Today marks a pivotal moment at COP28 in Dubai, dedicated to Food, Agriculture, and Water. Despite recent hurdles, this day emerges as a crucial juncture for the global food system, marking the first time in United Nations Climate Change Conference history that food systems have been accorded such significant attention.

High-level negotiations, a topic of discussion yesterday, are seeing progress with the Global Stocktake. A fresh draft, released yesterday, acknowledges food and agriculture. However, advocates continue to push for a more profound recognition of food systems as a pivotal instrument in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The potential for impactful change in the climate crisis hinges on international commitments to collaborate on food loss and waste, soil health, and food security, among other issues. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack underscored this at the Sustainable Agriculture of the Americas Pavilion, stating, “International action is absolutely critical and key to helping agriculture address the causes and consequences of a changing climate.”

However, as Sara Roversi, President of the Future Food Institute, noted at the Food Systems Pavilion, trust building is essential. She highlighted the disconnect between policy designers and the realities of those in fishing and farming, advocating for a unified approach and a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities involved.

Ground-level initiatives are fundamental in driving meaningful action on food systems. Investment in soil health is not just an ecological necessity but also a step towards better productivity and a harmonious relationship with nature, as pointed out by Bruno Pozzi, Deputy Director of the Ecosystems Division at the UN Environment Programme.

The transformation of landscapes and collaborative efforts play a vital role, as discussed at the Food and Agriculture Pavilion. Partnerships among farmers, and between farmer groups and political figures, are essential for transitioning towards regenerative food systems, considering the interconnections within these systems.

Sara Scherr, President and CEO of EcoAgriculture Partners, emphasized the importance of ecosystem stewardship as a foundation for agriculture and food systems. She argued that quality seeds are futile if environmental calamities, like flooding, are not addressed.

Local solutions are paramount, especially when considering the challenges of feeding a growing global population. Voices of community advocates and those working on the ground need to be heard and elevated. For instance, Tasneem Karodia, Co-Founder of New Form Foods, at the Food Systems Pavilion, pointed out the importance of introducing market solutions that can be localized, especially in Africa.

The future of farming may well see farmers in lab coats alongside those driving tractors, as suggested by Evan Fraser, Professor of Geography at the University of Guelph. This indicates a paradigm shift in agricultural practices and underscores the necessity for major governments, corporations, and financial networks to lead the charge in investing in the planet’s future.

A significant discussion at the Future Economy Forum Pavilion revolved around aligning food system financing with climate goals. This dialogue, along with a UNFCCC side event, delved into strategic financing as a catalyst for transforming food systems.

Ambassador Ertharin Cousin, President and CEO of Food Systems for the Future, emphasized the humanitarian necessity of unlocking capital investments, especially in the context of millions worldwide unable to afford nutritious diets.

COP28 witnesses a strong presence of major food and agriculture lobbyists. Yet, the food movement aims to redirect these influential players from being part of the problem to being part of the solution. One such instance is the commitment from top commodity traders at COP28 to stop purchasing soy from producers endangering South American grasslands – a significant stride for biodiversity.

A key milestone will be the release of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Global Roadmap. This report, part of a multi-year initiative, aims to provide a clear direction for investors and policymakers in transforming agricultural practices and placing agriculture at the forefront of sustainable food system transformation.

Zitouni Ould-Dada, Deputy Director of the FAO, expressed optimism regarding the Roadmap, indicating that it points the way towards transforming agri-food systems.

The day is filled with a plethora of events, featuring over 40 speakers across various pavilions, covering topics from finance in transforming food systems to the hidden potential of food waste, and the role of fair trade in climate solutions. These discussions, accessible via live streams, promise insightful deliberations on the interplay between food systems, climate action, and sustainable development.

Continuing the coverage of COP28’s Food, Agriculture, and Water day, the focus shifts to the diverse array of events and discussions scheduled throughout the day, each addressing critical aspects of the food systems’ role in climate action and sustainable development.

One of the early events at the Sustainable Agriculture of the Americas Pavilion, facilitated by IICA, includes a daily progress recap and a live interview series. This session, also featuring a networking breakfast, brings together experts like Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, to delve into the latest developments and insights.

The Food and Agriculture Pavilion hosts a session on the crucial role of finance in transforming food systems. Speakers like Daniela Chiriac from the Climate Policy Initiative explore how financial strategies and investments can significantly advance sustainable food practices.

A vital discussion at the Nordic Pavilion, featuring speakers like Karen Ellemann of the Nordic Council of Ministers and Ertharin Cousin from Food Systems for the Future, centers on the untapped potential of food waste. This session underscores the intersection of food waste management with climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.

The Future Economy Forum Pavilion offers an immersive discussion involving climate journalists, food producers, and high-level stakeholders. This collaboration, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and the Action on Food Hub, includes voices like Fiona Harvey of The Guardian and Leon Lidigu of Nation Media Group (Kenya), providing a multifaceted perspective on climate and agricultural issues.

In the afternoon, the Food and Agriculture Pavilion features sessions highlighting success stories from the ground in addressing the climate crisis, led by speakers like Dr. Million Belay of the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa. These narratives offer inspiring examples of how grassroots initiatives and local wisdom can contribute significantly to climate resilience.

A session on how fair trade can assist producers in investing in climate solutions, featuring Sandra Uwera from Fairtrade International, further emphasizes the economic dimensions of sustainable food practices.

The University of Pennsylvania Pavilion hosts a critical discussion on the connection between food waste and climate change, bringing together experts like Sara Roversi of the Future Food Institute and Craig Hanson from the World Resources Institute. This session explores both the challenges and opportunities in reducing food waste for climate action.

The Norway Pavilion’s late afternoon session, “Dialogues with Stakeholders in the Food System,” in partnership with UN Global Compact Norway, offers a platform for diverse stakeholders, including Dorothy Shaver of Unilever and Birgit Skarstein, a professional athlete and Reitan Retail Advisor. The dialogues aim to foster understanding and collaboration across various sectors involved in food systems.

The day concludes with a series of events at the Nordic Pavilion, including discussions on food systems and healthy diets for climate action, featuring prominent figures like Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Norway’s Minister of International Development, and Gunhild A Stordalen from EAT.

Lastly, the Food and Agriculture Pavilion hosts a session on the importance of investing in farmers, with speakers like Vijay Kumar from Rythu Sadhikara Samstha, followed by a discussion at the Nordic Pavilion on transforming food systems through the private sector, featuring Dorothy Shaver of Unilever.

These events at COP28 not only highlight the diversity of issues and solutions in the realm of food, agriculture, and water but also emphasize the collaborative effort required across various sectors and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in addressing climate challenges.

As the conference continues, the focus remains on turning these discussions and insights into concrete actions and policies that will shape the future of our global food systems and their role in mitigating climate change.