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UN initiative at IMC 2026 calls for responsible AI use in agriculture. Reading Time: 2 mins read Summarize with: Noida, Oct 11 (APAC Media): The United Nations Global Initiative on AI for Agri-Food Systems (GI-AI4FS) has called for greater international cooperation to promote responsible, trustworthy and farmer-centric artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to transform agriculture and strengthen food security. Media news subscription The call came at the initiative's second meeting, held alongside India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi, where policymakers, researchers, international organisations and industry representatives discussed the integration of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital connectivity into agricultural systems. "AI must move beyond technological experimentation and deliver practical, accessible benefits to farmers," a suggested statement for the initiative's leadership said, reflecting the meeting's focus on translating innovation into real-world applications. The meeting was jointly hosted by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), under the Department of Telecommunications, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Around 70 delegates attended in person, while 25 participants joined online. GI-AI4FS is coordinated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the World Food Programme. Participants examined how connected sensors, weather stations, drones, satellite-based technologies and AI-powered analytics could improve precision farming, optimise resource use, detect crop diseases early and support informed decision-making. "Responsible AI adoption should place farmers at the centre, ensuring that emerging technologies contribute to productivity, sustainability and resilient food systems," a proposed summary of the discussions said. The meeting also pointed out the potential of digital technologies to improve agricultural supply-chain traceability, minimise post-harvest losses and enhance operational efficiency. It followed a two-day international hackathon on AI for Agri-Food Systems, held on October 8 and 9 at the ICAR campus in New Delhi. Students, researchers, developers and innovators developed technology-based solutions to address agricultural challenges. Shortlisted teams presented their projects, while winning innovations were showcased and outstanding contributions were recognised. GI-AI4FS Chair Sebastian Bosse delivered the opening remarks. Keynote speakers included the FAO Senior Specialist for Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships. Krishnan Pallassana, ITU Telecommunication Standardisation Bureau Deputy Director Bilel Jamoussi, ICAR Deputy Director General A. K. Nayak and TEC Senior Deputy Director General Syed Tausif Abbas. The meeting also discussed governance arrangements, working groups, priority areas and initial work plans to strengthen international coordination. Participants emphasised the need for interoperable standards and inclusive governance to ensure AI-driven agricultural innovation translates into tangible benefits for farmers and food systems worldwide. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing. Summarize with:

UN official highlights GDI's role in advancing sustainable development. Xinhua 05 Oct 2026, 08:45 GMT+ by Ada Zhang UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) - Five years after China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), its focus is shifting increasingly towards practical cooperation that addresses the priorities of developing countries, a senior UN official has said. "Five years on, the Global Development Initiative is showing how shared ambition can translate into practical support for development," Dima Al-Khatib, director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), told Xinhua in a written interview. The initiative, she said, has "provided a platform for mobilizing partnerships, knowledge and resources in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." According to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China publication, more than 600 projects under the Global Development Project Pool had been implemented or were in progress by the end of 2024. The associated Global Development Capital Pool had mobilized 14 billion U.S. dollars in financing commitments as of March 2025. "These mechanisms illustrate how cooperation under the GDI is supporting development financing and implementation," Al-Khatib said. Al-Khatib pointed to China's longstanding cooperation with UNOSSC, which spans more than two decades. "The strength of South-South cooperation lies in helping countries turn each other's experience into solutions that work for their own communities," she said. One example is the Global South-South Development Center Project, which entered its second phase in 2025 under the China-United Nations Global South-South Development Facility. Working with the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the project aims to strengthen a network of more than 60 technical institutions to facilitate cooperation among developing countries. In West Africa, a rice initiative involving the World Food Programme, the African Union and other partners combines technology and training to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and support rural livelihoods. She also highlighted cooperation on digital development, including e-commerce training that reached participants from more than 90 countries, followed by field studies in China for policymakers from 22 developing countries. With just four years left to meet the 2030 deadline, Al-Khatib said the GDI can support accelerated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation by connecting nationally identified priorities with technologies, technical expertise, financing and capacity development. In September 2025, China and the United Nations announced the China-UN Global South-South Development Facility, with 10 million dollars in budget support for the 2025-2030 period. Established under the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation, the facility supports cooperation under the GDI in areas, including agriculture, technology and digital development, according to UNOSSC. Al-Khatib said the facility's first call for proposals, which concluded in August, attracted 107 proposals from 16 UN agencies and entities, covering 115 countries across the Global South. "The next phase may prioritize country ownership, measurable results and the adaptation and scaling of solutions suited to local circumstances," she said. Looking ahead, Al-Khatib emphasized the importance of aligning cooperation with the SDGs, UN social and environmental standards, and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. "The objective is to enable developing countries to adapt, co-create and sustain solutions, and share their experience across the Global South, guided by the commitment to leave no one behind," she said.

UN official highlights GDI's role in advancing sustainable development. Xinhua 05 Oct 2026, 08:45 GMT+10 by Ada Zhang UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) - Five years after China proposed the Global Development Initiative (GDI), its focus is shifting increasingly towards practical cooperation that addresses the priorities of developing countries, a senior UN official has said. "Five years on, the Global Development Initiative is showing how shared ambition can translate into practical support for development," Dima Al-Khatib, director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), told Xinhua in a written interview. The initiative, she said, has "provided a platform for mobilizing partnerships, knowledge and resources in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development." According to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) China publication, more than 600 projects under the Global Development Project Pool had been implemented or were in progress by the end of 2024. The associated Global Development Capital Pool had mobilized 14 billion U.S. dollars in financing commitments as of March 2025. "These mechanisms illustrate how cooperation under the GDI is supporting development financing and implementation," Al-Khatib said. Al-Khatib pointed to China's longstanding cooperation with UNOSSC, which spans more than two decades. "The strength of South-South cooperation lies in helping countries turn each other's experience into solutions that work for their own communities," she said. One example is the Global South-South Development Center Project, which entered its second phase in 2025 under the China-United Nations Global South-South Development Facility. Working with the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges, the project aims to strengthen a network of more than 60 technical institutions to facilitate cooperation among developing countries. In West Africa, a rice initiative involving the World Food Programme, the African Union and other partners combines technology and training to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and support rural livelihoods. She also highlighted cooperation on digital development, including e-commerce training that reached participants from more than 90 countries, followed by field studies in China for policymakers from 22 developing countries. With just four years left to meet the 2030 deadline, Al-Khatib said the GDI can support accelerated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation by connecting nationally identified priorities with technologies, technical expertise, financing and capacity development. In September 2025, China and the United Nations announced the China-UN Global South-South Development Facility, with 10 million dollars in budget support for the 2025-2030 period. Established under the United Nations Fund for South-South Cooperation, the facility supports cooperation under the GDI in areas, including agriculture, technology and digital development, according to UNOSSC. Al-Khatib said the facility's first call for proposals, which concluded in August, attracted 107 proposals from 16 UN agencies and entities, covering 115 countries across the Global South. "The next phase may prioritize country ownership, measurable results and the adaptation and scaling of solutions suited to local circumstances," she said. Looking ahead, Al-Khatib emphasized the importance of aligning cooperation with the SDGs, UN social and environmental standards, and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks. "The objective is to enable developing countries to adapt, co-create and sustain solutions, and share their experience across the Global South, guided by the commitment to leave no one behind," she said.