Transparency for transforming the agrifood system

Time: 15:00-16:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Special Events room 16 - Shirvan
Organizers: FAO, GEF
Livestream: Youtube Livestream

The event explores how transparency drives the transformation of agrifood systems by tracking climate actions in the agriculture and LULUCF sectors. Participants gain insights from country experiences, uncover key challenges in BTR preparation and learn about FAO’s tailored solutions, including tools from the GEF-funded 'Global capacity building towards enhanced transparency (CBIT-AFOLU+)' project. The event showcases how a robust transparency system supports ambitious NDCs, guiding effective climate action and fostering international support.

Renforcer l’action climatique à travers les approches communautaires de résilience

Time: 13:00 – 15:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Pavillon Burundi, Green Zone, H40
Organizers: Burundi, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event highlights climate resilient approaches centered on community involvement; presents innovative climate resilience approaches that ensure the sustainable transformation of our agri-food systems; and sheds light on their potential for climate change adaptation, mitigation and food security. A panel of experts will share their experiences and lessons learned on the challenges and successes of community-based initiatives in various contexts, including Burundi, Senegal and Burkina Faso.

Accelerating climate finance for resilient agrifood systems in fragile and conflict-affected countries

Time: 17:00-18:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Meeting room: MR22
Organizers: FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This session will provide examples of GCF investments in building resilient agrifood systems in fragile and conflict-affected situations in partnerships with Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and One Acre Fund. Using examples from Burundi, Iraq and Somalia, Ministers will provide critical insight on how GCF investment contribute to the climate, peace and security nexus and with partners effectively deliver climate action in fragile and conflict-affected situations.

Synergizing Food Systems and Climate Action for Equitable Food Systems and a Sustainable Future

Time: 17:00-18:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, The United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub
Livestream: Youtube Livestream

The Food-Climate Convergence Initiative addresses the critical need to align food systems transformation (FST) with climate action (CA). Highlighted during the UNFSS+2 and COP28, this initiative fosters cross-sector collaboration among governments, stakeholders, and the UN to integrate FST and CA agendas. This side event showcases national progress and highlights how countries can achieve sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Making Climate Finance Work for Climate Action in Agriculture and Food Security.

Time: 18:30-20:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Side event room 9
Organizers: UNDP, World Bank, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event identifies ways to facilitate the increase in finance flows to agrifood solutions for climate action including global mechanisms that use public and private capital, transformative actions to boost investment, and ensuring that appropriate financial resources reach smallholder farmers.

Unlocking Climate Finance for a Resilient Agrifood Future: how can we bridge the $500 billion gap?

Time: 09:00-10:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Action on Food Hub
Organizers: CGIAR, FAO, FAST Partnership

This fireside chat explores the challenges and opportunities associated with climate finance in the agrifood sector. These include strategies for enhancing the accessibility, predictability, and effectiveness of climate finance dedicated to agrifood systems and the relevance of the ongoing negotiations of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. The event also addresses the need for clear definitions, why it is important to underline the quality of finance and the necessity for clear, outcome-based goals within the NCQG to ensure that the agrifood sector receives the attention and resources it critically needs.

A Global Assessment of Agrifood Systems in the Voluntary Carbon Markets

Time: 11:00-12:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion
Organizers: University of Vermont, CGIAR, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream

The agrifood sector can significantly reduce emissions and remove carbon but faces barriers including insufficient incentives, investment and finance.  A FAO global assessment, conducted with the Alliance of Bioversity & CIAT, University of Vermont, and Unique Forestry and Land Use, explores the agrifood sector's potential in the voluntary carbon markets (VCM). The report identifies opportunities to scale agrifood's role in VCMs, enhance climate action, and address challenges related to public policy, market integrity, and alignment with global climate goals. Join panelists from FAO, the public and private sector, academia and research organizations – virtually or in Baku – as we explore a crucial and fast-moving aspect of climate action; how we can build the potential of the voluntary carbon markets to support agrifood systems transformation.  

Advancing Geospatial Information for Enhancing Climate Action Strategies to Achieve Net Zero Emission

Time: 11:30-12:50 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Indonesia Pavilion
Organizers: Directorate General of Forest Planning and Environmental Governance, Indonesia Brawijaya University, FAO, UNEP
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event aims to inform the public about utilizing geospatial information on policy determination and climate actions strategies. Objectives include:

1. Demonstrating how geospatial information is utilized to enhance forestry and environmental management and
2. Assessing the need and utilization of geospatial information by National and International Entities as a source to evaluate the road map`s development of geospatial information infrastructure.

