Summary
One of the day’s themes, multilevel action, recognized the many levels of governance and engagement from other sectors needed to address the climate crisis. This engagement was visible in Pavilion activities, which drew on a wide range of voices, from youth to ministers; knowledge sources, from indigenous communities to governments; and sectors, from the drylands of the Sahel to aquatic food systems. With high engagement in the Pavilion’s event space and conversation areas throughout the day, this one slice of COP28 experiences showcased the interest in and importance of listening to these many voices, and drawing on this array of knowledge to identify solutions to climate change.
Highlights
As COP28’s first week drew to a close, the pace of engagement and programming remained strong at the Pavilion:
- CGIAR hosted an event that showed the power of crop genetic diversity to serve as a cost-effective strategy for enhancing climate resilience for food production globally across a range of species, contributing to diversified diets. Exploring roots and tubers, cereals, and legumes, including underutilized crops, experts from the global community of crop research and practitioners highlighted the various benefits of within and across-species diversity. Learn more.
- IFAD hosted an event that looked at current programs in the Sahel and Djibouti from the perspectives of leadership from both implementing and investing governments together with farmers and a regional coordinating body. Learn more.
- The Rockefeller Foundation hosted an event that explored how indigenous communities can be centered in the further development of global systems, for the benefit of their own communities, allied groups with similar aims, and the planet as a whole. Learn more.
- CGIAR hosted a high-level event to preview a new report commissioned by the Farm Journal Foundation, and to explore how agricultural development and innovation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transform food systems to withstand climate shocks can be better designed to protect and improve nutritious food systems and enhance nutritious outcomes. Learn more.
- CGIAR held an event that highlighted the importance of youth action in addressing the climate change agenda in the Global South, specifically focusing on the MENA region and Latin America. Participants and speakers explored ways in which young people can influence policies and mobilize youth networks to contribute to climate action. Learn more.
- FAO held an event that highlighted the climate vulnerability of aquatic food systems and the need for policy, science, and finance action to prevent impacts on those most dependent on aquatic systems for food and nutrition. The event also illustrated how sustainable aquatic food systems represent a climate solution in specific instances. Learn more.
- The Rockefeller Foundation hosted an event that posed the questions: what values underlie our food systems? What values should guide our efforts? As part of a “Values Roadshow” at COP28, the event explored how a values-based approach can inspire constructive change to our food systems and offered an opportunity to share stories of progress. Learn more.
Videos and photos
Watch recordings and see photos from the Pavilion on December 6. You can also visit the COP28 Food and Agriculture Pavilion YouTube playlist to see all recordings from the Pavilion.
Beyond the Pavilion
COP28 news
- Numerous groups and parties have expressed serious concerns with the draft text of the Glasgow–Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation (IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin, African Arguments). Read more here and here.
- A new report warns that Earth is on the verge of crossing five climate tipping points as a result of greenhouse gas emissions accumulating in the atmosphere, with three more in sight in the 2030s if the world heats to more than 1.5°C above preindustrial levels (The Guardian, Global Tipping Points Report website). Read more here and here.
- More than 40 Ministers of Environment, Urban Development and Housing have signed a statement on urbanization and climate change, which outlines a 10-point plan to “boost the inclusion of cities in the decision-making process on climate change, drive multilevel climate action and accelerate the deployment of urban climate finance so that cities are prepared and supported to respond to the climate crisis” (The Guardian). Read more here.
- The COP presidency has published a list of figures breaking down the financial pledges and contributions made so far. This includes US$726 million for loss and damage, US$133.6 million for the Adaptation Fund, US$129.3 million for the Least Developed Countries Fund, and US$3.1 billion for food (The Guardian). Read more here.
- Countries and institutions from Africa and the Middle East joined forces under the facilitation of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to launch the “Africa and Middle East SAFE Initiative,” a US$10 billion public-private partnership that endeavors to scale up agriculture and food systems for economic development in Africa and the Middle East (GGGI, AGRA, African Development Bank). Read more here, here and here.
