The IOFS and Norwegian Refugee Council Explore Potential Areas of Collaboration

Astana, Kazakhstan – On 22 May 2024, a technical virtual meeting was held between the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), represented by Mr. Knut Andersen, Global Lead, Livelihoods and Food Security, to exchange views on ways and means to develop their bilateral cooperation. The IOFS was represented by Mr. Abdula Manafi Mutualo, Chief Multilateral Affairs Officer, and Mr. Sofian Meddeb, Chief Countries Affair Officer.

Issues pertaining to food security and livelihoods formed most of the deliberations during the virtual meeting in which both Institutions agreed that it was high time to explore ways and means towards implementing projects and initiatives in the field under reference, particularly within the framework of Afghanistan Food Security Program (AFSP) and Africa Food Security Initiative (AFSI).

The meeting in case may also be contextualized on request of some IOFS Member States for specific initiatives with internal displaced people, which are the target beneficiaries of NRC related projects.

Additionally, the need for specific training and policy support for IOFS staff involved in humanitarian aid was highlighted. Such support would bring an added value to IOFS and improve its interventions in distressed Member States.

It should be mentioned that the IOFS and the NRC intend to continue consultations remotely and/or in-person towards consolidating their bilateral cooperation.