New Delhi/Amsterdam, 17 December 2024: The World Agriculture Forum (WAF) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Tarifa A. Alzaabi, Director General of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), as a member of its board. Dr. Alzaabi’s exceptional expertise in sustainable agriculture, capacity building, youth empowerment, and gender equality will bring invaluable insights to WAF’s mission of fostering global collaboration to address critical agricultural challenges.
With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Alzaabi has cemented her reputation as a social scientist and global thought leader in agriculture, education, and development. As Director General of ICBA, she has led transformative initiatives aimed at addressing food security in saline and arid regions, combining cutting-edge research with innovative capacity-building programs and stakeholder collaboration.
Dr. Alzaabi is a trailblazer in bridging the gap between science and society to ensure agricultural innovations achieve tangible, sustainable global impact. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, her landmark initiatives include founding the ICBA Youth Engagement Society (ICBA YES), designed to inspire and empower the next generation of agricultural innovators. She also established the Global Alliance for Women in Agriculture (WACCA), which aims to advance women-led agricultural innovation and empower one million women worldwide, championing a more inclusive and innovative future for the sector.
Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Secretary General of WAF, expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Alzaabi’s appointment: “Dr. Alzaabi embodies a unique combination of expertise, vision, and leadership that aligns with the values of the World Agriculture Forum. Her efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, empower women and youth, and transform saline and arid lands into productive ecosystems inspire action. We are honoured to welcome her to the WAF Board and look forward to her contributions to WAF’s global mission.”
Dr. Alzaabi has also played a pivotal role in advancing the UAE’s agricultural innovation agenda as a member of the Ag-Tech Development Committee. Her entrepreneurial leadership has earned her global recognition, including the prestigious 2015 Businesswoman of the Year Award, presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Alzaabi shared: “It is a great honour to join the World Agriculture Forum as a board member. Tackling the global challenges in agriculture requires bold, inclusive, and collaborative solutions. I am committed to advancing WAF’s mission of fostering innovation and sustainability in agriculture worldwide. My journey at ICBA has shown me the transformative power of empowering women and youth, adopting climate-resilient practices, and leveraging innovative research to combat food insecurity. I am eager to bring this experience to WAF’s efforts and work alongside global leaders to drive meaningful, lasting impact in agricultural systems across the globe.”
Dr. Alzaabi’s appointment highlights WAF’s dedication to promoting diverse leadership and addressing critical global challenges such as food security, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Her groundbreaking work in addressing the challenges of saline and arid environments, combined with her steadfast advocacy for inclusivity and innovation, is set to inspire impactful strategies that will shape the future of agriculture on a global scale.