Abu dhabi: Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), inaugurated the first edition of the Biosecurity Forum, organised by the Ministry with broad participation from government leaders, international experts, academics, and private-sector representatives. The Forum aims to unify national efforts to strengthen the biosecurity ecosystem and to ensure preparedness for any potential future challenges.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Forum is part of the UAE’s strategic vision to build an integrated and sustainable biosecurity system that safeguards developmental gains and ensures the highest standards of prevention and safety for society and key sectors. This vision was strongly reflected in the Forum’s discussions, which covered central themes ranging from the role of national legislation and policies as the first line of defence, and the One Health approach as a central enabler of sustainable biosecurity, to the utilisation of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies for early detection, and the enhancement of future readiness through digital modelling and the development of simulation scenarios to support proactive action.
In her opening remarks, Dr Amna Al Dahak said that the launch of the first edition of the Biosecurity Forum marks the beginning of a new phase in national preparedness. She highlighted that the Forum reflects the vision of the wise leadership, which regards biosecurity as a fundamental pillar of the comprehensive national security ecosystem, advancing crisis response while reinforcing prevention and proactive readiness. She emphasized the interconnected priorities of safeguarding public health, food sustainability, and environmental safety, especially amid global transformations that demonstrate biological risks recognize no borders.
The Forum acted as a strategic platform to announce the nation’s future directions in this important field, based on the National Biosecurity Framework 2023-2032 (Second Edition), adopted by the Cabinet last May. The Framework is a cornerstone for the efforts of all stakeholders over the coming years, with a focus on four principal areas: strengthening national prevention and response capabilities, expanding research and innovation activities, developing a comprehensive biological emergency management ecosystem, and enhancing the UAE’s biosecurity infrastructure.
The Forum commenced with its first dialogue session, titled ‘National Policies and Legislation as a Cornerstone of Biosecurity: Reality and Aspirations’. Specialists from various entities, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, discussed the critical importance of aligning national legislation with international obligations to effectively tackle transnational biosecurity challenges.
A specialist lecture by the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) highlighted the One Health approach as a core pillar for strengthening the biosecurity ecosystem. The lecture emphasized its role in integrating public health, animal health, and environmental systems to enhance early detection of epidemics and anticipation of biological risks.
The second dialogue session, “Harnessing Modern Technologies and Artificial Intelligence as a Shield for Biosecurity”, explored the potential of artificial intelligence, genetic fingerprinting, big data analytics, and machine learning. Experts from organisations like the General Command of Dubai Police and Khalifa University highlighted these technologies’ roles in advancing early detection, developing diagnostic methodologies, and accelerating vaccine development.
The Forum concluded with a scientific workshop focusing on practical applications of the discussed topics. The workshop presented simulation scenarios themed ‘Digital Modelling: An Early Warning System for Future Biological Risks’, highlighting the importance of using algorithms and real-world data to develop proactive simulation scenarios for anticipated biological risks.
The Forum’s participants reached a consensus on the necessity of effective strategic partnerships beyond traditional government, private sector, and academic boundaries. Recommendations included adopting international standards, localising advanced technologies, and implementing the ‘One Health’ approach to ensure national preparedness and a proactive stance in safeguarding national assets.
These recommendations align with the National Biosecurity Framework 2023-2032, which serves as a national roadmap for strengthening the nation’s comprehensive biosecurity over the next decade.