Islamic Organization for Food Security

Director General of IOFS Concludes High-Level Discussions During Official Visit to Iraq Baghdad, Iraq - 22 January 2025 – His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), has successfully concluded a productive two-day official visit to Baghdad. The mission aimed to strengthen collaboration in food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience, reinforcing Iraq’s active engagement with the OIC Member States under the IOFS framework. During his visit, H.E. Ambassador Aryn held high-level discussions with key officials in Iraq, including: • H.E. Ambassador Shorsh Khalid Said, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral and Legal Affairs: H.E. Ambassador Aryn expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the IOFS delegation and acknowledged Iraq’s landmark decision to join IOFS during the 8th Ministerial Conference on Food Security and Agricultural Development (MCFSAD) in Doha, October 2023. He emphasized the visit’s purpose to explore avenues for joint collaboration in food security and agricultural development. In response, H.E. Ambassador Shorsh Khalid congratulated H.E. Ambassador Aryn on his election as IOFS Director General and expressed Iraq’s commitment to building a strong and productive partnership with IOFS. • Dr. Mithaq Abdul Hussein Al-Khafaji, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture: In a key meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Al-Khafaji welcomed H.E. Ambassador Aryn and highlighted Iraq’s vast agricultural potential, including its rich natural resources and extensive expertise. Discussions also addressed pressing challenges, including desertification and the impacts of climate change. H.E. Ambassador Aryn thanked Iraq for its active participation in IOFS initiatives and emphasized the importance of establishing a roadmap for collaboration. The roadmap would outline actionable steps to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in Iraq and across the OIC geography. Following the meeting, both sides participated in an extended session with senior officials to consult on implementing innovative solutions for shared challenges. • H.E. Mr. Minister Aoun Diab, Minister of Water Resources: H.E. Ambassador Aryn also met with H.E. Mr. Minister Aoun Diab Abdullah to explore opportunities for cooperation in water resource management and irrigation modernization. Both sides underscored the critical need for innovative strategies to rationalize water usage and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on Iraq’s agricultural sector. This visit represents a significant milestone in strengthening strategic partnerships between IOFS and the Republic of Iraq. It reflects IOFS’s commitment to fostering impactful collaborations that address key challenges in food security, agriculture, water resources and climate adaptation.

IOFS Director General Concludes Productive Visit to Jordan, Fostering Strategic Food Security Partnerships Amman, Jordan, 20 January 2025 – His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), concluded a successful visit to the Kingdom of Jordan, underscoring enhanced cooperation among OIC Member States to address food insecurity and promote sustainable development. Accompanied by H.E. Talgat Shaldanbay, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Jordan, Director General Aryn met with H.E. Khaled Hunaifat, Minister of Agriculture, to discuss opportunities for boosting agricultural output and building on Jordan’s strategic membership in IOFS. Minister Hunaifat praised IOFS’s focus on strengthening supply chains and facilitating collaboration among Islamic nations, highlighting Jordan’s 2025 vision to foster partnerships, develop the food industry, and empower smallholder farmers through the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture and the Strategic Plan for Food Security. IOFS commended Jordan’s progress despite limited natural resources, announcing upcoming programs in wheat, olive, and palm cultivation, alongside honey production and water management initiatives. The visit also included a dispatch ceremony for the “Gaza Flour for Humanity” convoy and a meeting with H.E. Dr. Hussein Mohammad Al-Shebli, Secretary General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO). Both organizations agreed to collaborate on further relief operations in Gaza while exploring climate-smart irrigation and other livelihood projects for rural communities in Jordan. The visit concluded with a commitment to deepen relations and expand cooperative programs, particularly in livestock and climate-resilient farming. By combining IOFS’s expertise with Jordan’s dedication to agricultural advancement, both parties aim to strengthen food security across OIC Member States, reinforce sustainable development, and empower local communities.

