ASTANA – Kazakhstan officially assumed the chairmanship of the seventh General Assembly of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) during a session held in Astana on May 14, where member states discussed strengthening cooperation, innovation and long-term food resilience across the Islamic world.
Addressing the session, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov said food security has become a strategic issue amid geopolitical instability. Photo credit: Ministry of Agriculture.
The assembly brought together representatives of nearly 40 IOFS member states and international organizations in a hybrid format, reported the Ministry of Agriculture.
Addressing the session, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov said food security has become a strategic issue amid geopolitical instability, climate change and disruptions to global logistics chains.
“Today, food security is no longer only an agricultural issue. It is a matter of state resilience, social stability and strategic security,” Saparov said.
“We believe the IOFS should strengthen not only as a platform for dialogue, but also as an effective mechanism for cooperation and implementation of joint initiatives,” he added.
Kazakhstan highlights agricultural export potential
During the assembly, Kazakhstan highlighted its role as one of the world’s major agricultural exporters. According to Saparov, the country now ranks among the world’s top 10 grain exporters, holds second place globally in flour exports and ranks eighth in sunflower oil exports.
With around 24 million hectares of cultivated land, Kazakhstan has harvested nearly 27 million tons of crops annually for two consecutive years. Agricultural exports total 15.3 million tons and reach more than 50 countries, including China, Afghanistan and Central Asian states.
Saparov also noted that Kazakhstan is modernizing its livestock sector under a comprehensive 2026–2030 development plan aimed at increasing competitiveness and expanding halal food exports.
New food security knowledge center proposed
One of Kazakhstan’s key proposals at the assembly was the creation of a Food Security and Innovation Knowledge Center under the IOFS framework.
According to officials, the center would function as a service and analytical platform for all IOFS member states, helping countries exchange expertise, research and technological solutions related to food systems and agriculture.
Kazakhstan also proposed expanding cooperation between scientific and research institutions across the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member states and suggested organizing the first forum of national agricultural institutes from OIC countries.
Another initiative proposed by Kazakhstan was declaring 2027 the Year of Women Agricultural Leaders and Young Agro-Entrepreneurs within the IOFS framework.
The country additionally suggested holding a Global Islamic Food Security Exhibition focused on innovation, agricultural technologies and sustainable food systems.
Member states adopt 13 strategic resolutions
During the assembly, participants reviewed and adopted 13 strategic resolutions aimed at strengthening collective food security mechanisms, improving resilience of food systems and ensuring food accessibility across the Islamic world.
Summarizing the meeting, Saparov said the organization now has an opportunity to move toward a new stage of development.
“Modern challenges require us not only to exchange opinions, but also to develop joint practical solutions capable of ensuring the resilience of food systems and strengthening the collective security of our states,” he said.
