The Ali Ahmed Ba Kathir Hall at Hadhramout University hosted the World Food Day celebration organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the University’s Center for Environmental Studies and Water Resources. The event was held under the patronage of His Excellency Major General Salem Abdullah Al-Suqtri, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Fisheries, and Mr. Mabkhout Mubarak Bin Madi, Governor of Hadhramout.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Bin Madi conveyed greetings from the national leadership to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of World Food Day. He noted that the local authority has prioritized agricultural development and implemented strategic projects to enhance production and improve food security. He praised Hadhramout University for its international engagement and expressed gratitude to FAO for its contributions to agricultural development and efforts toward a secure food future in Hadhramout.
Prof. Dr. Mohamed Saeed Khanbash, President of Hadhramout University, expressed the university’s pride in participating in this annual event, which is celebrated on October 16 by over 150 countries worldwide. He highlighted the event’s focus on hunger and food scarcity, aiming to eradicate hunger and ensure access to sustainable food for all. Dr. Khanbash presented global hunger statistics, referencing the impact of conflicts and crises—particularly in Gaza—on food insecurity. He called on all stakeholders to contribute to achieving food security for every member of society and thanked the local authority, the university’s Center for Environmental Studies and Water Resources, and FAO for organizing the event.
Engineer Fahmi Rwaished, speaking on behalf of the Coastal Hadhramout Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, conveyed greetings from Director General Abdullah Awad Al-Obathani. He emphasized that the celebration aims to raise public awareness about food issues and support the agricultural sector by providing farmers with equipment to boost production, in coordination with relevant authorities to achieve food security. He also encouraged productive families and institutions to actively participate in the accompanying exhibition.
Mr. Omar Badabyan, Director General of Hajar District, gave a brief overview of agricultural products and water resources in Wadi Hajar, highlighting FAO’s interventions that have improved food quality, supported dam construction, and assisted farmers—contributing to the development of agricultural infrastructure in the region. He expressed appreciation to the local authority and FAO for their support in advancing agriculture in Hajar.
Following the speeches, Governor Bin Madi, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Khanbash and Engineer Abdulkarim Al-Sabri, Director of FAO’s Hadhramout Office, inaugurated the agricultural and food products exhibition held alongside the event. The delegation toured all sections of the exhibition.
The inauguration was attended by Vice Presidents of Hadhramout University, Engineer Amin Barziq (Deputy Governor for Technical Affairs), Dr. Khalid Bawahidi (Director of the Center for Environmental Studies and Water Resources), along with academics, directors of government offices and ministries, and specialists in the agricultural sector in Hadhramout.