Strengthening Water and Food Systems Resilience in National Climate Commitments -  A Dialogue with Countries and Stakeholders

Time: 15:00-16:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Resilience Hub
Organizers: CRFS, Alluvium, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)
Livestream: Event Livestream 

This high-level roundtable will serve as a follow-up conversation between Parties and key Partners, focusing on the integration of food and water systems into updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs). Building on the outcomes of last year’s UAE Consensus and the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Building Water-Resilient Food Systems at COP28, where many Parties committed to enhancing linkages between water and food in their national planning processes, the session will provide a platform for Parties to share progress, challenges, and best practices in addressing the water-food nexus within their updated climate commitments. Through a series of interactive dialogues, participants will explore innovative approaches to enhancing water resilience and food security, aligning these efforts with national climate goals. Key stakeholders, including the Partnership on Water-Resilient Food Systems, international organisations and the private sector, will offer insights into solutions and collaborative opportunities to support Parties in this integration process. The roundtable aims to foster deeper cross-sectoral cooperation, identify key areas for capacity building and support, and generate actionable recommendations for enhanced NDCs and NAPs.

Investing in Inclusive Climate Adaptation and Resilience towards 2030

Time: 09:00-10:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Room Nasimi
Organizers: Global Resilience Partnership, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This session highlights the urgency to increase capacities, funding, and direct resources to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and frontline communities facing extreme events, slow-onset disasters, and forced displacement.

Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming in Central Asia

Time: 10:00-11:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: IsDB Group Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, ESCAP, Islamic Development Bank, Aymen Kasem
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Through the Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) Program, this session emphasizes the integration of trade facilitation with sustainable agriculture, aligning regional efforts with global trade standards. This approach ensures that Central Asian countries can leverage organic agriculture not only to address environmental concerns but also to enhance their economic competitiveness by accessing premium markets for organic products. The initiative will support regional cooperation on organic certification standards and trade facilitation, promoting a unified approach to increasing trade flows and strengthening Central Asia’s role in global agricultural trade.

Transforming food systems to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 - what’s needed?

Time: 10:00-13:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Action on Food Hub
Organizers:WWF, CGIAR, ProVeg, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

The workshop aims to identify the barriers and challenges to elevating deforestation and food systems to the top of the agenda in the run-up to COP30. Participants will work together to identify key asks and how to present them to relevant stakeholders in order to promote food systems transformation as the primary lever to end deforestation by 2030. The workshop welcomes both negotiators and selected observers.

Accelerating climate action and finance to frontline communities affected by fragility or conflict

Time: 15:00-16:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Side event room 3
Organizers: WFP, OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, UNDRR, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Amidst an increasingly constrained fiscal space for humanitarian aid and disaster response, this session showcases how targeted and impactful protection from climate impacts is possible and how climate financing can be effectively leveraged even in challenging, fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

A Just Transition in the Agrifood System in the context of the Harmoniya Initiative

Time: 15:00-16:31 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion
Organizers: CGIAR, FAO, COP Presidency, Nizami Ganjavi International Center
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event presents an opportunity to advance the dialogue across COP28, COP29, and COP30, emphasizing the critical need for a just and equitable transition in agrifood systems. It aims to address how this transition supports scaling finance for sustainable food systems through an inclusive process, ensuring the engagement and empowerment of all stakeholders across the food value chain, notably carving out an active role for farmers in achieving food security under climate stresses.

Scaling up action to address Loss and Damage at the intersection of Human Mobility and Agrifood Systems.

Time: 16:00-17:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Climate Mobility Pavilion (IOM Pavilion)
Organizers: IOM, FAO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream
Website: IOM - Environmental Migration Portal Event 

This event explores the complex linkages between human mobility and climate-related loss and damage in agrifood systems. Through expert panel discussions and interactive sessions, the event provides an open platform to exchange insights, share case studies, and discuss strategies for addressing the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of loss and damage in agrifood systems and human mobility.

Quadripartite’s joint approach for One Health implementation: Achieving greater impacts through effective inter-sectoral collaboration

Time: 11:00-11:45 (GMT + 4)
Venue: WHO Pavilion
Organizers: WHO
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

The event spotlights new developments made at the global, regional, and country levels in rolling out and implementing a One Health approach, guided by the One Health Joint Plan of Action and its complementary implementation guide. It also providea a platform for discussing how to further operationalize One Health, with an emphasis on generating co-benefits across all sectors and stakeholders.

Building Resilient Futures: The Intersection of Food Security, Nutrition, and Maternal Health in the Face of Climate Change

Time: 15:00-16:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: One UN Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, UNFPA
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

The event aims to create a platform for discussions on how to enhance the resilience of rural women through better integration of food security, nutrition, and maternal health services, particularly in the context of natural disasters and climate change. Special attention will be given to how the ICAN (International Coalition for Advocacy on Nutrition) initiative can contribute to these efforts, supporting global action to improve nutrition and maternal health.

Aquatic foods for climate action: Showcasing solutions to increase ambition

Time: 16:45-18:15 (GMT + 4)
Venue:Side event Room 2
Organizers: International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, African Centre for Technology Studies, Environmental Defense Fund, European Bureau for Conservation and Development
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Evidence is building on the importance of aquatic foods for climate mitigation and adaptation. This event features high-level speakers from national governments and regional organizations to showcase aquatic food climate solutions and spur further action and investment into this critical area.

