The COP28 Presidency has placed food systems transformation on the global climate agenda, with over 130 world leaders endorsing the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.’ This landmark declaration, addressing both global emissions and the well-being of farmers on the front lines of climate change, was announced during the World Climate Action Summit.
In a significant move, more than $2.5 billion has been mobilized by the global community to support the food-climate agenda. H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and COP28 Food Systems Lead, made this announcement during the summit. The declaration has garnered support from 134 countries, representing over 5.7 billion people, 70% of the world’s food consumption, nearly 500 million farmers, and accounting for 76% of total emissions from the global food system.
A strategic partnership between the UAE and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was unveiled, amounting to $200 million, focused on Food Systems, Agriculture Innovation, and Climate Action. This partnership aims to drive agricultural research, scale innovations in agriculture, and provide technical assistance for implementing the COP28 Declaration.
The COP28 Food Systems Agenda emphasizes addressing both global emissions and safeguarding the livelihoods of farmers affected by climate change. Noteworthy initiatives include the UAE joining the CGIAR, a global research partnership, and the announcement of a Technical Cooperation Collaborative, pledging over $200 million in support.
Furthermore, COP28, in collaboration with the World Business Council on Sustainable Development and the Boston Consulting Group, launched the Action Agenda on Regenerative Landscapes. This initiative seeks to scale regenerative agriculture, converting 160 million hectares by 2030, accompanied by $2.2 billion in investment and engaging 3.6 million farmers globally.
The High-Level Champions, along with various stakeholders, introduced a Call to Action for Transforming Food Systems for People, Nature, and Climate, supporting the COP28 Declaration and emphasizing the urgency of action across different sectors.
The COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda comprises four pillars, focusing on national leadership, non-state actors, scaling up innovation, and finance. Collaborating with representatives from all stages of the food system, COP28 aims to accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture, involving farmers, civil society, businesses, and local governments.