Opening the session, Giuseppe Saba, CEO of Dubai Humanitarian, welcomed attendees and presented a comprehensive year-in-review, highlighting the organisation’s continued efforts to strengthen the resilience of humanitarian supply chains and enhance global response capabilities. The MGM convened over 80 members, alongside, representatives from government entities, private sector, international organisations, and academic partners.

This was followed by a high-level panel discussion titled “Dubai Humanitarian: Between Today and Tomorrow,” which explored operational resilience, lessons learned, and upcoming milestones. The session brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Dubai Customs, Emirates, ACS, and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, who discussed the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex global crises and ensuring timely aid delivery.

Commenting on the event, Giuseppe Saba said: “As the global humanitarian landscape grows more complex, our role is to enable faster, smarter, and more coordinated responses. Through the strength of our partnerships and the resilience of our ecosystem, Dubai Humanitarian is committed to shaping a future where aid reaches those in need more efficiently and with greater impact.”

A highlight of the MGM was the Dubai Humanitarian Awards Ceremony, recognising outstanding projects by member organisations across four key categories:

• Most Impactful Partnership: The Sparkle Foundation’s Namitembo Medical Outreach Programme, Malawi, addressing critical gaps in access to primary healthcare. 
• Best SDGs-Focused Project/Initiative: Food Banking Regional Network’s Rooftop Plantation Project, Asmarat Community, Egypt, promoting food security and sustainable livelihoods. 
• Best Innovation: SOS Children’s Villages International’s Gulf Area Office Youth-led Plastic Recycling Initiative across five African countries, transforming waste into economic opportunities. 
• Most Engaging Campaign: The Citizens Foundation’s Obhartay Sitaray initiative, a community-driven fundraising model mobilising students and households to support education.

The MGM also highlighted Dubai Humanitarian’s collaboration with the American University in Dubai (AUD) through a capstone initiative, reflecting a commitment to fostering the next generation of humanitarian leaders and strengthening ties with academic institutions.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion, allowing members to share insights and contribute to the future direction. In his closing remarks, Saba reaffirmed Dubai Humanitarian’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening partnerships, and advancing a global safety net for an impactful and sustainable humanitarian action worldwide.

The €2 million investment will see the development of a 1,500-square-meter facility, expected to open in October, creating a centralized warehousing and logistics hub. The project will be delivered by Croatian contractor Massa, a long-term partner on EcoCortec’s construction initiatives.

The new center aims to consolidate all logistics operations under one roof, enhancing efficiency, streamlining the supply chain, and enabling faster deliveries to global customers while reducing the company’s environmental footprint.

Boris Miksic, CEO and owner of Cortec® Corporation, said the project builds on the success of EcoCortec since its launch in 2005. He highlighted that the expansion will significantly improve operational performance and customer service, while also aligning with the company’s sustainability goals through the reuse of existing facilities and circular economy practices.

Local officials, including Beli Manastir Mayor Igor Pavelic, attended the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between the city and EcoCortec. The company has been operating in the city’s industrial zone for over two decades and is considered a key contributor to local economic development.

The expansion is further supported by improved infrastructure, particularly the completion of Croatia’s section of Corridor 5C, which has enhanced connectivity to regional markets. According to EcoCortec’s management, the new highway has already accelerated delivery times and increased investor interest in the area.

With this development, EcoCortec continues to strengthen its position in the global market while reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and high-tech manufacturing in Croatia.

HMH’s approach to sustainability is neither symbolic nor episodic. It is a rigorously structured commitment that spans corporate governance, operational execution, and long-term strategic planning. Central to this framework is the group’s adherence to internationally recognized standards, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, ISO 9001 for quality management, and ISO 22000 for food safety management systems. Collectively, these certifications underscore HMH’s commitment to environmental stewardship, excellence in service delivery, robust food safety practices, and continuous operational improvement across all HMH-managed properties, ensuring consistent standards and enhanced guest confidence throughout the portfolio.

