Mariam Almheiri Highlights UAE's Role In Global Food Security And Climate Action At UNGA79

Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Head of the International Affairs Office at the Presidential Court, actively participated in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York City. She was part of the UAE delegation led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The delegation emphasised the UAE's role as a responsible global citizen, focusing on dialogue and cooperation to tackle urgent global issues like climate change.

Almheiri engaged in numerous activities during UNGA79, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to using its resources and expertise to enhance collaboration with global partners. This effort aims to develop shared solutions, reach consensus, and promote scientific and technological advancements worldwide. Her participation included launching the UAE FoodTech Challenge 3.0, highlighting the UAE's dedication to leading innovation in global food systems and addressing interconnected challenges such as food security, climate change, and water scarcity.

The Council on Foreign Relations hosted an event featuring leaders from the United States, United Arab Emirates, United Nations Foundation, and Bezos Earth Fund. The event stressed innovative actions needed at the intersection of climate change and food security. It also marked the launch of the AIM for Climate Report titled "Cultivating Transformative Investments in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems Innovation," developed with the United Nations Foundation.

During this event, Almheiri provided updates on AIM for Scale, a new initiative introduced at COP28 as a key legacy of AIM for Climate. This initiative supports recommendations from the AIM for Climate Report by fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate climate-smart agriculture innovations. It reflects Recommendation 3 of the report, which advocates building innovative global partnerships to drive impactful change in climate-smart agriculture.

Mariam Almheiri met with Tom Vilsack, United States Secretary of Agriculture, to discuss further collaboration on AIM for Scale and other shared priorities related to food security and climate action. After meeting Secretary Vilsack, Almheiri stated: "The climate crisis demands collective action and innovative solutions. With AIM for Scale, we're building a global coalition to empower farmers, strengthen food systems, and create a more sustainable future for all."

Almheiri also discussed ongoing partnerships with Rodger Voorhies from the Gates Foundation. They focused on a recently announced US$200 million joint initiative aimed at advancing agricultural innovation and transforming food systems. This collaboration highlights the UAE's commitment to leveraging technology to address pressing global challenges.

Commitment to Agricultural Innovation

In a panel discussion with Dr. Ismahane Elouafi from CGIAR and Rodger Voorhies, Almheiri reaffirmed the UAE's dedication to commitments made in COP28 regarding food systems and climate action. She highlighted support for CGIAR and appreciation for partnerships driving agricultural innovation: "We are proud to be the first country from our region to join the CGIAR System Council as a donor."

Reflecting on these efforts' significance within UAE’s development strategy, she added that agricultural innovation is crucial for their growth path: "Agricultural innovation is a key pillar of the UAE’s own development path." This statement underscores how vital such initiatives are not only globally but also domestically within their strategic framework.

The meeting underscored both parties' shared vision of empowering smallholder farmers while enhancing resilience against climate impacts through sustainable practices across various regions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM