ICESCO, AOAD Discuss Ways to Strengthen the Use of AI in Agriculture

Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Dr. Ibrahim Adam Ahmed Al Dukhairi, Director-General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), accompanied by Mr. Ahmed Salem Ould Ahmed, Director of Training, Studies and Consulting at AOAD, to explore ways of enhancing the use of emerging technologies in the agricultural sector in Member States.

During the meeting, Dr. AlMalik reviewed ICESCO’s key projects and initiatives to support agriculture, particularly the “Smarter Agriculture… A Better Future” initiative, implemented in partnership with the Islamic Organization for Food Security, and the regional workshop on smart agriculture held in Oyem, Gabonese Republic.

Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to promoting initiatives that use science and technology to develop agriculture, believing that providing farmers with access to smart tools, practical knowledge, and cutting-edge technologies is essential for achieving food security and sustainability. He also emphasized the importance of scientific research and innovation in developing agricultural practices, managing water resources, and adopting innovative financing solutions.

Mr. Al Dukhairi then reviewed the key elements of the new AOAD strategy (2022–2030), which aims to contribute to sustainable development in the region. He emphasized that his Organization had proposed a roadmap for using AI to achieve sustainable agricultural revitalization in the Arab region.

Attending the meeting were Mr. Osama Heikal, Head of the Media and Communication Sector; Mr. Anar Karimov, Head of the Partnerships and International Cooperation Sector; and Dr. Adel Smeda and Dr. Fahman Fathurrahman, experts at ICESCO’s Science and Environment Sector.