IOFS PARTICIPATES IN FAO WORKSHOP ON FINANCING AGRIFOOD SYSTEMS TRANSFORMATION Tunis, Tunisia, January 20–23, 2025 The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) is participating in the FAO Regional Capacity Building Workshop and Conference titled "How to Finance the Transformation of Agrifood Systems?" organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The event, held in Tunis, Tunisia, from January 20 to 23, 2025, brings together key stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities of financing agrifood systems transformation in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. The workshop’s agenda highlights the critical need for increased investment in agrifood systems, with sessions focused on innovative financing mechanisms and tools to enable participants to develop investable projects. Experts from FAO and its partners delivered comprehensive sessions, presenting innovative approaches such as blended instruments, climate finance, results-based financing, and green bonds, which are key to unlocking resources for sustainable and inclusive agrifood systems. These sessions offered practical guidance on bridging the significant financing gap in the region. A notable highlight of the event is the introduction of the FAO Hand-in-Hand tool, which empowers participants to design investable projects tailored to national priorities and aligned with sustainable development goals, particularly SDG2: Zero Hunger. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and country case studies to apply these tools in addressing real-world challenges.Mr. Bakytzhan Arystanbek , Project Manager, Projects Department at IOFS, represented the organization at this event. On the sidelines of the workshop, Mr. Arystanbek engaged in productive discussions with representatives from the ministries of agriculture of various member countries. These exchanges provides an excellent platform to explore collaborative opportunities, share experiences, and identify strategies to strengthen regional food security governance. The workshop will conclude on January 23, 2025, with a dialogue among participants to develop actionable recommendations for countries, fostering collective efforts towards sustainable agrifood systems transformation.

IOFS dispatches its first humanitarian convoy under the “Flour for Humanity Program” to Gaza, delivering 200 tonnes of wheat flour to address the severe food shortages caused by ongoing conflict, with steadfast support from the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2/2 IOFS Dispatches First Humanitarian Convoy to Gaza under Flour for Humanity Program on the First Day of Ceasefire During the ceremony, JHCO representatives elaborated on their continuing efforts, which created a sustainable aid corridor through Jordan given the constraints on the Egyptian route, which was suspended by Israeli authorities, limiting large-scale deliveries to Gaza before the ceasefire. JHCO’s initiatives encompass not only food aid but also winterization, medical support, and shelter for those left vulnerable by the ongoing conflict. After a tour of the JHCO warehouses, H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn and H.E. Talgat Shaldanbay were briefed on the facilities, followed by a ceremonial loading of the trucks destined for Gaza. H.E. Amb. Berik Aryn expressed his profound gratitude to JHCO, UN partners, and the donating OIC Member States. He also underscored IOFS’s adherence to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence, emphasizing that no overhead or administrative costs are deducted from contributions and every donation goes directly toward covering procurement and logistical expenses on the ground. The Director General also appealed for further support from OIC Member States and donors worldwide. Beyond delivering immediate relief, IOFS is committed to advancing long-term recovery efforts, including livelihood restoration, the revitalization of Gaza’s agricultural sector, and the reconstruction of essential infrastructure. The convoy is expected to reach the Kerem Shalom/Karam Abu Salem crossing within two days, where coordination with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other UN agencies will ensure safe distribution to approximately 8,000 households, alleviating critical food shortages in the area. This shipment marks not only the first direct IOFS initiative but also the first OIC-branded convoy to the territories, along with the generous contributions of Red Crescent societies, NGOs, and bilateral aid agencies of the Muslim countries. The ceremony coincided with a temporary ceasefire agreement in Gaza after more than 465 days of hostilities that have taken the lives of over 46,000 people. The toll of this brutal conflict includes the destruction of essential infrastructure and the displacement of millions amid harsh winter conditions. Children under five are among the most vulnerable, facing an immediate risk of malnutrition. By the end of 2024, 1.84 million people in Gaza were reported to be going hungry, with around 133,000 at imminent risk of starvation. Approximately 96 percent of the population—over 2.15 million people—face high levels of acute food insecurity through September 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). While the entire territory is designated as IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), over 495,000 people are in IPC Phase 5 (Catastrophe), experiencing extreme hunger and exhaustion of coping strategies.

