The Liberian government was recently among several other African countries that took part in the first Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization/African Union International Food Safety Conference in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.

During the conference held from February 12 to the 13 2019, Liberia was represented by Deputy Commerce Minister for Industry, Mr.  George D. Wolo.

The joint conference was graced by ministers of health, agriculture, leading scientific experts, partner agencies as well as representatives of consumers, food producers and the private sectors.

The essence of the International Food Safety Conference, held in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Abba, was to identify key actions and strategies to address current and future challenges to food safety at the global level.

The forum also sought to strengthen commitment at the highest political level, to scale up food safety in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Liberia’s Deputy Commerce Minister for Industry, Mr. George Wolo, who represented his country, described the gathering as a pivotal moment that demands urgent international reflection on actions needed to sustain food safety.

The exercise, held from February 12-13 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will continue later in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Commerce and Industry Ministry official said priority will be discussed so that food safety strategies and approaches can be aligned across sectors and borders.
According to Mr. Wolo, the idea will reinforce efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals and equally support the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.

At the same time, the Chief Executive Officer of New partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAIS) and Chairperson of the conference, Mr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki,   highlighted the integral role of food safety in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mr. Mayaki made particular reference to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2,3 and 8 and recognized that foodborne diseases make 600 million people ill and cause 420,000 premature deaths annually.

He said the situation translates into productivity losses of US$95 billion a year in low and middle income countries alone.

The Chief Executive Officer of New partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAIS) and Chairperson of the conference said participants also   noted the ongoing changes in climate and in global food production and supply system, including the need to empower the consumer through improved and evidence-based health and nutrition information and education.

Jacob N.B. Parley
Public Affairs Director