Abu dhabi: The International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court today signed a US$1.5 million technical cooperation partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to scale agricultural innovations for farmers across eight countries in Asia and the Pacific. The agreement is further strengthened by the support of Japan's Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR).
According to Emirates News Agency, the partnership, signed during the 59th Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting, aims to support agricultural innovation in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Thailand, and the Maldives. It will involve collaboration with government counterparts to implement evidence-based solutions, such as AI-powered weather forecasting, digital advisory services, and tools for improving livestock productivity, into national programs that reach farmers on a large scale.
The new partnership will be executed by the ADB and the Agricultural Innovation Mechanism for Scale (AIM for Scale), an initiative supported by the UAE and Gates Foundation. This initiative collaborates with governments, multilateral development banks, and other partners to scale agricultural innovations to benefit millions of farmers.
Khalfan Al Matrooshi, Advisor at the International Affairs Office, UAE Presidential Court, stated that international cooperation is crucial for strengthening global food security. The UAE's AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development plays a significant role in this endeavor by providing partners, expertise, and financing. The partnership with the ADB and the JFPR, delivered through AIM for Scale, exemplifies the potential of international cooperation when global partners unite with a shared purpose.
Earlier this year, the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court allocated US$5 million in AIM for Scale grants to institutions such as Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the University of Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. These grants support governments in Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Rwanda, in scaling agricultural innovations in collaboration with development banks and other partners.
With today's signing, Abu Dhabi's AI Ecosystem for Global Agricultural Development has reached governments across Africa and Asia within six months of its launch. This initiative builds on the UAE's commitment to global agricultural development, including the US$200 million UAE-Gates Foundation partnership announced at COP28 and the UAE's role as the first donor from the SWANA region in the CGIAR System Council.
Qingfeng Zhang, Senior Director at the ADB, emphasized the importance of digital technologies, innovative financing, and improved fertilizer efficiency in addressing food security challenges in Asia and the Pacific. Collaborative agreements like this one serve as catalysts for integrated agricultural approaches, enhancing input systems, boosting productivity, and promoting resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.
Shigeo Shimizu, Executive Director representing Japan at the ADB Board of Directors, highlighted Japan's active support for initiatives that advance innovation, resilience, and digital transformation across the region. Japan's support for this initiative reflects its commitment to sustainable agriculture and strengthening food systems through innovation and partnership.
Paul Winters, Executive Director of AIM for Scale, expressed anticipation for collaborating with the ADB to ensure farmers in Asia and the Pacific gain access to evidence-backed innovations that enhance their livelihoods. He acknowledged the contributions of the UAE and JFPR in enabling this significant work.