KUWAIT CITY, July 9: Dr. Mishaan Al-Otaibi, Acting Director General of the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, reaffirmed Kuwait's commitment to enhancing regional and international cooperation in sustainable genetic resources management. His remarks were delivered today at the "Regional Consultative Forum on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for the Countries of the Near East and North Africa Region," hosted by Kuwait.

The forum, supported by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture under FAO, aims to elevate Kuwait's role in conserving plant resources, bolstering global food security, and fostering cooperative research initiatives.

Dr. Al-Otaibi emphasized that the event positions Kuwait as a pivotal partner in responsible plant genetic resources management across the region. Dr. Fadhila Al-Salamin, Director of the Biotechnology Program at the Environment and Life Sciences Research Center and Head of the Forum’s Organizing Committee, highlighted the forum's focus on reviewing and revising the Second Global Plan of Action for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

She announced plans to establish a national committee for genetic resources and develop policies for exchanging expertise, utilizing genetic resources, and sharing their benefits globally. The ongoing regional meeting, scheduled until the 11th of this month, underscores Kuwait's dedication to biodiversity conservation, supporting food security initiatives, and ensuring sustainable resource utilization.

The forum aims to strengthen Kuwait's scientific institutions' efforts, build regional partnerships, and conduct comprehensive assessments of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture to meet national and international goals.