Smart Net-Zero

November 18, 2024 | Asian Development Bank (ADB) |

The Asia-Pacific region is tackling the dual challenges of climate resilience and food security, as highlighted during COP29's multistakeholder panel hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). ADB's $14 billion commitment to food security was paired with a call for transformative innovations and partnerships to foster sustainable, inclusive agricultural systems. 

ADB Senior Director Dr. Qingfeng Zhang outlined three priorities: shifting to demand-side nutrition security, advancing smart agriculture and natural resource restoration, and leveraging digital technology for equitable growth. Initiatives like the ADB-CGIAR Clearinghouse aim to integrate tailored technological solutions, addressing fragmentation between research, development, and private sectors. 

Experts alsao emphasized the role of AI in optimizing farming and the need for nutrition-focused interventions. Programs in Indonesia, led by GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), demonstrated effective alignment of climate goals with nutrition outcomes. The session concluded with a unified call for investments in science and partnerships to build resilient, food-secure systems.