COP29: The Convergence Initiative - Synergizing Food Systems and Climate Action for Equitable Food Systems and a Sustainable Future
The lack of integration between food systems transformation (FST) and climate action (CA) agendas has been a significant obstacle in addressing the dual challenges of food insecurity and climate change. The Food-Climate Convergence Initiative, supported by the Government of the Netherlands, addresses these intertwined issues head-on. Amid ongoing environmental crises that profoundly impact food systems, aligning FST with CA is more critical than ever. This need was underscored during the Hub regional meetings with National Food Systems Convenors in March-April 2024. By integrating FST and CA, the initiative fosters collaboration among governments, stakeholders, and the UN System, advancing both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. It positions sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems as key components of global climate strategies. The UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+2) in July 2023 emphasizes the need to align national food systems transformation pathways with updates to Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for climate action. In addition, the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, endorsed by 160 Members, stresses that achieving the Paris Agreement's long-term goals must include agriculture and food systems, which must urgently adapt and transform in response to climate change. Building on outcomes from UNFSS+2, COP28, this side event will explore how the Convergence Initiative is supporting countries transforming food systems while achieving climate goals and ensuring food systems sustainability. The event will showcase regional and national progress under the initiative and feature insights from country pilots leading in aligning food systems transformation with climate action.
