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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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) 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

In selected pilot countries, National Inception Workshops are fostering synergies between food systems and climate agendas. These workshops bring together a diverse group of actors – including National Convenors, UNFCCC climate focal points, representatives from key government ministries, scientific experts, local community leaders, academia, private sector representatives, UN Country Teams, and regional UN agencies – to build skills, share knowledge, and draft actionable blueprints for achieving convergence.

Expected Outputs:

Convergence Action Blueprint (CAB): A strategic guide for aligning food systems and climate efforts.
Convergence Group: A collaborative platform to oversee and drive this alignment.

Location	Date	Convergence Action Blueprint
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