From organic farms to AI chips with a nose: UN summit showcases solutions for transforming the Global South

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The UN’s Global Industry Summit underlined the benefits of partnerships for companies in the Global South on Monday, demonstrating ways that AI – if used responsibly – can provide solutions to some of the most intractable problems faced by business leaders. 

The “Green Revolution” is believed to have saved millions of lives in India during the 20th century, introducing new scientific techniques that led to a surge in yields, providing food and livelihoods. 

But the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides came at a huge cost, both to the environment and to health, leading to a growing interest in organic farming –pairing the latest science with traditional techniques to produce nutritious food without harming the soil. 

“It’s a win-win,” says Amit Singh, Head of Sustainability at Nature Bio Foods, referring to a business model that sees thousands of Indian farmers produce high quality and sustainable food for consumers, while getting well paid for doing so. 

Award winners 

On Sunday, the company, an Indian social enterprise, won a ONE World Innovation Award, in recognition of their “farm to table” approach to sustainability, which involves making sure that every aspect of food production – from planting to harvesting, processing and transportation – is as sustainable as possible. 

“In the last three years alone, we have reduced our carbon emissions by introducing various innovations and scientific solutions such as solar energy, and methods to reduce methane emissions from rice production,” said Mr. Singh. 

The business is helping almost 100,000 smallholder farmers reach the marketplace and profits are ploughed back into initiatives that benefit the community, such as clean drinking water, and funding for schools. 

UN News

Finding the perfect partner 

This success would not be possible without the partnerships that Nature Bio Foods has forged within both the private and public sector.  

The company works closely with the Indian Government and, as they look to expand their operations, the United Nations International Development Organization (UNIDO), is helping them with technological knowhow and investment. 

Mr. Singh was speaking on Partnerships and Investment Day of the Global Industry Summit, UNIDO’s General Conference, held in Riyadh between 23 and 27 November.  

The Day showcased pioneering initiatives and presented cutting-edge digital solutions that could transform industry in developing countries. 

Aptly, Mr. Singh had to cut short his discussion with UN News in order to meet some of the many investors that have been invited to the event, an example of the matchmaking that goes on throughout the week.

UN News/Conor Lennon

An AI-enabled humanoid robot walks the corridors of the 2025 UNIDO Global Industry Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

How does AI smell, without a nose? 

A thread that connected many of the sessions on Partnerships Day was the use of AI to help different partners find sustainable solutions.  

“It’s not about ChatGPT or CoPilot or Deep Seek. It’s about how AI can solve real world problems that we are facing on the ground,” explains Jason Slater, the head of AI and innovation at UNIDO, as he took a brief break between sessions.  

His job involves finding ways to get access to the technology to support the Global South. “For example, we’re working with a startup that’s developed an AI chip that can smell food: it learns what it is and identifies where there is waste so that the company can change its production process and become more efficient. 

AI, says Mr. Slater, also has a crucial role to play in bringing together development players such as the private sector, UN, government and academia, helping them define problems more easily, connect the dots and find solutions. 

“Whether it’s shrimp farming in Vietnam or smart manufacturing in Tunisia, the UN is a trusted partner in a world where new technologies are emerging at speed. Member States know that, as technology comes onto the market at pace, we follow ethical principles, making sure that no one is left behind and that there are guardrails in place.” 

Investment and Partnerships Day at the Global Industry Summit 

• Discussions focused on mobilising investment for green industries, advancing digital transformation, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and unlocking financing for developing economies. 
• Speakers emphasised that industrial growth must be both inclusive and fair, with financing models designed to open opportunities for countries most in need. 
• A highlight was the Partnership Forum, where governments and private sector representatives announced new collaborations, including joint ventures in renewable energy, initiatives to strengthen supply chains and programmes to support youth entrepreneurship. 
• Another key feature was the Investment Roundtable, which brought together international financial institutions, sovereign wealth funds and impact investors.  
• Participants explored innovative financing models – including public–private partnerships, aimed at scaling up investment in sustainable industries.