New Delhi, October 19: The Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) at Jamia Hamdard organized an International Conference on Hunger to Hope: Building a Sustainable Future through Nutrition and Food Security on Monday. This event commemorated “World Food Day” and marked a significant effort to delve into the complex challenges of hunger and malnutrition while exploring innovative strategies to achieve sustainable food security on a global scale.
The event commenced with an inaugural session graced by esteemed dignitaries, academicians, and researchers from diverse fields.
Delivering a keynote address as Chief Guest, Dr. T. Mohapatra, Chairperson, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, emphasized the critical role of agricultural innovation and genetic diversity in achieving global food security.
Dr. M. A. Sikandar, Registrar of Jamia Hamdard highlighted the social dimensions of food insecurity and hunger and its impact on the society and economy.
Earlier, Professor M. Z. Abdin, Director of CESD and Organizing Secretary of the event, in his welcome address, reflected his vision for sustainable food security and the need for collective efforts in addressing hunger and malnutrition.
Dr. M. Iqbal R. Khan, Deputy Director of CESD and Organizing Secretary, captivated the audience with his introductory remarks. His passion for sustainable development and dedication to the conference’s mission were palpable, inspiring attendees to actively engage in the event’s objectives.
Eminent speakers and Guests of Honor, Professor Kadambot Siddique and Professor K.C. Bansal, presented their plenary talks, shedding light on sustainable agricultural practices and the integration of science and technology in food production. The event also featured invited talks from renowned speakers, including Dr. Manoj Prasad, Dr. Ajay Arora, Prof. Mirza Hasanuzzaman, Dr. Ashish Rajurkar, and Dr. Chirag Maheshwari providing valuable insights into cutting-edge research in plant genetics, physiology, and environmental sustainability.
SEE: World without poverty, a distant dream?
The conference showcased the rich tapestry of research and initiatives, highlighting the dedication and expertise of researchers and scholars in their pursuit of a sustainable future. A poster competition was also held, encouraging innovative ideas and research in the realm of food security and nutrition.
In the valedictory function, awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions in research and innovation. The event concluded with a call to action, urging participants to harness the knowledge and connections made during the conference to collectively strive for a more sustainable world. Dr. Monica Saifi, the convener of the program, and Dr. Javed Ahmed, the co-convener, orchestrated the event seamlessly, ensuring a successful culmination.
The Conference brought together thought leaders, researchers, and enthusiasts committed to addressing the global challenge of hunger and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.