Qafco CEO Abdulrahman al-Suwaidi, also chairman, Agri-Nutrients Committee, Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, will deliver opening remarks at GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference in Riyadh on September 11.

The 14th annual edition of the GPCA Agri-Nutrients Conference will take place between September 10 and 12 at the JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the theme ‘Agri-innovation: powering a food-secure and climate-smart planet’.

The conference will explore technological advancements and foster collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to develop a roadmap for a food-secure and climate-smart future.

It will attract the entire agri-nutrients value chain from across the GCC region, from producers and blenders to distributors, food cultivators, brand owners, technology providers, and international food organisations, to provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage in valuable discussions, exchange technical insights, and shape impactful strategies.

The programme will address the dual challenge of abating the industry’s climate impact, while ensuring sustainable global agri-nutrient production and meeting rising demand for food, which is projected to rise by over 50% by 2050.

On September 10, delegates will attend a workshop on “Operational Excellence in the GCC Agri-Nutrient industry”.

GPCA will host the 3rd Innovation Competition in the afternoon on September 10, as contestants share their presentations showcasing their ideas for food security and sustainability.

On September 11, Dr Tarifa A Alzaabi, director general, International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) will deliver a keynote address on “Nourishing the planet, powering the future with sustainable agri-nutrients”.

On September 12, Yasser Alabbasi, CEO, GPIC, will present the opening remarks, followed by Nicolas Denis, partner and global leader, McKinsey Centre for Agriculture Transformation and Food Security, McKinsey & Company, who will deliver a keynote address on “The current state of food security and nutrition around the world”.

Dr Edwini Kessie, director, Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organisation (WTO) will present a keynote address on the “Global trade in agri-food products and the role of WTO in ensuring removal of trade barriers”.