I2U2 Business Forum: India joins US-UAE’s AIM for Climate food initiative

At the inaugural I2U2 Business Forum held on February 22 in the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi and ahead of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai in November, India pledged its support for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) – an initiative launched by the UAE and the US at COP26 in Glasgow to protect food production against climate change.

Wednesday’s Forum brought together representatives from India, Israel, the UAE, and the US (I2U2) to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation between the members. The I2U2 partnership focuses on seven sectors: water, energy, health, technology, transportation, space, and food security.

The event concluded with presentations on a couple of significant initiatives currently explored under the partnership, including the possible development of a 300-megawatt wind and solar hybrid power plant in the Indian state of Gujarat and a potential $2 billion investment in a project concerning the building of a series of integrated agricultural facilities across the Asian country.

AIM for Climate seeks to find innovative ways to protect food production amid global warming and ecological disasters that devastate crop fields. So far, a minimum of $8 billion has been pledged in investment by a coalition of over 40 countries.

Ahmed Al Sayegh, UAE Minister of State, hailed India’s decision to join the mission, adding the four countries “are now in a unique position to stimulate critical investment” in resilient food systems.

The initiative plans to provide the necessary support to small-scale farmers and communities most vulnerable to the world’s changing climate. Funds will be diverted towards projects capable of mitigating climate change, preparing for its effects, and helping bring people out of poverty.

The mission also includes investment to accelerate the use of hydroponics, aquaculture, and vertical farming.

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