On 28 August 2024, Mr. Paisan Rupanichkij, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, welcomed representatives from universities specialized in halal food science from African target countries as well as universities affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), attending the Plenary Session of the University Network for Halal Food Security 2024 at Narathip Auditorium, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On this occasion, Deputy Permanent Secretary stated that the purpose was to build a network between Thai and African universities in the field of halal food security, to promote knowledge exchange, and to facilitate joint research. He also emphasized the importance of the engagement of multi-stakeholder to achieve food security.

Thailand International Cooperation Agency and Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized the University Network for Halal Food Security 2024 between 27 August to 1 September 2024 and invited representatives from universities in seven African target countries, where the Thai Embassy located, namely Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, and Morocco, as well as universities affiliated with the OIC. The objective of this event was to inform participants about Thailand's policies on halal products, including halal food standardization and certification policy and the opportunities of halal industry in Thailand. Additionally, it serves as a platform for establishing a network among universities from Thailand and the participating countries. The Meeting also fostered cooperation and academic exchange in the areas of halal food security and food science, while advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation in halal food production and halal food safety in the future.