ISLAMABAD — 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.
His role is to promote Spirulina and advance the United Nations Millennium Development Goals in the fight against global malnutrition.
In a letter from Remigio Maradona, MSA, the Permanent Secretary General, Umer Farooq was named Pro Bono Ambassador at Large within the Secretary General’s office. This position is designed to support IIMSAM’s efforts in the fight against malnutrition.
In its letter to Umer Farooq, IIMSAM states that Umer will help combat malnutrition by managing the global free distribution of Spirulina, focusing on underserved areas, especially in Pakistan, in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals for 2020-2030.
According to the letter issued by IIMSAM, his appointment as a goodwill ambassador supports the organization’s mandate to combat malnutrition by facilitating the free distribution of spirulina to disadvantaged sectors internationally, particularly in Pakistan. This is in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2020-2030 under the Decade of Action.
IIMSAM is an independent intergovernmental observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, a role granted by ECOSOC Resolution 2003. The organization addresses global malnutrition by promoting and distributing Spirulina, a highly nutritious microalga.
Some of the other prominent personalities appointed recently as IIMSAM’s goodwill ambassadors are: HRH Sheikha Roda Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Moaza Obaid Suhail Al Maktoum, Sheikh Juma Bin Juma Al Maktoum and Princess Basma Bin Talal.
IIMSAM says it is dedicated to advancing and maintaining its life-saving initiatives by the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter. The institution’s mission encompasses advancing life-saving programs, overseeing global Spirulina distribution, and working with various stakeholders to tackle nutritional deficiencies, especially in underserved regions.
Last month, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Umar Farooq for bringing over $400 million in direct foreign investment to Pakistan over the previous 18 months. This investment has been directed towards infrastructure, ports, and logistics. It is understood that projects worth over $2 billion in various fields, including energy, distribution, agriculture, IT, logistics, and real estate, are underway.
Recently, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea awarded Zahoor the Medal of Honour for bringing in over USD 55 million in direct foreign investment to the country. The award was presented to him by the President of Equatorial Guinea during a ceremony attended by dignitaries from both local and Middle Eastern countries.
Earlier this year, Mr Zahoor surrendered his title of Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of Liberia after serving for five years. The Republic of Liberia appreciated Umar Farooq Zahoor’s services while accepting his resignation. An official letter said: “Your commitment to supporting Liberia in any capacity is genuinely appreciated and we welcome your continued involvement in enhancing bilateral relationships between Liberia and other nations. Such an assurance is a testament to your unwavering dedication to improving our society.”
