Join the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub at COP28 UAE
We aim to support national efforts to transform food systems for the acceleration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the implementation of the targets outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The Hub at COP28
Hybrid Event
COP28: Implementing the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action
10/12/2023
This High-level Session will convene dignitaries and ministerial leadership of the Declaration to discuss the paths, modalities, and opportunities involved...
Hybrid Event
COP28: Food Systems and Healthy Diets for Climate Action
10/12/2023
Exploring the intersection of food systems, health, and climate action.
Hybrid Event
COP28: Agrifood systems for climate action
11/12/2023
High-level roundtable on synergizing agrifood systems transformation and climate action.
Hub partners at COP28
FAO
FAO at COP28
Don't miss the Food, Agriculture and Water Day on 10 December 2023!
UN Secretary-General's Call to Action
The Secretary-General Report of the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) emphasized interlinkages between food systems transformation (FST) and climate action, underscoring that current food systems continue to generate soil, water, and air pollution.
At UNFSS+2, the UN Secretary-General called upon leaders to incorporate food systems strategies into their national policies, including those related to climate action and nature. Global coordinated efforts are needed to reduce vulnerabilities faced by communities, particularly rural communities, food producers, women farmers, and Indigenous Peoples who rely on natural systems and livestock for their livelihoods . The Secretary General's call to action also highlighted the importance of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Loss and Damage Fund's design and operationalization, the full funding of the Green Climate Fund, and the implementation of the Sharm El Sheikh Adaptation Agenda's Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) as top priorities.
COP28 Presidency and the Food Systems Agenda
The United Arab Emirates COP28 Presidency has elevated the role of food systems in achieving the SDGs and Paris Agreement targets. The Presidency’s Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda, launched in Rome during the UNFSS+2, prioritizes key food systems objectives, such as aligning national food systems and agricultural policies with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) by 2025. A central aspect of this agenda is securing the commitment of Heads of State and governments to implement these actions, solidifying global ambition and firmly establishing food systems transformation as a prominent item on the climate agenda and within the COP process for years to come.
Climate Action and Food Systems
Climate change and food systems are intricately linked and addressing the challenges associated with both requires coordinated global efforts.
Food systems contribute to over one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, are responsible for up to 80 percent of biodiversity loss, and consume as much as 70 percent of freshwater resources.
In addition, current food systems do not enable healthy and nutritious diets for all. Unhealthy diets are a leading risk for the global burden of disease, mainly for noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Increasing instances of extreme weather and climate events have exposed millions to acute food insecurity and reduced water security, contributing to inequitable and harmful food systems.
The Convergence Initiative
As part of the strategic partnership between the Hub and the UAE COP28 Presidency, a new Convergence Initiative is being developed. This initiative is strategically designed to assist countries in maximizing the synergies between the transformation of food systems and climate action. The primary objective is to stimulate progress and provide ongoing support to countries from December 2023 to December 2025, aligning with COP30 and UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment.
The initiative is poised to catalyze advancements toward climate-smart, people-centric, and nature-positive food systems across local, national, and regional levels. Ultimately, it aims to promote the right to food and foster participation in a fair, inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future in alignment with the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. More information coming soon.
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