Importantly, HMH extends this responsibility beyond its own footprint. The same environmental management framework is used to assess, engage, and collaborate with suppliers and partners across its value chain. By aligning procurement and operational partnerships with environmental sustainability objectives, HMH reinforces a shared accountability model—recognizing that meaningful impact is achieved through collective action, not isolated efforts.

One of the most visible demonstrations of this commitment is HMH’s group-wide target for all managed hotels to become 100% single-use plastic free. This ambitious initiative directly addresses one of the hospitality sector’s most pressing environmental challenges: plastic waste and pollution. Through policy changes, supplier engagement, and operational innovation, HMH systematically eliminating unnecessary plastics from guest experiences and back-of-house operations alike.

Leading by example is Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, which has pioneered several innovative sustainability solutions under the HMH portfolio. Among these is the introduction of the Air-O-Water system, a technology that generates clean drinking water directly from atmospheric humidity. By significantly reducing reliance on bottled water, the system has contributed to a measurable reduction in plastic consumption while ensuring high-quality drinking water for guests and staff.

Beyond infrastructure and systems, HMH recognizes that sustainability is ultimately driven by people. Across its managed hotels, teams actively organize and participate in year-round environmental initiatives that reinforce a culture of responsibility and engagement. These include tree-planting drives, beach clean-up campaigns, and large-scale can collection initiatives—each designed to create tangible environmental benefits while fostering a sense of shared purpose among employees and local communities.

Commenting on the group’s sustainability journey, Haytham Abdelaziz, Chief Operating Officer of HMH, said: “At HMH, sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise—it is a long-term commitment that guides how we operate, how we partner, and how we grow. By embedding certified environmental systems, investing in innovation, and empowering our teams on the ground, we are building a hospitality model that delivers value for people, protects the planet – energy saving tech, waste reduction, recycle and water conservation system across properties.”

As HMH continues to expand its portfolio and regional presence, its sustainability agenda remains firmly anchored in daily practice. Through certified processes, forward-thinking solutions, and proactive community involvement, HMH is not only responding to global environmental expectations, but also helping shape a more responsible and resilient future for the hospitality industry.

Attracting significant attention from the international media also this year with topics closely related to the global agenda, the TRT World Forum 2025 has been held in Istanbul under the main title “The Global Reset: From the Old Order to New Realities.” Policymakers, journalists, academics, leading experts, and representatives from the public and private sectors from around the world came together at the international platform of TRT World Forum.

The event featured open and closed sessions where regional and global issues were discussed in depth, solutions were proposed, and mutual understanding was strengthened. The forum, which featured nearly 150 speakers from over 30 countries and more than 1,500 participants from different regions, addressed critical issues of global concern, such as strategic autonomy, diplomacy, economics, international law, artificial intelligence, and journalism on the frontlines.

The topics of “Contested Futures: Conflict and Reconciliation in East Africa”, “Trump’s America: Unpacking the Transformation”, “Cultural Diplomacy and Shared Identity in Central Asia: Pathways to Regional Engagement and Connectivity”, “European Security Architecture: Between Institutional Overlap and Strategic Necessity”, “From the Margins to the Mainstream: The Global Rise of the Far Right”, “The Gulf Amid a Fragmenting Global Order: Vision, Rivalry and Fault Lines”, “From Victimhood to Resilience: The Path to Justice in Gaza” and “The Ukraine Conflict: Diplomacy Amid the Fog of War” were discussed during the expert roundtables.

On the first day of the TRT World Forum, which is one of the largest and most high-profile forums in the global media sector, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Head of Communications Burhanettin Duran, and TRT Director General Mehmet Zahid Sobacı delivered inaugural speeches. Six journalists, who participated in the program featuring a video in memory of journalists who lost their lives in Gaza, presented to President Erdoğan the press vest they wore in Gaza. TRT Director General Sobacı presented a gift to President Erdoğan following his speech.

Nearly 150 nationally and internationally renowned figures including Former Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Djoomart Otorbaev, Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf, General Supervisor of Official Media of State of Palestine Ahmed Assaf, Former Judge of the International Court of Justice Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, Regional Director for Africa, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Patrick Youssef participated as speakers in the open sessions at the major event, where key global issues were discussed over the course of two days.

