The CCNE Region - Regional Coordinator Saudi Arabia
In 1999 the 23rd session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission established the Regional Coordinating Committee for the Near East, bringing together countries in the Near East Region (for FAO) and the Eastern Mediterranean Region (for WHO). The committee held its first meeting in Cairo, Egypt in 2001.
The current regional coordinator for the Near East is based in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in Riyadh.
The coordinator’s goals in leading the region in Codex include developing and strengthening Codex Contact Points and National Codex Committees as well as improving communication and coordination amongst CCNE members, with other regions and the Codex Secretariat.
A further objective is to develop the exchange of scientific and technical expertise amongst experienced and less experienced countries in the region.
The coordinator aims to promote the use of Codex standards as a basis for national legislation and regulations and continue work developing and reviewing Codex standards taking into account regional interests.
CCNE Coordinator
All information on Codex is public and free.
For regional enquiries contact:
CCNE Secretariat
Saudi Food & Drug Authority
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Tel: +966 11 2038222
Ext: 3347
Email: [email protected]
Ahmed M. Elhelw 1985 - 2022
The Codex Secretariat has learned of the untimely passing of the former Codex Contact Point for Egypt, Ahmed M. Elhelw.
The Regional Coordinator for the Near East (CCNE), Khalid S. Al Zhrani, Saudi Arabia said: “Ahmed was like an energy station of the CCNE family. With his presence, he would light us all up with positivity. His contribution to my life as a guide, and to the Codex family as an active Member will always be appreciated.”
Ahmed held a bachelor degree in Agriculture and a Master's in Specialized Nutrition. He had served as a standards and Codex specialist at the Egyptian General Organization for Standardization and Quality since 2012.
Countries across the CCNE region and from all over Codex sent their messages of condolences. Hakim Mufumbiro, Uganda, Regional Coordinator for Africa said: “As well as being extremely active and a key expert in the region he will be remembered especially for fostering close cooperation between the Africa and Near East regions”.
In the Codex Secretariat Ahmed was known for his unlimited and infectious enthusiasm for the technical work he led and for championing capacity building in Egypt and across the region.
Photo credit ©FAO/Codex
Ahmed pictured above in 2019 together with Steve Wearne, United Kingdom.
Leave a comment