January-February . 2025 | @ Halal

A key aspect of regional cooperation is the exchange of expertise across various OIC institutions . Organisations specialising in food security , agricultural research , and halal standards contribute unique insights that , when shared , enhance best practices across the region .

“ OIC standards ensure food safety , align agricultural practices and create export opportunities ,” he noted .

Hajjaji ’ s recent observations in West Africa ( Benin , Nigeria , and Côte d ’ Ivoire ) have

highlighted the need for these standards , particularly regarding chemical use impacting export potential .

“ During my visit to Nigeria and other parts of Africa over the past two weeks , I observed a strong desire among local producers to export their products . However , the use of certain chemicals has become a barrier to accessing international markets . This is where the role of OIC standards becomes essential ,” added Hajjaji .

Recognising that agricultural challenges vary across OIC regions , Hajjaji underlined the need to harmonise policies : “ This is essential in addressing climate change and food insecurity across our diverse regions . North Africa , the Sahel , and Central Asia each face unique challenges , requiring tailored best practices to tackle climate-related issues effectively .”

Apart from standardisation efforts led by SMIIC , IOFS has forged partnerships with other key OIC organisations , including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation ( COMSTECH ), the Islamic World Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organisation ( ICESCO ), Independent Community Bankers of America ( ICBA ).

Ensuring agricultural resilience also requires substantial financial support . “ Collaboration with banks and other financial bodies is essential to support agricultural projects . This helps member states secure international funding and pool resources for large-scale agriculture and food security projects .”

Regional cooperation also plays a critical role in managing transboundary threats such as disease outbreaks , pest infestations , and foodborne hazards . –

The global challenge of climate change demands urgent and innovative solutions . Thus , ethical frameworks , such as halal standards , offer a unique pathway toward sustainable practices .

In agriculture , halal standards play a pivotal role in advocating sustainable farming practices , such as enhancing soil fertility , conserving water , and promoting biodiversity . Within the energy sector , they encourage the adoption of renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies .

By aligning ethical principles with environmental responsibility , halal standards serve as a compelling blueprint for achieving regional and global environmental targets .

“ The halal green concept transcends traditional boundaries , integrating sustainable solutions into ethical practices ,” said the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries ( SMIIC ) Secretary General İhsan Övut . Key concepts of halal green :

• Sustainable Agriculture : Emphasising organic farming practices that prioritise biodiversity and reduce ecological footprints . This approach minimises the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides , promoting healthier ecosystems and food production .

• Waste Reduction : Promoting moderation in consumption , recycling , and efficient resource utilisation to combat environmental degradation . This includes minimising packaging waste and implementing closed-loop systems within production processes .

• Green Energy Adoption : Encouraging the use of solar , wind , and other renewable energy sources in halalcertified production facilities to decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions . The real-world impact of the halal green concept :

• Sustainable Agriculture in Malaysia : Integrating halal standards into organic farming practices has improved soil fertility and reduced water consumption . SIMIC ’ s upcoming project under Technical Committee 6 on agriculture , focused on the Islamic farming concept , aims to drive further progress .

• Renewable Energy in the Middle East : Solar-powered , halal-certified facilities showcase the feasibility and benefits of aligning renewable energy with ethical production .

• Growing Global Demand : There has been an increase in demand for halal-certified sustainable products ,

Ihsan Ovut particularly in Europe and South Asia . This indicates their market potential . SMIIC maximises the reach and impact of halal standards through its strategic partnerships .

“ Our partnerships with organisations like the International Organisation for Standardisation ( ISO ), the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade ( TBT ) Committee , and Codex Alimentarius facilitate the harmonisation of these standards with international requirements ,” Övut remarked .

• ISO Alignment : Integrating ISO frameworks , such as ISO 14001 for Environmental Management , into halal frameworks ensures global recognition and smoother trade . This integration promotes best practices in environmental management within halal-certified industries .

• WTO TBT Collaboration : Working with the WTO TBT Committee helps eliminate technical trade barriers , enabling environmentally friendly , sustainable halal products to access global markets more effectively .

• Codex Alimentarius Engagement : Collaboration with Codex Alimentarius ensures that halal food standards meet rigorous safety and sustainability benchmarks , bolstering consumer trust worldwide . This ensures that halal products are not only ethically produced but also safe and of high quality . Overall , these collaborations amplify the value of halal standards as instruments for practical environmental stewardship , demonstrating their relevance in addressing global challenges .