Israeli resolution on agtech wins broad support at UN

An Israeli resolution on agricultural technology was adopted with broad support at the United Nations on Friday, in what Ambassador Danny Danon called a “victory for Israeli innovation.”

The resolution on utilizing agricultural technology for sustainable development passed with 124 countries voting in favor and 37 abstentions, a rare achievement given the Arab bloc’s de facto opposition to any Israeli motion.

“Israeli innovation beat UN hypocrisy,” said Danon.

The resolution passed following several months of intense diplomatic efforts, the Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN said Friday night, and in spite of the Arab bloc, which refrained from voting in favor.

“It is quite ironic that the group of nations blocking a consensus on this resolution is the same group who would benefit from it most,” said Danon. “The need for agricultural technology in the Middle East is undeniable. Yet, as we are all painfully aware, these governments continuously put politics before people, and pride before progress.”

According to Israel’s UN mission, 75 percent of the world’s population lives in poverty, and is reliant on agriculture. The new resolution promotes greater accessibility to agricultural technology for those affected by poverty, drought and hunger, the mission said.

“Today’s resolution is not only about agricultural technology. It is about improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people across the developing world,” said Danon.