British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed on Monday the launch of a new scientific initiative in the United Kingdom aimed at supporting the development of flood-resistant rice, disease-resistant grains, and other crops that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
During the Global Food Security Summit in London, Sunak engaged with representatives from approximately 20 countries, advocating for the utilization of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to combat global hunger.
Sunak stressed the necessity for a significant paradigm shift to address the escalating food security challenges exacerbated by climate change. He underscored the pivotal role of research and announced the establishment of a “virtual technology hub” in the UK to facilitate collaboration among global researchers focusing on enhancing crop resilience. The UK will serve as the gateway for the international research partnership CGIAR.
The Prime Minister highlighted the escalating challenges faced by food supplies due to climate change, conflicts, and population growth. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to avert food crises by fundamentally transforming the approach to food security. Sunak emphasized the imperative of leveraging science and technology to develop materials resilient to various threats like conflicts, droughts, and landslides.
The event was co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Somalia, along with the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Meanwhile, at the conference venue, Palestinian demonstrators advocating for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict protested to draw attention to the urgent need for food and humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Melanie Ward, the chief executive of the group, emphasized the critical situation in Gaza, where 2.2 million people are at risk of starvation, urging global leaders to prioritize addressing food security challenges worldwide.
The current aid received is only adequate to sustain Gaza for approximately two days, underscoring the dire need for increased support to avert a humanitarian catastrophe in the region. Less than 10% of the required food supplies are currently reaching the vulnerable population in Gaza.
Sunak called on Israel to authorize immediate and substantial humanitarian pauses to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and medical treatments, despite the UK not explicitly calling for a cease-fire as the US has done.
Expressing deep concern for the deteriorating situation, Sunak emphasized the urgent need for action to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
