Penang, Malaysia - July 16, 2024 - The 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics & Trade (IIFET) Conference, hosted by WorldFish and the Department of Fisheries, Malaysia, officially commenced today at the St. Giles Wembley Penang Hotel. This biennial conference, held in Asia for the first time since 2008, brings together global experts to discuss "Aquatic Food Systems in the Blue Economy."
The conference will run from July 15 to 19, 2024, focusing on the intersection of fisheries and aquaculture economics and trade with major global challenges, including food system sustainability, rising economic and social inequality, the climate crisis, and the possibility of future pandemics.
“We are delighted to host IIFET 2024 in Penang, a city that embodies innovation and sustainability”, said Director General of WorldFish, Dr. Essam Yassin Mohammed. “This conference is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge and forging collaborations that will shape the future of aquatic food systems within the blue economy. Together, we can drive sustainable practices that ensure food security and shared prosperity for communities worldwide.”
Speaking at the opening of the conference, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup said, “The fisheries sector is integral to Malaysia's food security, socio-economic development, and environmental protection. At the 21st International Institute of Fisheries Economics and Trade (IIFET) Conference, we emphasize the importance of sustainable management and development of this sector. Our commitment is to foster innovation and international cooperation to ensure the health and sustainability of our aquatic resources, which are vital for the prosperity and well-being of our communities."
The conference features an extensive program, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops focusing on four novel sub-themes:
- The Economics of Food and Nutrition Security
- Ocean and Inland Water – Distributional Justice
- Governing for Resilience in Aquatic Food Systems
- Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Trade Futures
During the conference, over 200 national and international delegates will engage with these themes through various sessions, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing innovative solutions and best practices.
ENDS
About WorldFish
Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to improve food security, nutrition, and livelihoods through aquatic food systems that are sustainable, equitable, and inclusive.
It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to enable the delivery of transformative innovations, tools, and practices to advance aquatic food systems through its cutting-edge research, evidence for policymaking, and knowledge co-creation.
With a global presence in 27 countries across Asia, Africa, and the Pacific, and growing, WorldFish has established itself as a global leader in research and innovation in the realm of sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.
For more information about the IIFET 2024 conference, please visit https://www.iifet2024.org/
For media enquires please contact
David Wardell
d.wardell@cgiar.org