The Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and ne’ma, the UAE’s National Food Loss and Waste Initiative, have expanded food loss reduction education activities in the Emirates through a combined hands-on learning program and expert knowledge exchange initiative launched in 2025.
Building on the success of the 7 Days ne’ma Diary program first implemented in 2023, the partnership strengthens the shared commitment between Japan and the UAE to sustainability education and responsible consumption patterns among students and families.
Student Engagement Through Digital Learning
In 2025, 51 students from Al Ittihad National Private School participated in the 7 Days ne’ma Diary, an experiential learning program designed to help students understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts of food waste. Students used a dedicated mobile application to record meal leftovers over a seven-day period by uploading photographs and measuring quantities.
The digital approach enabled students to visualise their daily consumption habits and reflect on how behavioral changes could reduce food waste at home. Collective results from participating students demonstrated tangible environmental and economic benefits. The program recorded approximately 15 kilograms of total leftovers, with 7.8 kilograms redistributed through donations, 26.5 kilograms of estimated CO2 emissions reduced, and 5,300 litres of water conserved.
“The program helped students realise how small actions at home can have a wider impact. It encouraged both students and families to think more carefully about food consumption and waste.”
Al Ittihad National Private School representative
Expert Knowledge Exchange and Field Visits
Dr. Rumi Ide, a Japan-based journalist specialising in food loss and waste reduction, visited the UAE to support JICE-ne’ma activities. Dr. Ide delivered a presentation to participating students on reducing food loss and waste, and visited organisations actively working on food loss prevention, including UAE Food Bank, The Waste Lab, and Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
At Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Dr. Ide observed implementation of the Winnow system, an artificial intelligence-powered food waste monitoring solution. By using data to review menus and enhance staff training, the hotel achieved a reduction of more than 50 percent in food waste from its breakfast buffet, demonstrating how technology supports effective food waste reduction in the hospitality sector.
“I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the students and the range of initiatives addressing food loss and waste in the UAE. I saw many efforts that respect cultural traditions while promoting sustainability.”
Dr. Rumi Ide, Japan-based journalist
International Partnership for Sustainability Goals
Khuloud Hasan Al Nuwais, Chief Sustainability Officer of Emirates Foundation and Secretary General of the ne’ma National Steering Committee, stated that education is essential to reshaping sustainable behaviours in youth and achieving long-term food loss and waste reduction. She noted the importance of international partnerships in raising awareness and encouraging responsible consumption at scale.
Mr. Tokuya Kanamori, Managing Director of the JICE Abu Dhabi Office, said the collaboration with Emirates Foundation reflects the value of sharing Japanese expertise in food loss and waste prevention while working with local partners to raise awareness across UAE society, particularly among younger generations.
Future Development and National Goals
JICE and ne’ma are exploring development of educational materials for children to further promote food loss reduction awareness, drawing on best practices from both Japan and the UAE. Through continued collaboration, JICE remains committed to supporting the UAE’s national goal of reducing food loss and waste by 50 percent by 2030, while strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries through education and sustainability initiatives.
