The Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM), an autonomous intergovernmental observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, has appointed Umer Farooq, a UAE-based Pakistani businessman, as a Goodwill Ambassador. Farooq’s role will be to promote Spirulina and advance the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in the fight against global malnutrition. According to Remigio Maradona, the Permanent Secretary General of IIMSAM, Umer Farooq will serve as a Pro Bono Ambassador at Large within the Secretary General’s office to support the organization’s mission.
In the appointment letter, IIMSAM emphasized that Umer Farooq would contribute to combating malnutrition by managing the global distribution of Spirulina, particularly focusing on underserved areas such as Pakistan. This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2020-2030, aiming to alleviate malnutrition and advance health in impoverished regions. Umer Farooq’s efforts as a goodwill ambassador are designed to bolster IIMSAM’s global mandate by distributing Spirulina freely to disadvantaged communities worldwide, supporting the broader objectives under the UN’s Decade of Action.
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IIMSAM functions as an independent intergovernmental observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a status granted by ECOSOC Resolution 2003. The institution is committed to promoting Spirulina, a highly nutritious micro-alga, as a solution to global malnutrition. By distributing Spirulina worldwide, IIMSAM aims to tackle nutritional deficiencies in underserved areas. Additionally, several other distinguished figures have recently been appointed as IIMSAM goodwill ambassadors, including HRH Sheikha Roda Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Moaza Obaid Suhail Al Maktoum, Sheikh Juma Bin Juma Al Maktoum, and Princess Basma Bin Talal.
Umer Farooq’s Achievements, Commitment and Recognition
Umer Farooq has been recognized for his contributions to fostering international investment and economic development. Recently, he received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz from Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, for bringing over $400 million in direct foreign investment to Pakistan over the past 18 months. This investment has primarily been directed towards infrastructure, ports, and logistics, with ongoing projects worth over $2 billion in various sectors, including energy, distribution, agriculture, IT, logistics, and real estate.
In addition, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea awarded Umer Farooq the Medal of Honour for facilitating over $55 million in direct foreign investment into the country. The honor was presented by the President of Equatorial Guinea at a ceremony attended by local and Middle Eastern dignitaries. Earlier this year, Umer Farooq also resigned from his five-year tenure as Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of Liberia. His resignation was accepted with appreciation for his continued commitment to supporting Liberia’s bilateral relations with other nations, highlighting his dedication to fostering international collaboration and development.
IIMSAM is dedicated to advancing life-saving programs and collaborating with various stakeholders to combat malnutrition. Under its mandate, the institution continues to promote Spirulina distribution globally and address nutritional deficiencies in underserved regions, following the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter. The organization remains committed to sustaining its life-saving efforts and expanding its initiatives to combat global malnutrition through innovative approaches like the distribution of Spirulina.
This article was received directly from the reporter.