AIM4C initiative focuses on increasing investment in climate-smart agriculture and advancing global food system innovation, demonstrating the commitment of both nations to address pressing climate challenges.
The Aim for Climate summit began on May 8 in Washington DC, and the US Department of Agriculture collaborated with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment to organize the event. The summit was attended by Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, along with several ministers, government officials, and non-government representatives from various partner countries.
In his recorded address to the summit attendees, President Biden emphasized the critical role agriculture plays in tackling the global climate crisis. He highlighted the success of the AIM for Climate initiative, which, since its inception two years ago, has drawn partners from across the globe to collaborate on solutions that enhance sustainable agricultural innovations.
President Biden stated, "Agricultural innovations have successfully safeguarded and enhanced the lives of billions worldwide. By working together, we can further strengthen global food supplies, boost farmers' incomes, and protect our planet for future generations who rely on our actions today."
Launched in 2021 as a collaborative effort between the UAE and the United States, the AIM for Climate initiative was introduced during COP26 in Glasgow. At the "Agricultural Innovation for Climate" summit, over USD 13 billion in commitments were announced for investment in innovative agricultural systems and projects. Moreover, the initiative's partnerships have expanded to include over 500 governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide.
In his address to the audience, John Kerry, the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Affairs, expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration between the UAE and the US in launching the Agricultural Innovation for Climate initiative two years ago during COP26 in Glasgow. Kerry emphasized the importance of the initiative's success so far. He noted that agriculture accounts for approximately 33 per cent of global carbon emissions, and attaining climate neutrality would only be possible by implementing transformative solutions for agricultural systems. He described the challenge as a crucial battle that must be won by applying practical solutions, as many lives depend on it.
Mariam Almheiri expressed her gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his significant support of the Agricultural Innovation for Climate initiative, expressing her confidence in the initiative's ability, in cooperation with partners worldwide, to bring about tangible positive change in investment in sustainable agricultural innovations. She also extended special thanks to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and his team for their contribution to the success of the initiative in collaboration with the UAE and participating countries and organizations, and for demonstrating the world's ability to find practical and innovative solutions to develop the agriculture sector globally.
On the final day of the AIM for Climate Summit, the mission "Innovation for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture" was launched. The mission aims to mobilize more investments and support to expand the global scope of agricultural and climate innovations by proposing mechanisms to encourage innovation in climate, food security, and agriculture.
