“Food is a basic human right for everyone. We have to produce more with less because of the climate crisis. We need science-based solutions and a technically driven approach to contribute in the future,” said Mr Qu at the side event.
IAEA Director General Grossi elaborated on the IAEA’s approach to supporting Member States and the tangible nature of IAEA-FAO support envisioned under the #Atoms4Food initiative.
“We are going to start with the self-assessments made by countries, because we believe that we need to follow their approaches and what is concerning for them. Then we will roll out tailormade projects and programmes for them,” said Mr Grossi. “We are moving in a concrete way – not too much talk, but action. We will bring to the countries the solutions they need,” he added.
From food irradiation and climate smart agriculture to plant breeding and insect pest control, side event participants heard first-hand how the effects of climate change are being successfully addressed with nuclear applications. Representatives of China, Mexico, Turkey, the United States of America and Viet Nam provided specific examples of support from both UN organizations.