Istanbul: The State of Qatar participated in the High-Level Ministerial Session as part of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 held in Istanbul, Turkiye. The session focused on "Post-Harvest Loss Reduction: A Strategic Perspective on Food Supply Chain Efficiency," with involvement from ministers, high-ranking officials, and experts worldwide.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Qatari delegation was led by HE Undersecretary of the Ministry of Municipality, Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali. Eng. Al Ali emphasized the importance of minimizing post-harvest loss and enhancing food supply chain efficiency as essential components for securing food security and promoting environmental sustainability. This focus is particularly significant given the challenges posed by climate change, increasing food demand, and pressure on natural resources.
Al Ali stressed that addressing food loss and waste is a national priority for Qatar. As a part of the National Food Security Strategy 2030, Qatar is developing an integrated national program to tackle these issues, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative includes establishing baseline indicators for food loss and waste in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), along with various national partners. This project aims to provide accurate data to drive policy advancement and track progress.
Practical steps taken by Qatar to enhance agricultural production efficiency and reduce food loss across all stages of the food value chain were highlighted by Eng. Al Ali. These measures encompass sustainable agricultural practices, improved post-harvest methods, and upgraded logistical services including cooling and storage systems, which collectively improve agricultural product quality and reduce losses during transport and distribution.
Eng. Al Ali also reviewed key national initiatives in environmental sustainability and waste management that have enhanced environmental service efficiency and supported the shift toward a circular economy. These efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy. He underscored the importance of international cooperation, expertise sharing, and innovative solutions in building efficient, sustainable food supply chains.
Furthermore, Al Ali affirmed Qatar's commitment to fostering partnerships with various countries and international organizations to support global efforts in achieving sustainable development and food security. On the forum's sidelines, HE Eng. Ali bin Mohammed Al Ali conducted several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening international relations and expanding cooperation in mutual areas of interest.