, FAO Country Office, Islamabad
Mr. Jiro Ariyama spoke about the importance of World Food Day and its contribution to the global economy. He highlighted the interconnectedness of water management and food security, emphasizing the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches to address these critical issues.
Present Day Challenges in Food Security
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Tallat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor, University of Education
Prof. Dr. Tallat Naseer Pasha discussed the present-day challenges in food security, including the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and other environmental factors. His presentation underscored the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure a secure food supply for future generations.
Speaker on Food Security
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Naseem Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences
Prof. Dr. Naseem Ahmad explored the complexities of ensuring food security in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized the need for innovation and research to overcome these challenges and ensure a stable and safe food supply.
Food Testing
Speaker: Mr. Hamid K. Latif, CEO, TTI Testing Laboratories
Mr. Hamid K. Latif spoke on the importance of food testing in maintaining the safety and quality of food products. He discussed the role of rigorous testing standards in ensuring consumer trust and protecting public health.
Food Security Challenges and Opportunities
Speaker: Ms. Farah Naz, Country Head, GAIN
Ms. Farah Naz addressed the challenges and opportunities in the food sector. She emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaborative efforts in overcoming food security issues and improving nutritional outcomes.
Food Safety Standards
Speaker: Dr. H. U. Khan, Director General, PSQCA
Dr. H. U. Khan discussed the need for robust food safety standards to ensure that food products meet international quality requirements. He highlighted the role of regulatory frameworks in safeguarding public health and ensuring safe food for all.
Safe Food – Right of Every Citizen
Speaker: Mr. Raja Jahangir Anwar, Director General, Punjab Food Authority
Mr. Raja Jahangir Anwar emphasized that safe food is a fundamental right of every citizen. He discussed the efforts of the Punjab Food Authority in ensuring food safety and protecting consumer rights.
Technical Session 1: Dairy as a Wholesome Food – Safe Dairy Safe Nation
Speaker: Dr. Muhammad Nasir, GM S&RA, FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited
Dr. Muhammad Nasir led a session on the role of dairy as a wholesome food, emphasizing the importance of safety in dairy production. He discussed the measures taken by FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited to ensure the safety and quality of dairy products.
Technical Session 2: Food Safety Challenges and Global Initiatives
Speaker: Dr. Zaffer Mehmood, Food Safety Specialist, Food and Agriculture Organization
Dr. Zaffer Mehmood provided a global perspective on food safety challenges and initiatives. He highlighted the international efforts to address food safety issues and the importance of global collaboration in improving food safety standards.
Technical Session 3: Importance of Food Safety
Speaker: Ms. Farah Athar, Deputy Director Standards & Accreditation, Punjab Food Authority
Ms. Farah Athar discussed the importance of food safety and the role of standards and accreditation in ensuring the safety of food products. She emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to maintain high standards in food safety.
Outcome of Discussion & Moving Forward
Panelists: Dr. Muhammad Nasir, Dr. Zaffer Mehmood, Ms. Farah Athar, Prof. Dr. Naseem Ahmad, Prof. Dr. Tallat Naseer Pasha, Dr. Umair Ahmad
The panel discussion provided a platform for the speakers and panelists to discuss the outcomes of the seminar and the way forward. The panelists emphasized the need for continued collaboration, innovation, and effective regulatory frameworks to address food security challenges.
Vote of Thanks
Chairman: Pakistan Dairy Association
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from the Chairman of the Pakistan Dairy Association, acknowledging the contributions of all speakers and participants.
Conclusion
The National Seminar on World Food Day successfully highlighted the crucial link between water and food security. The event provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions related to ensuring safe and nutritious food. The discussions emphasized the importance of 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. Participants gained a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in ensuring a secure and sustainable food system.
Summary
The National Seminar on World Food Day served as an important platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. It addressed key issues related to water management, food security, and safety, and provided actionable recommendations for moving forward. The event successfully engaged experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in meaningful discussions and set the stage for future collaborative efforts.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Collaboration: 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 innovative practices to address current and future food security challenges.
- Advancing Regulatory Frameworks: Develop and implement robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety and quality of food products and protect public health.
- Promoting Public Awareness: Increase public awareness about food safety and security issues through educational campaigns and community outreach.
- Addressing Water Management: Focus on sustainable water management practices to support food production and address water scarcity issues.
The seminar provided a valuable foundation for future actions and initiatives aimed at achieving a secure and sustainable food system for all.
