Almheiri welcomes Bill Gates, shares agri-innovation progress

During COP28, the UAE and Gates Foundation announced a joint US$200 million investment in agricultural innovation, focusing on AI and technology to address the immediate and long-term threats to global food systems caused by climate change.

The investment has supported organizations like CGIAR in their efforts to develop agricultural innovations that benefit smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries worldwide.

Almheiri met with Gates at the Emirates Palace, where distinguished dignitaries such as Faisal Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President on Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, also attended. The visit concluded with a tour of four key projects funded by the partnership:
• CGIAR AI Hub and AgrilLLM: Exploring the use of large language models to enhance agricultural extension services for smallholder farmers.
• International Red Palm Weevil Consortium: Aiming to reduce the global threat to palm trees posed by the Red Palm Weevil.
• Technical Assistance: Supporting 15 countries in developing key analytical tools to inform their climate and agriculture policies.
• AIM for Scale Weather & AI-based Forecasting: Scaling weather forecast innovations to support farmers in low- and middle-income countries.

Almheiri emphasized the UAE’s commitment to turning pledges into action, highlighting the partnership's significant impact on food security and agricultural innovation. "This work showcases the UAE’s leadership in addressing global agricultural challenges," she said.

Faisal Al Bannai remarked, “Our meeting with Bill Gates reaffirmed our shared vision of using AI and technology to tackle global challenges. The UAE is committed to advancing food security and sustainability through innovation and strategic partnerships.”