Astana, Kazakhstan – 4 June 2025 - In commemoration of World Food Safety Day 2025, the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) convened a high-level international webinar under the theme “Advancing Food Safety Through Science Across OIC Nations.” The event gathered eminent experts, government officials, and stakeholders to discuss how science can transform food safety systems across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Member States and beyond.
Aligned with this year’s global theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the webinar underscored the critical role of cutting-edge technologies and collaborative frameworks in safeguarding food systems, protecting public health, and promoting sustainable development.
In his opening address, H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, science-led food safety solutions. Ensuring food safety is a cornerstone of public health, economic resilience, and sustainability. Through our Healthy, Halal, and Safe Food Ecosystem Program, IOFS is dedicated to developing culturally attuned, science-based systems to deliver safe, nutritious, and halal food to communities worldwide,” he affirmed.
H.E. Mr. İhsan Övüt, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), highlighted the pivotal role of OIC/SMIIC standards in harmonizing halal practices with robust food safety protocols, fostering trust and compliance across global markets.
Dr. Affaro Affandy, CEO of Binaskil Academy (Malaysia), highlighted Malaysia’s integrated approach to halal food security, emphasizing its synergy with enhancements in food safety, quality assurance, and capacity building.
The webinar also addressed the Climate-food safety nexus, echoing global sustainability priorities ahead of COP 30. The IOFS highlighted its support for climate-resilient agriculture and the One Health approach, linking human, animal, and environmental well-being.
The webinar reaffirmed the role of IOFS as a convener and catalyst for knowledge-sharing and collaboration in the field of food safety. As food systems continue to face evolving risks, science remains central to ensuring their safety, sustainability, and integrity.
