[Dakhla, 28th January 2023] – The International Association for Agricultural Sustainability (IAAS) and the International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) have taken a significant step toward bolstering collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and water resource management. On 26th January 2023, Dr. Tan Wee Liang, Vice Chairman of IAAS, and Prof. Ragab Ragab, President of ICID, came together to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 10th International Micro-irrigation Conference held in Dakhla, Morocco.

The 10th International Micro-irrigation Conference, held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, May God Assist Him, took place from January 25th to 27th, 2023. This prestigious event was organized by ANAFIDE, the Moroccan National ICID Committee, in collaboration with the Council of the Moroccan Community Living Abroad (CCME) and in partnership with ICID. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, and Water and Forests extended its support to make this gathering a resounding success.

Dr. Tan Wee Liang, an esteemed figure in the field of strategic management and the Vice Chairman of IAAS, attended the conference alongside Mr. Michael Fu, Secretary-General of IAAS. They joined experts, professionals, and decision-makers from across the globe to discuss the theme of “Micro-irrigation in the Era of Technology Innovation and Digital Transformation.” The conference attracted participants from diverse countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Djibouti, Egypt, Mauritania, England, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Lithuania, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Japan, China, the United States, and Australia.

During the conference, Dr. Tan Wee Liang delivered an insightful speech on Urban Agriculture Development and irrigation in Singapore. His presentation ignited a robust discussion on Singapore’s food security challenges, where the nation’s self-sufficiency rate stands at less than 10%. Recent global events, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, have underscored the vulnerability of supply chains. In response, Singapore has unveiled the 30-30 vision to address these issues.

Dr. Tan Wee Liang also highlighted the Nexus of Water, Energy, and Food during a side event, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding the interplay between these sectors. He stressed the need for infrastructure, technology, and financing to support sustainable farming practices that reduce carbon emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. Singapore’s proactive approach in cultivating a robust and sustainable finance ecosystem serves as a blueprint for other nations looking to transition toward a low-carbon future.

The highlight of the conference was the signing of the MoU between IAAS and ICID. This partnership aims to formalize a collaborative framework that encourages knowledge sharing, joint programs, and projects to foster cooperation between the two organizations. The MoU also opens avenues for exploring joint financing of capacity development initiatives, technical support, and other projects within their respective member countries.

The IAAS and ICID’s commitment to this MoU represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, and water resource management. Together, they are poised to make a lasting impact on global agriculture practices and ensure a more sustainable future for generations to come.