SESRIC participated in the virtual Workshop on the Development of National Gene Banks in OIC Member Countries which was organized by the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) and conducted online on July 5-6, 2020 via videoconference under the chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates. The workshop was attended by 160 experts and representatives from 30 OIC member states, OIC institutions and international organizations.

The Workshop examined and elaborated on the various issues relating to the development, conservation and exchange of plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture in all their ramifications, with a view to promoting strong and resilient food systems in OIC member states and confront the various challenges confronting lives and livelihood of our teeming populations.

Mr. Mazhar Hussain, Director of Economic and Social Research, represented SESRIC at the Workshop and moderated a Panel Discussion on the overview of global and regional agreements on PGRFA, including forests and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture.  During the panel discussion, three panelists from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Pakistan and International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) made presentations on various regional and international agreements on plant and animal genetic resources for food and agriculture development in OIC member countries. The Workshop concluded with the adoption of Dubai Declaration.