News in brief: The Israeli and United States governments have announced a five-year initiative with $35 million each to support climate smart agriculture in the Middle East and Africa, focusing on sustainable food production, water use, and technology initiatives. The partnership also aims to demonstrate a continued strong bond between Israel and the US.
The Israeli and United States government have announced a five-year initiative to support climate smart agriculture in the Middle East and Africa.
Vice President Kamala Harris revealed this to reporters ahead of a meeting with Israeli President in Washington DC. She said that both governments would invest up to $35 million each to support climate-smart agriculture projects.
Projects that will be picked for the funding, according to the US VP, will be those providing innovative solutions for sustainable food production and water use, building resilient food systems that address the climate crisis around the world, and more.
In addition, they will be looking to finance innovative technologies and improved capture, storage, use, and protection of critical water resources in the regions.
A White House official, corroborating her statement, mentioned that the two parties will explore various ways to achieve impact through programming and technology initiatives. These approaches include collaborating with organisations like Negev Forum and I2U2 participants to leverage their expertise, resources, and technologies. They will also expand proven technologies or successful programming techniques to a larger community.
In addition, they will be increasing availability and accessibility of technology tools or applications that have the potential to create a positive impact. Also, it will involve investing resources in training people, providing technical support, and offering educational programs related to the technology or programming initiatives.
A more subtle undertone of this partnership announcement is that it aims to show the world that Israel and the US have an ‘unbreakable bond,’ as Harris added in later parts of her address.
