SESRIC participated in the Ministerial Session of the 7^th General Assembly of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) held virtually on 14 May 2026 in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan. The high-level gathering brought together OIC Ministers of Agriculture, senior policymakers, representatives of relevant OIC institutions and international organizations to strengthen cooperation on food security across OIC member countries.

The Session opened with remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah, outgoing Chair and Minister of Municipality of Qatar, who highlighted key achievements under Qatar’s chairmanship and reiterated continued support for the IOFS mandate. In accordance with the rules of procedure, the chairmanship of the General Assembly was transferred from the State of Qatar to the Republic of Kazakhstan. The newly elected Bureau members included Türkiye, Senegal, and Palestine as Vice-Chairs, and Qatar as the Rapporteur.

Assuming the chairmanship, H.E. Mr. Idarbek Saparov Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered the welcome address and presided over the Session. Participants also heard a statement from H.E. Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the OIC, which was delivered by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Kawesa Sengendo, Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs.

The Session reviewed outcomes of the Senior Officials Meeting held on 13 May 2026 and adopted resolutions centered on the IOFS Strategic Vision 2031, emphasizing resilient food systems, agricultural innovation, and enhanced collaboration among OIC member countries. The Session concluded with the endorsement of joint Islamic action, reinforcing a collective commitment among OIC countries and institutions to advance sustainable agricultural systems across the Islamic world.

Through its participation, SESRIC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural development and food security initiatives across the OIC group through continued engagement with Ministries and relevant stakeholders.