Abu Dhabi Declaration III 2026 to Eradicate Red Palm Weevil and Protect Date Palms
Abu Dhabi Declaration III 2026 unites ministers to fight the red palm weevil, protecting date palms through science, funding and farmer training worldwide.
The third ministerial meeting of date-producing and processing countries in Abu Dhabi concluded with the adoption of the Abu Dhabi Declaration III 2026, a coordinated international pledge to intensify efforts against the red palm weevil. Held at Qasr Al Emarat hotel, the meeting brought together agriculture ministers, heads of international organisations and senior delegates from countries with significant date palm sectors. Delegates framed the declaration as the next step in a continuing effort that builds on earlier Abu Dhabi commitments in 2019 and 2024.
Ministers formally adopt a ten-point plan
The declaration outlines ten strategic pillars designed to strengthen cross-border cooperation and accelerate the phased elimination of the red palm weevil. Signatories renewed their commitment to implement an international strategy that combines regulatory, technical and community measures to prevent further spread. The plan emphasises coordinated surveillance, standardized reporting, and shared protocols for emergency responses among affected and at-risk countries.
Science and technology form the core response
Delegates placed advanced science and technology at the centre of the response, calling for the wider deployment of biological control, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and remote sensing. The declaration specifically promotes the use of smart traps, early-warning systems and AI-driven monitoring to detect infestations earlier and target interventions more precisely. Participants argued that integrating these tools with established agronomic practices will increase effectiveness while reducing chemical dependence.
Capacity building and farmer engagement prioritised
A major component of the declaration is investment in training and extension services to equip local technicians and farmers with practical skills to manage and prevent infestations. The document calls for expanded technical training programmes, farmer awareness campaigns and knowledge-transfer initiatives to ensure frontline communities can identify and respond to threats. Delegates emphasised that sustained community engagement is essential for long-term suppression of the pest, especially in remote oases and smallholder farms.
Call for financing and a reinforced international trust fund
The declaration urges international financial institutions and donor bodies to increase support for the international trust fund dedicated to combating the red palm weevil, with the goal of securing predictable, multi-year financing for implementation. Delegates said reliable funding is necessary to scale research, field deployment of technologies and the human resources required for national programmes. The appeal highlights the need for financial mechanisms that enable rapid deployment during outbreaks and sustained investment in prevention.
UAE and partner organisations to lead coordination and research
Participants applauded the leadership role of the United Arab Emirates, particularly its Office of International Affairs and national institutions, in convening the coalition and coordinating actions through the international coalition against the red palm weevil. The declaration recognises contributions from national entities such as the Khalifa International Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Award and technical partners including the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. Public–private collaboration, including philanthropic partners and research organisations, was flagged as key to translating high-level commitments into operational programmes.
Protecting livelihoods, biodiversity and cultural heritage
Ministers framed the fight against the red palm weevil as a global responsibility tied to food security, rural livelihoods and cultural heritage across dryland regions. Date palms are central to the economies and traditions of many countries in the Middle East, North Africa and beyond, and their loss would carry cascading social and environmental consequences. The declaration stresses that protecting these trees supports biodiversity in oases and sustains the livelihoods of millions who depend on date cultivation and related industries.
The Abu Dhabi Declaration III 2026 sets a clear agenda and timetable for collaboration, research, capacity building and financing to curb the red palm weevil threat. Delegates left the meeting with a mandate to translate the declaration’s ten pillars into national action plans, strengthen regional coordination mechanisms and report progress through the established international coalition. Moving from agreement to implementation will be the defining test of the declaration’s impact on date palm resilience worldwide.
