US President thanks UAE for cooperation in advancing AIM4C initiative

The AIM4C initiative focuses on increasing investment in climate-smart agriculture and advancing innovation in global food systems, demonstrating both countries’ commitment to addressing pressing climate challenges.

The Aim for Climate summit kicked off on May 8 in Washington DC, organized by the USDA in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.The summit was attended by UAE Minister Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri climate change and Environment Ministries, as well as several ministers, government officials and non-governmental representatives from various partner countries.

In a recorded address to summit attendees, President Biden emphasized the critical role of agriculture in addressing the global climate crisis. He highlighted the success of the AIM for Climate initiative, which since its launch two years ago has attracted partners from around the world to collaborate on solutions that enhance innovation in sustainable agriculture.

President Biden said, “Agricultural innovation has successfully secured and improved the lives of billions of people around the world. Working together, we can further strengthen the global food supply, increase farmers’ incomes, and protect our planet for future generations who depend on our actions today .”

Launched in 2021, the AIM for Climate initiative is a collaborative effort between the UAE and the US, launched during COP26 in Glasgow. At the Climate Agriculture Innovation summit, more than $13 billion in commitments was announced to invest in innovative farming systems and projects. In addition, the initiative’s partnership has expanded to include more than 500 governmental and non-governmental organizations worldwide.

Addressing the audience, US Presidential Climate Envoy John Kerry expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the UAE and the US in launching the Climate Agriculture Innovation Initiative two years ago COP26 in Glasgow. Kerry stressed the importance of the initiative’s success thus far. He noted that agriculture accounts for approximately 33% of global carbon emissions and that climate neutrality can only be achieved by implementing transformative solutions to agricultural systems. He described the challenge as a critical battle that must be won by applying practical solutions because so many lives depend on it.

Mariam Almheiri thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for his strong support for the Climate Agriculture Innovation Initiative, and expressed her confidence that the initiative, working with global partners, can bring about tangible positive change for investment in sustainable agriculture innovation. She also gave special thanks to US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and his team for working with the UAE and participating countries and organizations for contributing to the success of the initiative and demonstrating to the world the ability to find practical and innovative solutions to grow global agriculture department.

On the final day of the AIM Climate Summit, the task ‘Climate Change, Food Security and Innovation in Agriculture’ was launched. The mission aims to mobilize additional investment and support to expand the global reach of innovation in agriculture and climate by proposing mechanisms to encourage innovation in climate, food security and agriculture.