COP28’s Food, Agriculture, and Water Day on Sunday witnessed major announcements for climate action on global food and water security.
The announcements also include those on emissions reductions, where countries reaffirmed their pledge to achieve the goals of the COP28 declaration on climate-resilient food systems, sustainable agriculture, and climate action.
Maryam Al Muhairi, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, responsible for the food systems file at COP28, stated that it’s crucial to address the connection between global food and water systems to meet the Paris Agreement targets and prevent global temperatures from rising over 1.5 degrees Celsius.
According to Almheiri, COP28 has set the stage for action, with 152 countries pledging to change their food systems and integrate these pledges into their climate plans while protecting livelihoods.
The UAE COP28 Declaration on Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action was initially backed by 134 countries. This figure subsequently rose by 18, with an additional country also joining, bringing the total number of endorsing countries to 152.
Under the inclusive Conference Presidency, various non-governmental stakeholders, including small-scale farmers, traditional agriculturalists, fishermen, and communities engaged in sustainable food systems and practices like agroecology, agroforestry, organic and traditional agriculture, and local freshwater management.
Additionally, private sector leaders demonstrated their contributions to food innovation, eco-friendly practices, and procurement.
As per the COP28 Presidency’s statement, the newly mobilised and stimulated financial resources at COP28 for food system development surpass $7.1 billion and include:
- Joint Technical Cooperation: $200 million
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in collaboration with the UAE: $200 million
- The Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research: $519 million
- Areas with a renewable natural environment: $2.2 billion
- Charitable organisations: $389 million
- Climate Agricultural Innovation Mission: $3.4 billion
