The UAE is creating the world’s first ChatGPT tool specifically designed for the agricultural sector. This was revealed by Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, head of the International Affairs Office in the UAE Presidential Court.
The announcement, WAM reported, was made at the UAE Pavilion at COP29, which showcased a dynamic range of events centered on the transformative impact of technology, collaboration, and data in accelerating decarbonization and facilitating the global energy transition, particularly through innovations in agriculture and hydrogen development.
During a session titled “In Partnering to Create AI-based Public Goods for One Billion+ Smallholders,” Almheiri’s revelation about the UAE’s pioneering ChatGPT tool for agriculture received enthusiastic applause from attendees. Dubbed “CHAG” (short for Chat + Ag), this fully accessible tool will leverage over 50 years of research data and reflects the UAE’s rapid advancements in the AI domain. It exemplifies the UAE’s capability and expertise in developing large language models, promising to transform the lives of farmers worldwide, especially those facing challenging climatic conditions.
Empowering farmers with AI
In a discussion with AIM for Scale, part of the UAE-Gates Foundation collaboration, Almheiri, who is also a member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, participated in a panel alongside representatives from the Gates Foundation. They addressed how farmers are being empowered with essential tools for making informed decisions regarding planting and harvesting, as well as adapting to unpredictable weather.
Celeste Saulo, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization, highlighted that instead of providing a general forecast, the focus was on translating information into actionable insights for farmers through AI.
Leadership in carbon markets
Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, president and CEO of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), carried out a session on Scaling Carbon Footprint Reduction in the UAE, aimed at unlocking carbon markets with international sustainable finance implications.
In a broad discussion on green economic growth, Fanny Modin, head of Business Development at Seagrass-E.ON, stated that the UAE is demonstrating significant leadership in the carbon markets sector and recognizing them as a vital financing instrument. She described the ALTÉRRA fund as a significant game-changer.
Innovations in climate solutions
In a session titled Tech and Social Innovation for Achieving Global Climate and Sustainable Development Targets, Zayed Sustainability Prize winners showcased how startup innovations can advance global climate and development goals through technological solutions.
Sebastian Groh, CEO of SOLShare, emphasized the importance of integrating decentralized with centralized solutions at scale and pointed out that the most prevalent challenge is not technology, but policy.
Continuing the theme of sustainable energy and technology, Prize Judge and French explorer Bertrand Piccard shared his mission to circumnavigate the globe in a hydrogen-powered aircraft, asserting that hydrogen will play a role in aviation.
Decarbonization and data importance
During the session “The Role of Technology, Collaboration, and Data in Accelerating Decarbonization in the UAE,” Nadia Rouchdy, head of Climate at Emirates Nature-WWF, reassured attendees that it is normal for decarbonization to take time and stressed the importance of gathering reliable data. He noted the emergence of numerous UAE-based companies utilizing AI to tackle emissions, build capacity, and enhance engagement with suppliers on climate issues. Rouchdy remarked that COP28 represented a unique convergence of health, nature, and climate, marking the first time these intersections were featured at a COP conference. He viewed the legacy of COP28 as the unification of these elements.
Impact of AI on agriculture
A session discussing the impact of AI on food systems innovation highlighted how AI and other cutting-edge technologies can enhance agricultural productivity and food resilience.
Advancements in power grids
Another session, titled Advancing the Grid Through Innovation, featuring TAQA and the Utilities for Net Zero Alliance, delved into technological advancements and partnerships aimed at transforming global power grids to achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Monitoring and reporting progress
Furthermore, sessions on Advancing the UAE National MRV-Transparency System: Progress and Next Steps presented pivotal tools for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions and air quality through climate reporting. The Changemaker Majlis, hosted by Masdar and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI, focused on the revolutionary potential of AI in accelerating the energy transition.