In many developing nations, economic priorities often take precedence over environmental concerns. Governments focus on alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and stimulating economic growth, which can make environmental protection appear as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, this perception is increasingly being challenged by successful case studies and global evidence showing that sustainability and economic development can go hand in hand.

Obstacles to Environmental Progress
Limited financial resources and underdeveloped infrastructure often hinder the implementation of advanced environmental solutions. Initiatives such as clean energy projects, reforestation, or recycling programs require significant investment and institutional support, which many developing countries struggle to provide. In addition, environmental awareness and education are still limited in several regions, reducing both public and private engagement in sustainability efforts.

Population pressures and rapid urban expansion further complicate environmental priorities. Meeting immediate needs such as housing, food, and water often takes precedence over long-term ecological concerns. Moreover, reliance on energy-intensive industries such as coal or oil for economic growth makes the transition to environmentally friendly alternatives more challenging. Weak environmental regulations, sometimes exacerbated by corruption or short-term political priorities, can also slow progress toward sustainability goals.

Sustainability as a Driver of Growth
Despite these challenges, the notion that environmental protection conflicts with economic development is increasingly being debunked. Studies and real-world examples demonstrate that integrating sustainability can boost both the environment and economic performance.

In Andhra Pradesh, India, the implementation of Zero Budget Natural Farming across 500,000 hectares led to a 123.6% increase in farmers’ incomes while improving biodiversity. This approach enhanced agricultural productivity while simultaneously benefiting the environment. In Kenya, renewable energy investments, supported by fixed-tariff policies, not only increased energy access but also created new jobs, stimulating economic growth.

Innovative financial mechanisms also show that sustainability can coexist with development. In Barbados, the “Debt-for-Climate” swap redirected $165 million toward projects improving water infrastructure and food security, enhancing climate resilience without increasing national debt. In China, green policies focusing on energy efficiency and pollution reduction contributed to long-term economic gains, illustrating the economic viability of a transition to a greener economy.

The Societal and Human Rights Dimension
Furthermore, environmental sustainability aligns with broader human rights and social development. Studies reveal that citizens who prioritize environmental protection also tend to value individual rights, democracy, and equality, indicating that sustainability can strengthen both societal and economic frameworks.

Looking Ahead
The evidence is clear: environmental sustainability is not a barrier to growth—it is a catalyst. By adopting effective environmental policies, investing in renewable energy, and engaging communities, developing nations can achieve economic progress while safeguarding the planet, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

Note: This article was produced in collaboration with AI to support research, writing, and data analysis.

As the global population edges toward 10 billion by 2050, the challenge of producing enough food while preserving the environment has never been greater. According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025, more than 295 million people across 53 countries and territories experienced acute hunger in 2024—an increase of 13.7 million from 2023. The report cites conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement as key drivers of this growing crisis.

The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development emphasizes sustainable food systems under SDG 2: Zero Hunger, urging nations to transform agriculture while reducing environmental impact.

The Global Food Sustainability Challenge

• Agriculture occupies 50% of habitable land, yet contributes 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• 1.4 billion hectares of soil are degraded worldwide, reducing productivity and threatening ecosystems.
• 1 billion tons of food are wasted annually, enough to feed hundreds of millions of people.

These pressures are compounded by climate change, urban expansion, and deforestation, making sustainable agricultural transformation a global imperative.

The FAO emphasizes a framework of Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, Better Life, guiding nations to implement climate-smart farming, reduce waste, and support smallholder farmers.

National Efforts and Innovations

China: High-Tech Agricultural Modernization

China faces a projected food gap of 130 million tons by 2025 and has unveiled a 10-year agricultural master plan. Key objectives include:

• Achieving 700 million tons of annual grain production by 2027.
• Modernizing agriculture with smart farming, AI, IoT, and precision irrigation.
• Expanding livestock, dairy, vegetable, and aquaculture production using eco-friendly techniques.
• Revitalizing the seed industry to ensure technological independence and secure genetic resources.

Professor Wang Gangyi of Northeast Agricultural University told the Global Times:
“Ensuring food security is no longer limited to grains. It now includes meat, eggs, milk, and other agricultural byproducts. The plan integrates production, pricing, trade, disaster mitigation, and rural development.”

