NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia pledged to the UN its ongoing international commitment to rebuilding global food systems in order to achieve food security and combat poverty. During the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, dedicated to poverty eradication, agricultural development, and food security, the Kingdom also acknowledged the vital role the UN and its various organizations play in facing global challenges. Addressing the committee, Reem bint Fahd Al-Omair, third secretary and member of Saudi Arabia’s permanent mission to the UN, also confirmed her country’s commitment to providing support for the statement made by the Republic of Guinea on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.  She said the Kingdom pays great attention to development issues and supports humanitarian initiatives and development efforts related to achieving growth in developing countries. “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the importance of international and humanitarian cooperation in addressing challenges,” Al-Omair said. “We must confront them with determination in order to recover and progress in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth, and to harness efforts to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality.” She said Saudi Arabia values ​​cooperation in facing global challenges and seeks to extend a helping hand to countries facing economic or social difficulties or countries prone to natural disasters. “My country has made efforts to help achieve global food security and extend a helping hand to poor and developing countries through multiple channels,” Al-Omair said. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, for example, has worked on more than 1,700 projects in various fields including, food security, nutrition, water, environmental sanitation, education, and health. “The Kingdom is committed to cooperating with international organizations and UN bodies in order to provide the necessary support and work together towards moving forward,” she said. Al-Omair said Saudi Arabia appreciates the efforts of the UN to promote sustainable food systems. She also praised last month’s UN Food Systems Summit and all international efforts to achieve sustainable development goals.