During New York Climate Week, the COP28 Presidency reissued its call for increased global action to address the interlinked challenges across climate change and the food system, including production, consumption, trade and resilience, and invited Parties to sign the COP28 Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action and align this commitment in their climate action plans.
Partners convened as part of the Regenerative Landscapes as part of the first in-person meeting of the COP28 Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes, where they discussed collaboration between food systems’ stakeholders to increase the adoption of regenerative landscapes.
This will involve accelerating ongoing efforts and new commitments, and identifying fresh, collaborative opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, in particular of those most vulnerable, soil health, water quality, biodiversity, food and nutrition security, farmers’ livelihoods, rights, equity, and more.
This initiative, known as the COP28 Presidential Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes is co-chaired by COP28, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Boston Consulting Group and supported by the UN High-Level Climate Champions.
During the meeting, more than 40 participants across 16 key representatives spanning various stages of the agricultural process, including production, consumption, and finance, participated. This diverse group included farmers, civil society members, and local government officials.
Important partners of the initiative include: The International Fund for Agricultural Development, The Nature Conservancy, the Governor of Parà, the World Farmers’ Organisation, Global Methane Hub, Regen10, UPL Ltd, Olam, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Louis Dreyfus Company, Sysco, Danone, Unilever, Pepsico, Nestlé and Rabobank and Royal Bank of Canada.
During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the COP28 President-Designate, issued a call to action for world leaders to support the COP28 Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action. The first of its kind, the Declaration, recognizes the indisputable links between food systems, agriculture, and climate change, inviting national governments to align their national food systems and agriculture strategies with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
Dr. Al Jaber stated, “The global community has not given adequate attention to the transformation of food systems, which is crucial for achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement. Addressing the complex interconnections between food systems, agriculture, and climate is essential for both mitigation and adaptation efforts. This integration must be a focal point in national strategies and is the cornerstone of the COP28 Presidency’s Declaration on food and climate.”
H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead said: “We will utilize our Presidency of COP28 to create future-proof global food systems. The UAE is committed to reimagining the model and methods of food production for a healthier, greener, and fairer future, by embracing innovation and technology, and increasing the flow of climate finance to the frontline of farming.”
In July, the COP28 UAE Presidency introduced its Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda as part of its ongoing efforts to define the COP28 Action Agenda. It called on governments to exhibit leadership by endorsing the first-ever Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action during the Food Systems Summit Stocktake in Rome.
Initiatives were launched in Rome to make food and agriculture systems more equitable, accessible, and sustainable, with a focus on COP28 later this year.
Regenerative agriculture was highlighted as a solution that works in harmony with nature, has farmers at its center, and can restore soil health while reducing carbon emissions.
Notes to Editors COP28 UAE:
• COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30-December 12, 2023. The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.
• As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake – a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.
• The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a “leave no one behind” approach to inclusive climate action.”
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