Hoodh Ibrahim, the Director of the Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) and a prominent South Asian policy advisor, was recently invited to participate in the Conference and 7th Organic Asia Congress in Handan City, Hebei Province, China. This event, organized by the Government of China and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), provided a platform for discussing the growing organic exchange business along the Silk Road.
In his capacity as the Director of BRISD and the leader of the Journal of Youth, Peace, and Security, Ibrahim engaged in vital dialogues focused on promoting global food security and sustainable development. His participation underscored the importance of emerging markets in diverse cultural, economic, and ecological contexts.
The conference kicked off with speeches by leaders from the Hebei Provincial Government and the Deputy Mayor of Handan, followed by a keynote address from former US Ambassador to China, Terry Branstad. The discussions highlighted key areas of cooperation between the United States and China.
Ibrahim delivered an address on developing the organic industry for a sustainable future in the Maldives and South Asia. He emphasized the significance of organic principles in supporting human life and ecology, and he highlighted the role of family farms as the core of farming communities and stewards of nature.
During the event, Ibrahim held several bilateral meetings with high-level officials and industry experts. These included representatives from the U.S. Organic Trade Association, Hebei University, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the U.S. Iowa Organic Association. His discussions with these stakeholders focused on the potential for innovation and development in organic farming within Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries such as the Maldives.
Notable conversations also took place with Francis Blake, President of Organic Integrity Europe; Professor Yunus Qiao of China Agricultural University; and Amber Sciligo, Director of Science at the Organic Center of the United States. These interactions further highlighted the scope for organics innovation and the importance of building global knowledge exchange networks.
Ibrahim also engaged in critical dialogues with Chinese government officials, including Hon. Li Jinyu, Secretary of the CPC Handan Municipal Committee, and Hon. Huang Jixian, Secretary General of the China Certification and Accreditation Association. These discussions focused on strengthening global trade ties and enhancing food security.
The conference achieved significant milestones, including the signing of memoranda of understanding between the U.S. Organic Trade Association and Qimei Industrial Group Co., as well as between IFOAM-Organics Asia and the Handan Organic Industry Association.
At the conclusion of the event, Ibrahim was honored as a guest at the official ceremony for establishing the Hebei Representative Office of IFOAM-Organics Asia. This ceremony, marking nearly a decade of efforts to expand the organic industry in China, was attended by leaders from the Hebei Provincial Government, Handan City Government, IFOAM-Organics Asia, and Qimei Industrial Group Co., Ltd.
Reflecting on his participation, Ibrahim stated, “Attending the conference has been a highly valuable opportunity. I am deeply inspired by the dedication of fellow leaders here who exemplify the hope and resilience necessary for good food and a good future. The dedication of IFOAM and China’s government team is truly inspiring and sets a high standard for future meetings. I also use this opportunity to extend heartfelt gratitude to IFOAM, as well as the Government of China and Qimei Industrial Group for this momentous gathering of leaders and experts to address organics and food security around the world. Belt and Road Initiative for Sustainable Development (BRISD) will continue to support development investments in all countries along the Silk Route.”
Ibrahim’s involvement in the conference underscores the Maldives' commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of organic agriculture, setting a positive example for other nations in the region.