Convergence Initiative

ALIGNING FOOD SYSTEMS AND CLIMATE ACTION

The Convergence Initiative

The UN Food Systems Coordination Hub’s Convergence Initiative, launched by the UN Deputy Secretary-General at COP28, drives the integration of food systems transformation and climate action for accelerated sustainable development.

BACKGROUND

The Convergence Initiative bridges two global milestones: the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action for Accelerated Food Systems Transformation (UNFSS+2) and the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. Together, these highlight the urgency of aligning food systems transformation with climate action to achieve the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement goals.

By linking food systems transformation pathways with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), the Convergence Initiative aims to drive synergetic action at national levels, ensuring countries can pursue both sustainable development and climate resilience. This alignment strengthens governance, policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, promoting cohesive actions that contribute to both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement.

The Convergence Process

Our approach is built on four key steps to ensure effective alignment and synergies between food systems and climate actions.

Facilitate

Support national efforts to align priorities between food systems transformation and climate action teams.

Empower

Equip National Convenors to lead alignment through multi-sector co-design and peer-learning initiatives.

Nurture

Connect national efforts with global and regional actions to maximize impact and optimize resources.

Safeguard

Ensure an inclusive approach by engaging diverse stakeholders in a collaborative, whole-society co-design process.

THE ROADMAP

Strategic Framework

The Convergence Initiative's Strategic Framework presents a clear approach to aligning food systems transformation with climate action, fostering cross-sector collaboration to drive sustainable development.

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MODALITIES

Two modalities are offered under the Convergence Initiative:

Convergence Action Blueprint

The Convergence Action Blueprint (CAB) is a voluntary framework that outlines key actions and milestones to help countries work more effectively across sectors. It aims to support progress toward both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. Each CAB is developed through a participatory process, informed by an in-depth background study and a National Inception Workshop.

See CAB examples below

Convergence Dialogue

A dialogue process to examine challenges and priorities in converging food systems transformation and climate action from different perspectives. Dialogue Countries are supported by 4SD.

View the Guidance Note: العربية | English | Français | Español

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RESULTS

Outcomes

The Convergence Initiative aims to deliver impact in three key areas:

Governance: Establishes cross-sector coordination mechanisms, reinforced by strong monitoring and evaluation systems.
Policy: Develops Convergence Action Blueprints (CABs) or other relevant documents to align national food systems and climate plans into cohesive, multi-dimensional frameworks.
Implementation: Collaborative programs and projects across sectors like agriculture, environment, climate, and health, aligning with countries’ priorities and targeted needs.

PILOT COUNTRIES

National Inception Workshops for the Convergence Action Blueprint (CAB)

Location	Date	Related documents
Astana, Kazakhstan	23 - 24 October 2024
Brasilia, Brazil	29 - 31 October 2024	Workshop Summary Report
Jakarta, Indonesia	6 - 8 November 2024	Convergence Action Blueprint
Istanbul, Türkiye	10 - 12 December 2024	Convergence Action Blueprint
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia	15 - 17 January 2025	Convergence Action Blueprint
Amman, Jordan	4 - 6 February 2025	Convergence Action Blueprint
Yaoundé, Cameroon	25 - 26 February 2025	Convergence Action Blueprint
Bangkok, Thailand	19 - 21 May 2025
Van Vieng, Lao PDR	24 - 25 June 2025
New Capital City, Egypt	7 - 9 July 2025
Mogadishu, Somalia	12 - 13 August 2025

PILOT COUNTRIES

Convergence Dialogues

Location	Date	Related documents
Dominican Republic	30 April 2025
Antananarivo, Madagascar	1 - 2 July 2025

Further Information

Pilot Dialogue Countries workshops are being organized in the upcoming months. The Hub is currently welcoming requests from National Convenors to be part of the Initiative.

Send requests via email to [email protected] copying Khaled Eltaweel, Senior Programme Coordinator ([email protected]) and Kuntum Melati, Policy Officer and Programme Manager ([email protected]).