Unlocking Future Market Leadership in Food Production
Goumbook proudly participated in the launch of Cities Leading Food Production (CLFP) at VIV MEA 2025 in Abu Dhabi, contributing to the curation of the regional speakers for this transformative global initiative focused on regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems.
The Cities Leading Food Production (CLFP) initiative represents a collaborative global effort to transform food systems through inclusive governance, technological innovation, regenerative agriculture, and youth engagement. Across three days of roundtable discussions, Mark Frederiks facilitated conversations bringing together experts, policymakers, farmers, and innovators from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The overarching vision emphasizes the interconnectedness of governance, health, sustainability, water stewardship, and investment in creating resilient, locally-driven food systems that benefit all stakeholders, from smallholder farmers to urban consumers.
Regional Leadership in Action
Goumbook curated and contributed to a strong regional delegation that brought vital MENA perspectives to the global conversation on sustainable agriculture and nature-based solutions:
- Yann Rousselot-Pailley – Director, Innovation and Emerging Technology Lead of KPMG in Saudi Arabia
- Christopher de Looze – Vice President Digital & Business Transformation, Aldahra
- Dr. Vinay Nangia – Research Program Director – Soil, Water, and Agronomy, ICARDA
- Nadine Benchaffai – Founder & Partner of PROJECT PEOPLE
- Mohammed Mishal and Adeena Kashief – Youth representatives from the Global Shapers Dubai Community
These regional voices joined international thought leaders including Professor Fadel Ndiame (PASGR), John D. Liu (ecosystem restoration expert), Dan Kittredge (Bionutrient Food Association), and representatives from BSV Association, UNISOT, and the Royal Dutch Association of Engineering Companies.
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – Foundations for Change
Governance and technology innovation roundtables explored inclusive policymaking, with Professor Fadel Ndiame emphasizing evidence-informed policies and community engagement. Blockchain technology emerged as a tool for transparency in food systems, while Goumbook’s Tatiana Antonelli Abella stressed positioning farmers as climate agents. Yann Rousselot-Pailley presented KPMG’s platform connecting agricultural challenges with AI-driven solutions for agriculture innovation, and Dan Kittredge underscored aligning economic incentives with soil health and nutritional quality.
Day 2 – Scaling Sustainable Practices
Regenerative agriculture and water management addressed water scarcity and soil regeneration in arid regions. John D. Liu shared experiences in ecological restoration and ecosystem services, while Dr. Vinay Nangia focused on combating desertification, managing salinity, and supporting UAE regenerative agriculture and Saudi regenerative agriculture initiatives for food security. Water roundtables explored innovative solutions for water security, regenerative farming practices that improve water retention, and carbon sequestration potential in climate-resilient agriculture.
Day 3 – Investment, Youth & Transformation
Youth engagement and finance roundtables explored green finance mechanisms and capacity building for MENA researchers and agriculture innovators. Mohammed Mishal introduced the Global Shapers’ grassroots approach, while Marie Deschamps from Goumbook emphasized mentorship and platform-building for agriculture startups. John D. Liu and Ties van der Hoeven demonstrated nature-based solutions for transforming degraded soil into productive ecosystems. Finance discussions centered on blended finance, agriculture grants, and innovative funding mechanisms that align investment with environmental outcomes while strengthening farmer-consumer connections.
Integrated Pathways Forward
The CLFP roundtables revealed a powerful convergence across governance, technology, regenerative agriculture, water stewardship, youth engagement, and finance. The collective wisdom points toward transformation where cities lead by example, local farmers thrive, communities are engaged, and the health of both people and earth are prioritized through cultivating soil capital.
Success requires five integrated elements:
- Inclusive Governance that brings diverse stakeholders to the table with evidence-based policymaking
- Technological Innovation that enhances traceability, transparency, and farmer empowerment
- Regenerative Practices that prioritize soil health, water conservation, and nutritional quality
- Youth Leadership that brings fresh perspectives and ensures sector sustainability
- Innovative Finance that aligns economic incentives with environmental and health outcomes
Goumbook’s participation in CLFP reinforces our commitment to driving systemic change in food systems across the MENA region and beyond, supporting the transition to regenerative, resilient, and regionally adapted agricultural practices that serve both people and planet while building climate-resilient agriculture for future generations.
For more information on regenerative agriculture and the MENA Regenerative Agriculture Initiative by Goumbook, click here!