1/2 IOFS Dispatches First Humanitarian Convoy to Gaza under Flour for Humanity Program on the First Day of Ceasefire Amman, Jordan- 20 January 2025 – His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), has attended the dispatchment of the first “Flour for Humanity Program – Gaza Emergency Appeal” convoy from Jordan to Gaza. The ceremony, held at the JORDAN HASHEMITE CHARITY ORGANISATION (JHCO) Warehouse in Ghabawi, Zarqa, took place with the honourable participation of His Excellency Talgat Shaldanbay, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Jordan. The convoy consists of 12 trucks carrying 200 tonnes of first-grade wheat flour, addressing the acute food shortages in Gaza. The Republic of Kazakhstan, as the hosting state of IOFS, has played a key role in supporting this initiative. Kazakhstan’s leadership and steadfast support for IOFS have been integral in enabling the organization’s humanitarian activities, including the Flour for Humanity Program. This underscores the country’s commitment to addressing food insecurity and humanitarian crises globally. Since October 2023, intensified attacks have caused widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing millions and destroying vital infrastructure, homes, and hospitals. These escalating humanitarian needs were underscored at the joint extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh on 11 November 2023, resulting in a call for urgent assistance to prevent worsening food insecurity. In accordance with the IOFS Statute, specifically subparagraphs (i) and (j) of Article 4, IOFS responded to this crisis by participating in humanitarian programs upon the request of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) and by creating regional mechanisms to provide emergency assistance to member states. In early 2024, IOFS issued an Emergency Appeal to address the severe hunger threatening Gaza and initiated the Flour for Humanity Program. This program is a direct response to the UNRWA Telegram : UN Watch / United Nations Relief & Works Agency for Palestine Refugees Gaza in the Near East (UNRWA)’s urgent call for help and aims to supply 1,000 tonnes of wheat flour to the Gaza Strip. The first phase, conducted in partnership with the JHCO, secured 200 tonnes of fortified wheat flour—equivalent to 8,000 packages—thanks to the generous contributions of several member states, including the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

2/2 IOFS Director General’s Official Visit to Türkiye Yields Strategic Partnerships and TİKA MoU Concluding his visit, Ambassador Berik Aryn met with officials at the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA - Türk İşbirliği ve Koordinasyon Ajansı )culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at bolstering collaboration and formulating joint projects across multiple sectors. The signing ceremony, held at TİKA Headquarters in Ankara, was attended by TİKA President Serkan Kayalar, Ambassador Aryn, and delegations representing both institutions. The agreement focuses on sustainable development goals, humanitarian priorities, and key areas such as food and water security, agriculture, rural development, and biotechnology initiatives throughout OIC member states. President Kayalar underlined the importance of this protocol in expanding institutional cooperation, noting that it will help extend the joint impact of TİKA and IOFS well beyond the region. “Inshallah, with the strength provided by this memorandum, we will transmit IOFS’s expertise along with TİKA’s experience to third countries in Africa, South America, and other regions concerning food security,” President Kayalar stated during the ceremony. Ambassador Aryn echoed this optimism, emphasizing that productive and sustainable partnerships are indispensable for combating food insecurity. By leveraging innovative seed technologies, smart irrigation systems, mechanized farming, water-saving approaches, and by engaging various stakeholders through specialized forums such as the GFSS, he noted that OIC nations could significantly enhance agricultural productivity, climate resilience, nutrition, and livelihoods. “We have a strong partnership with TİKA,” Ambassador Aryn said. “This agreement will hopefully allow us to further develop our collaboration and expand our cooperation areas.” Both organizations highlighted that upcoming projects under the new agreement will play a vital role in poverty alleviation, improving food security, and resolving environmental challenges—objectives that align closely with regional and global development goals. The protocol further paves the way for practical cooperation through domestic and international training programs, working visits, workshops, and the exchange of institutional expertise, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing inclusive agricultural development and ensuring lasting stability across the OIC geography. Throughout his visit to Türkiye , Ambassador Aryn stressed the significance of forging strong and sustainable partnerships among OIC Member States to confront the urgent challenge of food insecurity.

