News DeskNew York City, USA – A high-profile event titled “Advancing Climate Action through Sustainable Agriculture and Resilient Food Systems” took place during the UN General Assembly (UNGA), co-hosted by the UAE, COP28, COP29 Azerbaijan, The World Bank, the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations, and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The event centered on the critical role that agriculture and food systems play in addressing the climate crisis.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, opened the event with a keynote speech highlighting the transformative impact of the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. This landmark initiative, launched during COP28, has garnered the commitment of 160 nations, with many aligning their agricultural and food systems strategies with climate goals outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
“Nearly a year on from its unveiling, the COP28 UAE Declaration has significantly contributed to global food security and climate resilience,” Dr. Amna said, underscoring the Declaration’s central role in fostering cooperation and scaling sustainable agricultural practices.
HE Mariam Almheiri, Head of International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court, emphasized the UAE’s commitment to agricultural innovation, referencing a groundbreaking partnership with the Gates Foundation launched at COP28. She also noted that the UAE became the first donor from the MENA region to join the CGIAR System Council, signaling further investments in developing solutions to aid smallholder farmers affected by climate change.
Dr. Qu Dongyu, FAO Director-General, reinforced the need for collaboration, highlighting the FAO-hosted Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, which aims to integrate agrifood systems into national climate strategies.
Looking ahead, Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 Azerbaijan’s UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, stressed the importance of initiatives like the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate and the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers in addressing climate adaptation and empowering rural communities.
The event also featured a call to action from Stefano Gatti, Italy’s Director General of Development Cooperation, who reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to the COP28 UAE Declaration and stressed the importance of accelerating finance to support climate-friendly agriculture.
The event served as a platform for UN Member States and stakeholders to exchange ideas and share progress on aligning food systems with climate strategies, while also setting the stage for further discussions at COP29 in Azerbaijan.
