Sayed Azam-Ali is a name that has become synonymous with the fight against global hunger and malnutrition. As a member of the United Nations High-Level Experts Panel on Food Security and Nutrition and the Chief Executive Officer at Crops for the Future, he has dedicated his life to finding sustainable solutions to the world’s food crisis. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of agriculture, Azam-Ali has become a leading voice in the fight for food security and nutrition.
Born in Malaysia, Azam-Ali’s passion for agriculture and food security began at a young age. Growing up in a rural village, he witnessed firsthand the struggles of small-scale farmers and the impact of food insecurity on their lives. This experience sparked a desire in him to make a difference and find solutions to these pressing issues.
After completing his education in the United Kingdom, Azam-Ali returned to Malaysia and began his career as a researcher at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture. It was during this time that he developed a keen interest in neglected and underutilized crops, which are often overlooked in the global food system. He saw the potential of these crops to provide nutritious and sustainable food options for communities around the world.
Azam-Ali’s expertise in neglected and underutilized crops led him to become a founding member of the Global Facilitation Unit for Underutilized Species (GFU), an organization dedicated to promoting the use of these crops for food security and nutrition. His work with GFU caught the attention of the United Nations, and he was invited to join the High-Level Experts Panel on Food Security and Nutrition in 2013.
As a member of the panel, Azam-Ali has been instrumental in shaping global policies and strategies to address food insecurity and malnutrition. He has been a strong advocate for the inclusion of neglected and underutilized crops in national and international food systems. His expertise and insights have been crucial in developing innovative solutions to improve food security and nutrition for the most vulnerable populations.
In addition to his work with the UN, Azam-Ali is also the Chief Executive Officer at Crops for the Future, a research center focused on promoting the use of neglected and underutilized crops. Under his leadership, the organization has made significant strides in raising awareness about these crops and their potential to combat food insecurity and malnutrition. Crops for the Future has also collaborated with various international organizations to develop sustainable farming practices and promote the use of these crops in local communities.
Azam-Ali’s dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the field of agriculture and food security. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious World Agriculture Prize for his outstanding achievements in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. He has also been recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time Magazine.
Despite his many accomplishments, Azam-Ali remains humble and focused on his mission to end global hunger and malnutrition. He firmly believes that by working together and utilizing neglected and underutilized crops, we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system for all.
In a recent interview, Azam-Ali shared his insights on the current state of global food security and the steps we can take to improve it. He emphasized the need for a more diverse and resilient food system that can withstand the challenges of climate change and other crises. He also stressed the importance of empowering small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure food security for future generations.
Azam-Ali’s passion and determination to make a positive impact on the world are truly inspiring. His work with the UN and Crops for the Future has brought us one step closer to achieving the goal of zero hunger. As we continue to face challenges in the global food system, we can look to Azam-Ali as a guiding light, reminding us that with dedication and collaboration, we can create a world where no one goes hungry.
