The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), in collaboration with COMSTECH and Benadir University, successfully concluded a three-day International Workshop on “Advancing Knowledge and Innovation for Sustainable Food Security Systems,” held from 24–26 November 2025 in Mogadishu, Somalia. The event brought together more than 300 participants, including university professors, researchers, technical experts, government officials, representatives of international and local organizations, private-sector stakeholders, and students from various Somali universities.
The workshop served as an important platform for academic engagement, knowledge exchange, and multi-sectoral dialogue aimed at strengthening Somalia’s national food security framework.
The opening ceremony was graced by senior government leadership, including the Federal Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir (Maareeye), and the Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range, H.E. Hassan Hussein Mohamed, as well as respected members of the Parliament of Somalia.
Representing IOFS at the event, Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khan delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the organisation’s mandate and its continued support to Somalia in strengthening sustainable and self-reliant food systems. He emphasized the importance of knowledge-driven development and innovation in overcoming the growing challenges of climate change, water scarcity, rising production costs, and disruptions in global food supply chains. Dr. Yousuf noted that IOFS remains committed to empowering member states, including Somalia, through capacity development, technology transfer, policy support, and partnerships that promote modern, climate-smart, and research-based agricultural practices.
Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in thematic sessions addressing agricultural sustainability, food systems and value chain development, policy and governance frameworks, climate change impacts, digital agriculture, scientific research, market linkages, and equity in food access. The event featured keynote speeches from leading experts, academic presentations, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue sessions that enabled participants to share experiences, examine practical solutions, and identify new opportunities for collaboration. The high level of academic and professional engagement demonstrated the growing research capacity within Somali institutions and the country’s readiness to adopt innovative approaches to strengthen its food security landscape.
The workshop reaffirmed IOFS’s continued cooperation with Somali institutions in key areas such as wheat production systems, strategic food reserve development, food security governance, youth capacity-building programs, and the promotion of partnerships between universities across OIC member states. IOFS expressed appreciation to COMSTECH, Benadir University, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for their collaboration and hospitality, as well as to all participants whose contributions enriched the quality and impact of the discussions.
