Key Takeaways:
- Global Partnership Milestone: Bill Gates visited the UAE to review progress on a $200 million joint investment by the UAE and the Gates Foundation in agricultural innovation announced at COP28.
- Focus on AI and Climate Solutions: The initiative supports projects addressing climate-related challenges in agriculture through AI and advanced technologies.
- Innovative Projects Highlighted: Four key projects showcased during the visit include the CGIAR AI Hub, Red Palm Weevil Consortium, Future Food Systems program, and AIM for Scale Weather Forecasting.
- High-Level Discussions: Mariam Almheiri and Faisal Al Bannai led bilateral discussions with Gates, emphasizing the UAE’s leadership in agricultural transformation and global food security.
- Commitment to Action: The UAE reaffirmed its commitment to turning pledges into tangible solutions for sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Mariam Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, welcomed Bill Gates, Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to the UAE to mark the progress of a groundbreaking partnership on agricultural innovation and food system transformation in response to climate change. The visit, which occurred one year after the $200 million joint investment was announced at COP28, underscored the partnership’s commitment to leveraging technology and AI to address critical challenges in global food systems.
Showcasing Transformative Projects
During the visit at Emirates Palace, Gates and UAE leaders toured four innovative projects funded under the partnership, showcasing progress in addressing agricultural and climate challenges:
- CGIAR AI Hub and AgriLLM: Focused on using large language models (LLMs) to automate initial interactions for agricultural extension services, particularly for smallholder farmers in resource-constrained environments.
- International Red Palm Weevil Consortium: A collaborative effort to mitigate the global threat posed by the Red Palm Weevil to palm trees through sustainable solutions.
- Future Food Systems Program: Provides technical assistance to 15 countries, developing analytical tools like Climate-Agriculture Vulnerability Assessments and Integrated Mitigation-Adaptation Reports to inform national development and climate strategies.
- AIM for Scale Weather Forecasting: Develops cost-effective weather forecasting innovations to meet the needs of farmers in low- and middle-income countries, aiming to reach hundreds of millions of farmers within two years.
Leadership Remarks
Mariam Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to transforming agricultural practices and food systems through actionable solutions:
“The UAE has taken concrete steps to turn pledges and investments into action. The groundbreaking work on display today is a testament to the UAE’s commitment and global leadership on food security and agricultural innovation. I am delighted to have Bill Gates as our guest of honour here today to see first-hand the progress being made to tackle the global agricultural challenges we face as a result of climate change.”
Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, highlighted the role of AI in advancing global food security:
“Meeting with Bill Gates highlighted our shared vision of harnessing AI and technology to address global challenges. With AI71’s agri-tech solutions powered by TII’s Falcon models, we aim to enhance food security, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The UAE is committed to advancing this vision through innovation and partnerships, demonstrating AI’s potential to create a better future for all.”
A Year of Progress
Since the partnership’s announcement, the joint investment has supported organizations like CGIAR, which are at the forefront of developing agricultural innovations to enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers worldwide. These initiatives are critical as climate change continues to threaten food security and sustainable agriculture.
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