An unhealthy diet is one of the main global risks to our health, contributing to malnutrition (such as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity) and diet-related non-communicable diseases. One of our greatest challenges for human and environmental wellbeing is to improve our diets while adopting inclusive, efficient and sustainable food systems.
A healthy diet is safe, diverse, balanced, and founded on nutritious whole foods.
A sustainable food system enables a nutritious diet in such a way that the economic, social and environmental bases to generate food security and nutrition for future generations is not compromised.
Healthy diets from sustainable food systems contribute to food and nutrition security and to the healthy life of present and future generations. They are protective and respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems and have a positive or neutral impact on the environment. They are also culturally acceptable, accessible, economically fair and affordable, nutritionally adequate, safe and healthy, while optimizing natural and human resources.
Positive impact on overall
well-being
Reduced chances of diseases in the family
More affordable options for whole foods
This is a vital challenge to improve national and global health in a way that is sustainable for humanity and the planet.
Some of the food security challenges we face in the UAE are:
As partners in the Food for Life campaign, we aim to help the public better understand the impact of their diets on nature and their own health through informative and engaging content and events. We are establishing the UAE as a leading changemaker in securing a better future through healthy diets and sustainable food systems.
A combined effort is required across sectors to support the transformation to healthier diets from sustainable food systems. We must work towards better production, better nutrition, a better environment and better lifestyle – leaving no one behind. Together we can respond to the global call to action launched on World Food Day on 16 October 2021.
We all need to participate in the transformation of our diet and food systems for a better, healthier tomorrow. We need to choose more nutritious, environmentally and socially responsible produce. This creates more demand, and in turn influences the market. We can also make an effort to change our daily actions, waste less and opt for a more sustainable lifestyle.
Choosing healthy food to support greater production of these foods
Wasting less food
Buying local or seasonal where possible
Adopting a more variety based diet