U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to address GFIA 2015

ABU DHABI, 5th March, 2015 (WAM) -- The opening ceremony of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture, GFIA, 2015 in Abu Dhabi next week will be video addressed by the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, its organisers said yesterday. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, the second edition of GFIA will run from 9th -11th March, in strategic partnership with the ADFCA. In a video to be shown during an opening ceremony of the world’s largest showcase of game-changing agricultural innovations and technology, Secretary Kerry will highlight the importance of finding solutions to the world’s need to address the critical challenge of food and water security and climate change. A driving force behind the movement to link climate change and food production, Kerry has pioneered the adoption of climate-smart agriculture and food security to help farmers and fishermen provide food to billions of people in a sustainable manner. "Climate-smart food production is a critical factor for the UAE as we look to support sustainable economic and social development in the 21st century and beyond. GFIA reinforces Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to driving the global dialogue on food security and climate resilience and we are delighted to have John Kerry’s support in this regard and look forward to his participation next week," GFIA Event Director, Mark Beaumont, said. The exhibition and conference will feature more than 300 next-generation agricultural solutions that could shape the future of sustainable farming around the world. In addition to Kerry’s pre-taped remarks, world-leading experts in the fields of agricultural innovation and research will share their perspectives under the theme of, ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’. Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General, Coordinator for Natural Resources, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, will discuss how climate-smart agriculture can help eradicate poverty, advance economic growth and support sustainable development. Juergen Voegele, Senior Director, Agriculture Global Practice, World Bank, will present ways to increase sustainable productivity and achieve food security, whilst reducing the harmful emissions it takes to achieve those goals. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, African Union, will address the need to raise sustainable agricultural productivity in Africa through technology and innovation. Naoko Ishii, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility, GEF, will show how food security is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century and propose how preservation of soil health and other ecosystem services are vital to sustainably increase yields and enhance resilience. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395277438667.html