SESRIC Joins COP31 Panel on Halal Standards and Food Security

SESRIC, an organ of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, participated in a panel discussion titled “From Halal Standards to Food Security: Building Resilient Food Systems in OIC Countries” on the sidelines of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye. The session, organized by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in collaboration with the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), highlighted the critical link between halal standards and global food security. Saudi Arabia, as a leading OIC member and home to the organization’s headquarters in Jeddah, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing these efforts through its Vision 2030 initiatives.

The panel brought together experts and representatives from OIC member states to discuss how harmonized halal standards can enhance food safety, facilitate trade, and build resilient food systems. SESRIC underscored its support for national institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through specialized capacity-building programs, particularly in agriculture, water, and the halal sector. These initiatives are designed to help OIC countries achieve sustainable development goals and improve food security in the face of climate change and other challenges. How can collaborative efforts like these transform food systems across the Islamic world?

Context and Background

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has long recognized the importance of food security as a cornerstone of sustainable development. With many of its 57 member states facing challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, and economic volatility, the need for coordinated action has never been greater. The Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), based in Ankara, Türkiye, serves as a key research and training arm of the OIC, tasked with supporting member states in building capacity and formulating evidence-based policies.

The panel discussion at COP31, held in Antalya, Türkiye, reflects the growing intersection of climate action and food security. The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), headquartered in Istanbul, develops and promotes halal standards that ensure products and services meet Islamic requirements. The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), based in Astana, Kazakhstan, focuses on addressing food security challenges through cooperation and resource mobilization. Together, these institutions are working to create a unified framework that enhances trade, protects consumers, and supports sustainable agriculture.

Why is the integration of halal standards and food security so vital for OIC countries? For Saudi Arabia, this alignment is particularly significant. As the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and a major exporter of halal products, the Kingdom has a vested interest in promoting robust halal standards and ensuring food security both domestically and across the Muslim world. Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious reform agenda, emphasizes economic diversification, sustainable development, and global engagement—all of which are reflected in the Kingdom’s support for OIC initiatives.

Key Details of the Panel Discussion

During the panel, SESRIC highlighted its efforts to support national institutions and SMEs through specialized capacity-building programs. These programs focus on agriculture, water, and the halal sector, aiming to develop more sustainable and resilient food systems across OIC member states. The center noted that such initiatives are essential for empowering local producers, enhancing productivity, and ensuring compliance with international standards.

The collaboration between SMIIC and IOFS underscores the importance of public-private partnerships and knowledge sharing. By bringing together experts from various fields, the panel facilitated discussions on how halal standards can be leveraged to improve food safety, reduce waste, and increase market access. For example, harmonized halal certification can streamline exports, reduce costs for SMEs, and build consumer trust. These efforts are particularly relevant as global demand for halal products continues to rise, with the halal food market projected to reach trillions of dollars in the coming years.

What role do SMEs play in building resilient food systems? In many OIC countries, SMEs are the backbone of the agricultural sector, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, they often lack access to training, technology, and financing. SESRIC’s capacity-building programs address these gaps by providing technical assistance, workshops, and research to help SMEs adopt best practices and meet halal standards. This, in turn, enhances their competitiveness and contributes to broader food security goals.

International and Regional Impact

The outcomes of the panel discussion are expected to have far-reaching implications for OIC member states and beyond. By promoting harmonized halal standards, the initiative can boost intra-OIC trade, which currently accounts for a relatively small share of the member states’ total trade. Enhanced trade in halal food products can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve food availability. Moreover, resilient food systems are better equipped to withstand shocks such as climate-induced droughts, pandemics, and supply chain disruptions.

Regionally, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which includes Saudi Arabia, faces significant food security challenges due to its arid climate and reliance on food imports. The Kingdom has made strides in addressing these challenges through initiatives like the Saudi Agricultural Development Fund and investments in modern farming technologies. By sharing its expertise and supporting OIC programs, Saudi Arabia reinforces its leadership role in the Islamic world and contributes to global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

How can international cooperation amplify the impact of these efforts? The panel at COP31 serves as a platform for dialogue and partnership, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. By integrating climate resilience into food security strategies, OIC countries can better adapt to environmental changes while ensuring that halal standards remain robust and inclusive.

Economic and Strategic Significance

The economic significance of halal standards and food security cannot be overstated. The global halal market is a major economic force, encompassing not only food but also cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. For OIC countries, capturing a larger share of this market requires adherence to internationally recognized standards and certification processes. SESRIC’s work in this area supports member states in developing the necessary infrastructure and human capital to participate effectively in the global halal economy.

Strategically, food security is a matter of national security. Countries that can reliably feed their populations are more stable and resilient. For Saudi Arabia, ensuring food security is a key pillar of Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil and enhance the quality of life for citizens. The Kingdom has launched several initiatives, such as the National Agriculture Strategy and the Saudi Food Security Initiative, to boost domestic production and secure international supply chains. By collaborating with OIC institutions like SESRIC, SMIIC, and IOFS, Saudi Arabia is helping to build a more food-secure and prosperous Islamic world.