China also plans urban-rural integration, upgrades in farm machinery, and increased international cooperation in agriculture.

Denmark: Climate-Friendly Farming Leadership

Denmark has invested $200 million since 2021 in plant-based and organic agriculture. Key initiatives include:

• Supporting farmers to grow plant-based crops and fund alternative protein startups.
• Promoting sustainable diets among consumers.
• Reducing the carbon footprint of food production through research, subsidies, and awareness campaigns.

India: Urban Agriculture and Community Gardens

In New Delhi, programs like “Basti Gardens of Hope” transform rooftops, balconies, and vacant lots into productive gardens. Achievements include:

• Involving over 50 families in producing vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and gourds.
• Reducing household expenses while providing chemical-free vegetables.
• Enhancing urban biodiversity and fostering community engagement.
• Training residents in composting, water conservation, and smart planting techniques.

Netherlands: High-Tech Greenhouse Farming

The Netherlands, despite its small land area, has become the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter through:

• Greenhouse technology and vertical farming to increase yield per hectare.
• Advanced irrigation and nutrient recycling, saving up to 90% of water.
• Climate-controlled production enabling year-round output.

Innovative Global Solutions

• Hydroponics & Vertical Farming – Efficient urban farming in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Europe.
• Food Waste Reduction Programs – Dubai converts farm and restaurant waste into fertilizer.
• Agroforestry & Soil Restoration – Tree-crop integration improves biodiversity, soil fertility, and carbon capture.
• Digital Agriculture & AI – Robotics, AI-powered monitoring, and data analytics optimize yields, irrigation, and fertilizer use.

Environmental and Economic Impacts

• Precision agriculture can reduce fertilizer use by 30–50%, mitigating water pollution.
• Vertical farming and hydroponics cut water use by up to 90% and reduce land pressure.
• Food waste conversion into fertilizer helps close the loop in circular agricultural economies.
• Investment in plant-based agriculture decreases GHG emissions by up to 60% per kg of protein.

Conclusion

The global food sustainability crisis demands coordinated international strategies and national innovation. Countries like China, Denmark, India, and the Netherlands demonstrate that it is possible to balance food security, environmental protection, and technological advancement. As population growth and climate challenges intensify, these approaches may define humanity’s ability to feed 10 billion people without degrading the planet.

Resources

• Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC 2025)
• FAO: Agrifood Systems and the 2030 Agenda
• Global Times: China Agricultural Plan
• Dansk Vegetarisk Forening: Denmark Plant-Based Initiative
• Times of India: Urban Gardens in India
• Business Insider: Netherlands Agriculture

Organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, the event brought together government representatives, knowledge leaders, and strategic partners for a discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the Arab world in the context of economic transformation, technological shifts, climate change, and a rapidly expanding youth population.

The event was inaugurated by Their Excellencies Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF; Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Arab States at UNDP; and Mohamed Abushahab, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN. In their opening remarks, the speakers emphasized the need for innovative frameworks and next-generation indices to develop future-ready skills and advance inclusive and sustainable development. They also urged greater collaboration at the regional and international levels to ensure no one is left behind.

His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb stated: “There is a pressing need to exchange knowledge and expertise across countries and institutions. This will certainly empower the Arab region to address its growing challenges and seize the immense opportunities for innovation and growth presented by today’s technological revolution.”

H.E. added: “Our work at MBRF, in close collaboration with our strategic partner, UNDP, shows that investing in precise knowledge indices and standards, including the Global Knowledge Index (GKI) and future foresight reports, is key to helping governments and policy-makers craft impactful strategies for knowledge-based economies. The success of the ‘Future Skills Academy’ initiative is a testament to this approach, having equipped thousands of young Arabs with the essential skills through thousands of educational programs. The initiative not only fosters a culture of lifelong learning but also enhances the readiness of upcoming generations for a fast-evolving job market. Our partnership with UNDP underscores our shared commitment to transforming knowledge into a practical pillar of development, empowering our societies to achieve sustainable competitiveness globally.”