1/2 IOFS Director General’s Official Visit to Türkiye Yields Strategic Partnerships and TİKA MoU Ankara, Türkiye, 18 January 2025 – His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), concluded his official visit to the Republic of Türkiye with a series of high-level discussions that underscored the critical need for enhanced collaboration among Organization of Islamic Cooperation ( OIC ) Member States to address food insecurity and promote sustainable development. On the final day of his visit, Ambassador Aryn met with Director General Selçuk Koç of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation (COMCEC). Both sides discussed the importance of reinforcing cooperation through specialized working groups, particularly on agriculture, to encourage member states to submit joint proposals for COMCEC Project Funding (CPF). This financing mechanism, introduced by the COMCEC Coordination Office in 2013, supports projects developed by OIC member countries and related institutions to fulfill the COMCEC Strategy’s objectives. Ambassador Aryn and Director General Koç agreed to focus on this year’s thematic priority of enhancing smallholder farmers’ economies within OIC countries. Following the COMCEC meeting, Ambassador Aryn paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Yerkebulan Sapiyev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Türkiye . He expressed gratitude for Kazakhstan’s steadfast support of the IOFS and other OIC institutions hosted in Türkiye, while Ambassador Sapiyev affirmed the IOFS’s significant role in advancing food security throughout the Islamic world.

IOFS Embarks on High-Level Mission to Türkiye: Strategic Engagements with Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and SESRIC Ankara, Türkiye 17 January 2025 - His Excellency Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), commenced his official visit to the Republic of Türkiye with high-level discussions aimed at advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience initiatives across OIC Member States. During the first day of his visit, Ambassador Aryn met with Dr. Ahmet Bağcı, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, to explore avenues for deeper collaboration. Expressing gratitude for Türkiye’s long-standing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, Ambassador Aryn emphasized the importance of sharing best practices in seed technology, mechanization, and research and innovation to address pressing challenges such as drought and climate shocks. In turn, Dr. Bağcı congratulated Ambassador Aryn on his appointment as Director General of IOFS and reaffirmed Türkiye’s readiness to provide robust support through the country’s expertise—ranging from improved seed technology to climate-smart mechanization. Following this engagement, Ambassador Aryn was hosted at TAGEM (General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policies) by its Director General, Dr. Mustafa Altuğ Atalay, along with relevant department heads specializing in horticultural crops, livestock, fisheries, mechanization, agricultural economics, and soil and water health. Both sides recognized the synergy between TAGEM’s research-based expertise and IOFS’s “Strategic Commodities” Program and discussed avenues for broader technology transfer and collaborative research. Ambassador Aryn extended an invitation to TAGEM to present its achievements at the second edition of the Global Food Security Summit (GFSS) in Abu Dhabi, taking place on 21–23 October 2025. Dr. Atalay warmly welcomed this proposal and pledged TAGEM’s full commitment to mobilize Türkiye’s technological strengths and human resources to achieve shared objectives across Islamic countries. As part of the official program, Ambassador Aryn also visited theStatistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC) to confer with H.E. Mrs. Zehra Zumrut SELCUK. They emphasized the critical role of reliable statistical data in shaping evidence-based agricultural and food security policies, while reviewing the progress of ongoing initiatives within the framework of the Annual Coordination Meeting of the OIC Institutions (ACMOI) 2025. Both IOFS and SESRIC agreed to broaden their joint activities and seek additional funding to bolster programs aimed at improving agricultural productivity, resilience, and interregional trade. His Excellency Yerkebulan Sapiyev, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Türkiye, was also present, reiterating Kazakhstan’s continued support for collaborative endeavors led by IOFS and SESRIC.