UN entities joined forces during the 2nd UN Virtual Worlds Day to urge governments, civil society, academia, and the private sector from around the world to harness AI-powered virtual worlds to drive development that works for all Twelve priorities for a digital future for all Held under the theme “From Innovation to Impact: Delivering on the Pact for the Future ", the second edition of UN Virtual Worlds Day highlighted the importance of interagency cooperation and the growing momentum across the UN system to foster shared innovation, global standards, and inclusive digital ecosystems...
DALI, China — A group of young agripreneurs from eight countries have completed a seven-days’ journey of bootcamp on 31 May 2025. Started in Hangzhou, ended in Dali, the Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp is part of a global effort to equip the next generation of agrifood leaders with the innovation skills and digital tools needed to solve real-world challenges in agrifood sector. The Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp, co-hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Zhejiang University, and Pinduoduo, which is a famous e-commerce platform, brought...
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with Zhejiang University and Pinduoduo , has launched a dynamic Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp aimed at empowering youth-led agripreneurs with the support of FAO staff in driving digital transformation in the agrifood sector. The seven-days programme, held in Zhejiang and other key locations in China, supports the development of innovative digital agriculture solutions to tackle global challenges related to food security, poverty, and sustainability. The Digital Agriculture Innovation Bootcamp builds...
New York City, May 21, 2025 – The countdown is on for the Reboot the Earth 2025 Hackathon in New York City , set to take place on May 29 and 30 at the iconic Salesforce Tower . Organized by the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) and co-hosted by Salesforce ,...
Beekeeping, or apiculture, is not just a hobby or a side job – it is a vital agricultural activity and essential for food security and biodiversity. Beekeepers, often smallholder or family farmers, play a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems through pollination and ensuring the health of countless crops. The publication Digital Technologies and Solutions for Beekeeping explores how innovative technologies are helping support this vital practice, boosting productivity and complementing the deep-rooted expertise, knowledge and skills of beekeepers. Smallholder farmer beekeepers typically...
FAO and Zhejiang University invite youth-led startups to harness emerging technologies and Digital Public Infrastructure for climate-smart, inclusive agrifood systems Rome/Hangzhou, 30 April 2025 – The Global AgriInno Challenge 2025 is now open for applications! Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) , this flagship innovation competition empowers young agripreneurs to scale sustainable digital solutions that advance climate resilience, supply chain efficiency , and nutritional security . This year’s theme — Harnessing...
Reflections from FAO’s first-ever global dialogue on the future of AI in agrifood systems From 28 to 30 April 2025, the Office of Innovation at FAO convened its first-ever Digital Agriculture and AI Innovation Dialogue, bringing together public institutions, private innovators, researchers, producer organizations, investors and civil-society partners from around the world. Over three days, this groundbreaking event became more than a platform for exchanging ideas, it offered a shared space to reflect, challenge assumptions, and shape the future of digital agriculture through collective...
This was one of the questions addressed by Henry van Burgsteden, FAO Senior Innovation Officer, during a high-level roundtable on AI and Innovation for Addressing Food and Environmental Challenges on a Global Scale at EMTECH Italy 2025. The two-day conference brought together leaders from the health, energy, and environmental sectors to explore the impact and opportunities presented by AI. The panel of experts explored how AI can tackle global challenges and develop solutions in agrifood systems, climate action, and environmental resilience. Van Burgsteden underscored the urgency of...
FAO's Office of Innovation and the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA) are jointly presenting a webinar on: "Enhancing Knowledge Sharing in Support of Agricultural Innovation System: Date Palm Digital Research and Innovation Platform." that...
Background Land and water resources in NENA are limited and facing severe stress. Climate change projections suggest more drought and extreme events. A transformative approach is needed to support agricultural production system to become more productive and sustainable to address these challenges...
New York City, May 21, 2025 – The countdown is on for the Reboot the Earth 2025 Hackathon in New York City , set to take place on May 29 and 30 at the iconic Salesforce Tower . Organized by the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology (OICT) and co-hosted by Salesforce ,...
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FAO's Office of Innovation and the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA) are jointly presenting a webinar on: "Enhancing Knowledge Sharing in Support of Agricultural Innovation System: Date Palm Digital Research and Innovation Platform." that...
Background Land and water resources in NENA are limited and facing severe stress. Climate change projections suggest more drought and extreme events. A transformative approach is needed to support agricultural production system to become more productive and sustainable to address these challenges...