Dr. Abdullah Al Dardari said: “With just five years remaining until the deadline of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Arab region must urgently intensify its efforts to meet the goals. We hope this event will help align our collective efforts towards transforming data, skills, and innovation into actionable solutions for building inclusive, sustainable, and resilient societies. We are proud to collaborate with our partners to ensure that the perspectives and voices of youth, women, and local communities, who are often overlooked, play a central role in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future, not only for the Arab region, but globally.”

Mohamed Abushahab commented: “The UAE’s experience shows that investing in people, skills, and knowledge is the key to lasting progress and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Strong global partnerships are essential to this effort, which is why we, like UNDP and MBRF, work to help countries close knowledge gaps, empower youth, and design data-driven and innovative policies that turn today’s challenges into opportunities for future generations.”

The event focused on three key themes: highlighting knowledge policy; capacity-building and future skills frameworks to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and data-based monitoring systems, developmental indicators, measurement tools, and reporting. It also reviewed the outcomes of the first phase of the Future Skills Academy, which supported 10,000 Arab citizens in enhancing their skills through over 15,000 educational programs, totaling more than 114,000 hours of learning. In addition, over 13,000 learners across the Arab region are currently engaged in developing future-ready skills, preparing for an ever-changing job market increasingly shaped by competitive skills rather than academic credentials. The event concluded by underscoring the significance of regional ownership, highlighting the need for knowledge tools and capacity-building strategies to be aligned with local priorities. It called for greater cross-sectoral integration to foster a more sustainable and inclusive future for the Arab region and beyond. As part of this framework, it was announced that the 10^th edition of the ‘Knowledge Summit’ will be held in Dubai on 19-20 November 2025, under the theme ‘Knowledge Markets: Developing Sustainable Communities.’ Marking a decade since its inception, this year’s Summit reinforces its role as a global platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange, exploring the importance of knowledge in driving policymaking, shaping the future of sustainable development, and empowering individuals and communities.

After more than two decades of negotiation, the UN High Seas Treaty, aimed at preserving the marine environment, has been ratified by 60 countries and is set to take effect in early 2026. This landmark agreement represents a major step forward in global efforts to protect the vast areas of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdiction, covering nearly two-thirds of the planet’s oceans.

The High Seas Treaty addresses critical environmental challenges, including overfishing, marine pollution, and habitat destruction, while promoting the conservation of biodiversity in international waters. By establishing rules for sustainable use, the treaty seeks to balance environmental protection with the needs of the global maritime economy.

“The treaty marks a historic achievement in marine conservation,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. “For the first time, we have a global framework to protect the oceans that do not belong to any one country but are essential to all life on Earth.”

Key Provisions and Goals

The treaty introduces several key mechanisms:

• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Nations and international bodies will collaborate to designate protected zones in high seas regions, safeguarding habitats for endangered species and vulnerable ecosystems.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Any planned activities in high seas areas must undergo rigorous assessments to evaluate their potential ecological impact.
• Sustainable Resource Management: The treaty sets rules for fishing, mining, and bioprospecting in international waters, aiming to prevent exploitation that could irreversibly damage marine life.

Challenges Ahead

While the treaty represents a significant breakthrough, its implementation poses challenges. Enforcement in remote areas of the ocean is difficult, requiring international cooperation, monitoring technology, and robust compliance mechanisms. Additionally, ensuring equitable benefits for all countries, including developing nations, will be essential to the treaty’s success.

Experts argue that combining the treaty with innovative ocean monitoring technologies, satellite tracking, and AI-driven conservation tools could help overcome these challenges. Such technologies can track fishing activity, monitor biodiversity, and detect illegal exploitation in real time.

A Global Responsibility

The High Seas Treaty reflects a growing recognition that protecting the oceans is not just an environmental priority but a global responsibility, crucial for climate regulation, food security, and the health of marine ecosystems. Its adoption sends a strong signal that multilateral cooperation can safeguard the planet’s most valuable and vulnerable resources.

With its enforcement slated for 2026, the treaty will test the ability of nations to work together to protect areas beyond national boundaries, ensuring that the high seas remain healthy, productive, and resilient for generations to come.