The Director General of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS), Ambassador Berik Aryn, undertook a working visit to the Kingdom of Morocco to participate in the XIX World Water Congress, held from 1–4 December 2025 in Marrakech under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation.” The Congress convened global policymakers, researchers, and institutions to address emerging water challenges and adaptive solutions. Ambassador Aryn attended the Opening Ceremony on 1 December and took part in the Ministerial Roundtable, contributing to high-level discussions on water governance, climate resilience, and their implications for food security.
During the Ministerial Roundtable, Ambassador Aryn underlined that water and food security must be addressed as an integrated priority for OIC Member States, noting rising pressures from climate extremes, aquifer decline, and demographic growth. He highlighted IOFS initiatives in Africa and Central Asia aimed at improving water-use efficiency, strengthening basin governance, and advancing climate-smart agricultural practices. The Director General also emphasized the importance of innovation—such as digital irrigation, remote sensing, and nature-based solutions—and reaffirmed IOFS’s commitment to working with Morocco and partners to promote sustainable, science-based water–agriculture systems.
In addition to his participation in the Congress sessions, Ambassador Aryn held a number of bilateral meetings with key partners on the sidelines of the event. The Director General, accompanied by Dr. Ismail AbdelHamid, Director of Projects Department, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco. The discussion focused on opportunities for enhanced cooperation in water resource management, climate adaptation strategies, and integrated approaches linking water and food security across OIC Member States.
The Director General also conducted a meeting with H.E. Ebubekir Gizligider, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye, where both sides reviewed joint activities implemented during 2025 and exchanged views on prospective areas of cooperation for 2026. Ambassador Aryn conveyed appreciation for Türkiye’s continued engagement with IOFS and its active role in supporting capacity-building initiatives and technical programmes.
In another bilateral meeting, Amb. Aryn held discussions with Mr. Idrissa Dia, Director of Economic and Social Infrastructure Global Practices at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The discussion focused on the progress achieved through joint cooperation in 2025 and the strong technical coordination established between the two institutions. Both sides expressed readiness to further advance collaboration in 2026, with an emphasis on practical support to Member States and more coordinated project implementation.
