Almaty, June 10, 2026 – The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) convened a high-level roundtable on June 10 in Almaty to discuss the implementation of strategic initiatives proposed by the Republic of Kazakhstan during its Chairmanship of the 7th General Assembly of IOFS.
The roundtable brought together, senior representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, leading scientific and educational institutions, international partners and experts in agriculture, food security and innovation.
The event featured high-level remarks by H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of IOFS, Alibek Bakayev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and member of Executive board of IOFS, and Yermek Kenzhekhanuly, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Chair of the 7th IOFS General Assembly.
The roundtable focused on advancing Kazakhstan’s strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening food security cooperation, promoting agricultural innovation and fostering sustainable agrifood systems across OIC Member States.
Discussions were enriched by contributions from representatives of the International Food Processing Association (IFPA), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, S. Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, M. Kozybayev North Kazakhstan University, the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Plant Growing (KazNIIZiR), the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NASEC), the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Asyl Tulik Republican Center for Livestock Breeding, the QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center and ExpoGroup International Exhibition Company.
Among the key topics was the establishment of the IOFS International Genebank in Kazakhstan, a strategic platform designed to preserve agricultural genetic resources, enhance scientific cooperation and support climate-resilient food systems across the Islamic world. Participants discussed the current status of preparatory work, possible institutional and technical modalities, and further steps required for implementation.
Participants also discussed the creation of a Food Security Innovation and Knowledge Hub, envisioned as a centralized platform for sharing scientific research, best practices, training opportunities and innovative solutions in sustainable agriculture and food systems among OIC Member States.
Another priority initiative discussed during the roundtable was the organization of the Global Islamic Food Security Expo, which will serve as an international platform connecting governments, research institutions, businesses and development partners to showcase innovative technologies, attract investment and promote practical solutions to food security challenges.
The meeting further examined preparations for the first Forum of National Agrarian Institutes of OIC Member States, a milestone event aimed at launching the Association of Agricultural Academies (AAA). The forum is expected to strengthen cooperation among agricultural research institutions and create a framework for long-term scientific collaboration.
Special attention was devoted to the roadmap for the IOFS Year of Women Agrileaders and Youth Agripreneurs (WAYA) 2027. The initiative is expected to promote women's leadership and youth entrepreneurship in agriculture while advancing the objectives of the IOFS Women in Agriculture Development Initiative (WADI), which seeks to improve access to knowledge, technologies, finance and market opportunities for women across OIC Member States.
During the discussions, participants exchanged views on potential mechanisms for institutional, scientific and technical cooperation, including the role of Kazakhstan’s national research and academic institutions in supporting the implementation of the proposed initiatives. The roundtable also provided opportunities for joint pilot projects and explored avenues for strengthening long-term cooperation between IOFS and Kazakhstan's scientific and academic community.
The roundtable concluded with a set of expert recommendations and proposals aimed at accelerating the implementation of the initiatives. Participants also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among governments, research institutions and development partners to build resilient, innovative and sustainable agrifood systems across OIC Member States.
IOFS expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, and participating institutions for their continued support and commitment to advancing food security, agricultural innovation and scientific cooperation across the OIC region.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
