Food Fight

Harnessing AI To Combat Malnutrition

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the launch of a science initiative aimed at developing crops more resilient to the impacts of climate change. This work focuses on creating flood tolerant rice, disease resistant wheat, and other climate resilient crops.

Speaking at the Global Food Security Summit in London, attended by ministers, diplomats, and philanthropists from approximately 20 countries, Sunak emphasized the urgency of using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence to combat global malnutrition. He highlighted the need for a “fundamental shift” to address the escalating food security crisis exacerbated by climate change.

The U.K. plans to establish a “virtual science hub” to facilitate collaboration among international researchers working on developing more robust crop varieties. This hub will form part of CGIAR, a global research partnership.

Sunak stressed the growing challenges to food supplies due to climate change, conflict, and population increase, urging a long-term approach to prevent food crises. The initiative aims to leverage science and technology to fortify food supplies against threats like drought, conflict, and floods.

The summit, co-hosted by Somalia and the United Arab Emirates, alongside the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, also saw the release of the U.K.’s “re-energized” development strategy. This strategy outlines the U.K.’s aid plans through 2030, focusing on ending extreme poverty and addressing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Despite not restoring development aid to 0.7% of gross national income, the U.K. commits to spending more efficiently, with an emphasis on strengthening defenses against natural disasters, engaging private sector funding, and building equitable partnerships with developing countries.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron underscored the shift from a traditional aid approach to collaborative partnerships that empower developing countries. However, the conference venue at Lancaster House faced protests by activists from Medical Aid for Palestinians, demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict to facilitate essential aid delivery to Gaza.

Prime Minister Sunak, while not advocating for a cease-fire, called for “urgent and substantive humanitarian pauses” in the conflict to allow food, fuel, and medicine into Gaza, acknowledging the dire situation on the ground.

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