The 28th session of the Conference of Parties (COP28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
This annual global summit brings together nations, experts, and invested stakeholders to discuss, deliberate and make decisions on climate action.
Building upon the groundwork laid in previous climate conference of the parties, this year’s event will be the first-ever global stocktake set to conclude the process by which countries and stakeholders see where they’re collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement – and where they’re not. We know we are not on track and there is still much to be done.
Why is this important for SDG2? Global food systems face compounding challenges. Climate change, conflict and a cost of living crisis are pushing many more people into further food insecurity and increasing limited access to nutritious, healthy foods. With over 735 million people facing hunger globally, 30-40% of the world’s food being wasted, and global food systems contributing to one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, the nexus between SDG2 and climate is present more than ever. A huge challenge is finding ways to feed a growing population while reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact.
Emphasizing the centrality of food systems opens avenues for increased climate finance and resources, fostering resilience among smallholder farmers and addressing the nutritional needs of a growing population, especially girls and women, often left behind. Additionally, there is a demand for a rapid shift toward sustainable, low-carbon systems for both food production and consumption.
At COP28, there will be increasingly prominent space for food systems discussions, and we need to ensure it stays at the top of agendas.
SDG2 and Food Systems in the COP28 programme
The UAE COP28 Presidency has put a strong focus on food systems throughout the COP summit. Each day includes an integrated food aspect with a specific thematic focus on Food, Agriculture, and Water on December 10th. Visit the official COP28 website for the entire agenda.
Also on the COP28 Presidency’s agenda for Food Systems is the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Action which aims to have country signatories to the Declaration committing to expedite the integration of food systems and agriculture into their climate action programmes and to mainstream climate action across policy agendas related to food systems and agriculture. The official signing of the Declaration will kick off at the beginning of COP28 (December 1st).
Chefs’ Manifesto: The Chefs’ Manifesto will play an important role, bridging farm to fork through chefs and food actors. With Food Rising on the agenda, so is the visibility and the voice of chefs, who will increasingly bring important perspectives across the site. From the Chefs’ Manifesto, Chefs Conor Spacey and Anahita Dhondy will be in the UAE to take part in discussions and events.
At COP28 this year, there has been a huge undertaking to ensure that the food served at COP is representative of sustainable food systems, aligned with a 1.5 menu which is healthy for people and the planet. In this context, the COP28 Presidency, together with the Ministry for Climate Change and Environment-UAE, Event Management and Catering Team, the Chefs’ Manifesto, and supporting partners, are showcasing Climate Conscious Catering for People Planet and Prosperity, throughout the two weeks in the UAE, working with producers, suppliers, chefs, caterers, and businesses to feature climate-friendly foods.
The SDG2 Advocacy Hub at COP28
The SDG2 Advocacy Hub is a key player in global food systems advocacy, policy, and campaigns, connecting stakeholders across sectors. Emphasizing the urgency for transformative action is crucial. At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP 28, the Hub will spotlight expert voices and unique advocates, including chefs through the Chefs’ Manifesto and the global campaigns, Beans is How and Hungry for Action.
We will engage across various events and moments:
SDG Pavilion
Look out for some activations in the SDG Pavilion on the morning of November 30th and December 3rd, focusing on bridging food security, transforming food systems and bringing in diverse actors, looking across the Hungry for Action Campaign And Beans is How.
The Debate: Consumption vs Production – Push vs Pull
December 8th, tbc time, Boston Consulting Group Pavilion
The Global Pulses Confederation and Beans is How will host a dynamic dialogue and debate on pulses production and consumption. To drive climate-friendly diets rich in pulses, is it more important to work on increasing production (at farm and governmental level) or consumption (at HORECA/individual consumer/ eater level? Speakers will engage in an animated push and pull to showcase the issues at hand for doubling bean consumption.
Accelerating climate adaptation through championing Beans in Africa
December 10th, 11:00AM- 12:00PM, UGIH Pavilion,
An event gathering voices from across the bean food chain and the Beans is How Campaign, to shine a spotlight on accelerating bean production and consumption in Africa to fight climate change, hunger and malnutrition. It will provide a space for sharing valuable insights and innovative solutions, contributing to global progress on climate smart food systems, and the role of beans within climate resilience and adaptation.
What we Ate at COP28- Walking the Talk (Climate Conscious Catering) Event w/COP28 Presidency
December 10th, 17:30-18:30, Green Zone, Connect Conference Centre
As part of the work to ensure that the food served at COP is representative of sustainable food systems, aligned with a 1.5 menu which is healthy for people and the planet, this event will share on the catering work at COP this year. The COP28 Presidency, together with the Ministry for Climate Change and Environment, Event Management and Catering Team, the Chefs’ Manifesto, and supporting partners, are showcasing Climate Conscious Catering for People Planet and Prosperity, throughout the two weeks in the UAE, working with producers, suppliers, chefs, caterers, and businesses to feature climate-friendly foods.
Throughout various engagements, the SDG2 Advocacy Hub will advocate for a COP28 that prioritizes food systems and appeals for prompt and robust climate action. The SDG2 Advocacy Hub positions this conference as a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration, aiming to address the challenges posed by climate change comprehensively. Keen to follow proceedings at COP28? Here are some events you should keep an eye on to advance SDG2.
Other pavilions and spaces to keep an eye on for SDG2 and food programming include:
MORE INFO
- For more information about the Beans is How campaign, please visit www.beansishow.org.
- For more information about the Chefs’ Manifesto, check here.
- For more information about Hungry for Action, please check here.
- For more information on the SDG2 Advocacy Hub, please check here.
Follow #COP28UAE and #GoodFood4All and @PaulNewnham over the month to stay updated.