What are the next steps for translating these discussions into action? SESRIC and its partners are likely to continue their capacity-building programs, expand research on halal standards, and facilitate knowledge exchange among member states. The momentum generated at COP31 can lead to concrete commitments and projects that enhance food systems across the OIC. As the world grapples with climate change and food insecurity, such cooperative approaches are not just beneficial but essential.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is deeply intertwined with the objectives of the OIC and the outcomes of the panel discussion. The Vision’s focus on economic diversification, sustainable development, and global engagement aligns seamlessly with efforts to promote halal standards and food security. By supporting SESRIC’s capacity-building programs, the Kingdom is investing in the future of its own agricultural sector and those of its partners. This collaboration also enhances Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a responsible global leader and a catalyst for positive change in the Muslim world.

Furthermore, Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of partnerships, both domestically and internationally. The Kingdom’s participation in and support for OIC initiatives exemplify this principle. As Saudi Arabia continues to transform its economy and society, its commitment to food security and halal standards will remain a cornerstone of its foreign policy and development strategy. In a world where challenges are increasingly interconnected, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in these areas serves as a model for others to follow.

20 Questions

Q1. What is SESRIC and what was its role in the panel discussion?

A1. SESRIC is the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Center for Islamic Countries, an OIC organ. It participated in the panel to highlight its capacity-building programs in agriculture, water, and halal sectors, supporting resilient food systems.

Q2. Where and when did the panel discussion take place?

A2. The panel took place on the sidelines of the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye, in November 2026. It was organized by SMIIC in collaboration with IOFS.

Q3. What was the title of the panel discussion?

A3. The panel was titled “From Halal Standards to Food Security: Building Resilient Food Systems in OIC Countries.” It focused on the link between halal standards and food security.

Q4. Which organizations collaborated to organize the panel?

A4. The panel was organized by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in collaboration with the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS). SESRIC participated as a panelist.

Q5. What are halal standards and why are they important?

A5. Halal standards ensure products and services meet Islamic dietary and ethical requirements. They are important for consumer protection, trade facilitation, and building trust in the global halal market.

Q6. How does SESRIC support SMEs in OIC countries?

A6. SESRIC supports SMEs through specialized capacity-building programs, particularly in agriculture, water, and halal sectors. These programs provide training, technical assistance, and research to enhance productivity and compliance with standards.

Q7. What is the connection between halal standards and food security?

A7. Halal standards contribute to food security by ensuring safe, high-quality food, reducing waste, and facilitating trade. They help build resilient food systems that can withstand shocks and improve access to nutritious food.

Q8. Why is food security a priority for OIC countries?

A8. Many OIC countries face challenges like water scarcity, climate change, and economic volatility. Food security is essential for stability, development, and the well-being of their populations.

Q9. What role does Saudi Arabia play in these efforts?

A9. Saudi Arabia, as a leading OIC member and host of the OIC headquarters, supports initiatives to promote halal standards and food security. Its Vision 2030 emphasizes sustainable development and global engagement.

Q10. How does Vision 2030 align with the panel’s objectives?

A10. Vision 2030 focuses on economic diversification, sustainability, and international partnerships. These align with the panel’s goals of enhancing food security and halal standards across OIC countries.

Q11. What are the expected outcomes of the panel discussion?

A11. The panel is expected to lead to enhanced cooperation, knowledge sharing, and concrete projects to build resilient food systems. It also raises awareness of the importance of halal standards in food security.

Q12. How can halal standards boost intra-OIC trade?

A12. Harmonized halal standards can reduce trade barriers, streamline certification, and increase consumer confidence. This can boost intra-OIC trade in food products and other halal goods.

Q13. What are some challenges in implementing halal standards?

A13. Challenges include varying national standards, lack of infrastructure, and limited awareness. SESRIC and its partners address these through capacity-building and harmonization efforts.

Q14. How does climate change affect food security in OIC countries?

A14. Climate change leads to droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather, reducing agricultural productivity. OIC countries are vulnerable, making climate-resilient food systems critical.

Q15. What is the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS)?

A15. IOFS is an OIC-affiliated institution based in Astana, Kazakhstan. It works to address food security challenges in member states through cooperation, resource mobilization, and strategic programs.

Q16. What is SMIIC and what does it do?

A16. SMIIC is the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, based in Istanbul. It develops and promotes halal standards and metrology to facilitate trade and protect consumers.

Q17. How can SMEs benefit from halal certification?

A17. Halal certification opens access to the global halal market, enhances credibility, and can increase profits. SESRIC helps SMEs obtain certification through training and support.

Q18. What is the size of the global halal market?

A18. The global halal market is valued at trillions of dollars, covering food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. It is one of the fastest-growing consumer markets.

Q19. How does Saudi Arabia support food security domestically?

A19. Saudi Arabia has launched initiatives like the National Agriculture Strategy and the Saudi Food Security Initiative to boost domestic production and secure supply chains, in line with Vision 2030.

Q20. What are the next steps for SESRIC after the panel?

A20. SESRIC will continue its capacity-building programs, expand research on halal standards, and facilitate knowledge exchange among OIC member states to enhance food systems.