Leveraging synergies on nature-based solutions and climate action for NDC and NAP implementation

Time: 17:00-18:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: UNDP Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, UNDP, UNEP
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event, organized by UNDP, FAO and UNEP, explores approaches and best practices for harnessing synergies between nature-based solutions and climate adaptation for NDC and NAP implementation. It features a panel discussion with representatives from governments, international organisations and civil society.

This year’s COP29 will cast light on the agriculture and food sectors, with a strong emphasis on agrifood systems solutions that lower environmental impact, build resilience, foster biodiversity and enhance food security.
Discover FAO events, key initiatives, publications and news dedicated to food, agriculture and water.

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Sustainable forest-based bioeconomy for climate change mitigation and adaptation day

Time: 09:00-18:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: COP29 Forest Pavilion
Organizers: Collaborative Partnership on Forests
Web: Link to website
Livestream: Livestream on the UNDESA Youtube channel

Forests are under pressure from climate-related stressors and the global demand for forest-based products is growing. Achieving a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy can support "enhanced efforts towards halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation by 2030" as recognized in the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement, while contributing to achievement of the SDGs and the Global Forest Goals.
The Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF) works collectively to support countries to accelerate progress towards achieving these forest-related goals and targets, and fully unlock the potential of forests and their goods and services, including for climate mitigation and adaptation. Under the umbrella of CPF, a range of initiatives are supporting the transition towards a sustainable forest-based bioeconomy, by strengthening collaboration on sustainable wood-based value chains and encouraging greater use of long-lived harvested wood products to extend forest carbon benefits, including in the building sector.

• 9:00-9:15 Opening of the day
• 9:20-10:20 Transparent forest data in support of the sustainable forest-based bioeconomy 
  This session will underscore the importance of forest monitoring and data transparency for the implementation of the Paris Agreement. It will delve into countries' progress and challenges working towards forest and forest product data transparency and reporting. Participants will also discuss capacity development needs for integrating forest bioeconomy activities into ETF reporting and ensuring alignment with national and global climate goals.
• 10:20-11:25 Realizing the potential of the forest-based bioeconomy through sustainable wood
  Scaling the use of sustainable wood can make significant contributions for achieving carbon neutrality and resilient economies, by replacing fossil-fuel based and carbon-intensive materials with long-lived harvested wood products that contribute to carbon mitigation and adaptation. This session will firstly take stock of global progress on the implementation of sustainable wood-based pathways for climate action, including through the Sustainable Wood for a Sustainable World and the WOOD for GLOBE initiatives. Participants will hear directly from countries regarding their efforts to renew and broaden sustainable wood commitments, and about new mechanisms to advance the forest-based bioeconomy.
• 11:35-12:20 Finance and investment in forest product value chains for climate action
  In the context of broader discussions on climate finance at COP29, this session will explore how mobilizing new investments, including from the private sector, can support the development of the sustainable forest-based bioeconomy and accelerate the transition to carbon neutral economies. Participants will also discuss opportunities for leveraging partnerships between the private sector and other stakeholders to enable and scale forest product value chain innovations for climate action. Examples will showcase on-the ground solutions that have increased sustainability, efficiencies, added value and promote investments in forest product value chains, with clear connections to climate change mitigation and adaptation actions.
• 12:30-13:00 Closing session: Wrap-up of key themes and looking ahead to COP30.

Closed consultation on water-resilient food systems

Time: 9:30-11:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Water for Climate Pavilion – Closed meeting room
Organizers: FAO, IWMI
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

The Water-Resilient Food Systems Partnership, officially launched at COP28, aims to bring together stakeholders to address the interconnected challenges facing global water and food systems. As climate change continues to manifest through intensified droughts, floods, and water scarcity, there is an urgent need to pivot from efficiency-focused solutions to resilient, adaptive, and integrated strategies As members of the Water-resilient Food Systems Partnership, we are organizing a multistakeholder consultation on the margins of COP 29. This consultation will serve as a platform to discuss objectives, share knowledge, and develop coordinated actions.

Intergenerational dialogue on water-resilient food systems

Time: 11:30-13:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Water for Climate Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, IWMI
Livestream: Youtube Livestream

The United Arab Emirates and Brazil co-hosted the 1st ever Ministerial Dialogue on Building Water-Resilient Food Systems held at a UN Climate Conference on 10th December 2023. A two-year Water-Resilient Food System partnership, hosted by the UNFCCC Climate-Resilient Food Systems (CRFS) Alliance, was launched the same day. It aims to support countries and non-state actors to better integrate water and food systems management–for both adaptation and mitigation–in national climate plans. The intergenerational dialogue is intended – particularly within the context of the UNFCCC, to strengthen the transition of food systems towards water resilience, while safeguarding and restoring the natural resources upon which these systems depend. A diversity of perspectives will enable more sustainable and resilient transition

High Level Roundtable: Nature, health and resilience in cities Promoting nature-based solutions in cities to support resilience, address extreme heat, and improve health

Time: 13:00-14:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue:
Organizers: UN-Habitat
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This roundtable showcases the role of NbS in addressing climate, biodiversity, land degradation, food security challenges and improving health, particularly for vulnerable urban populations. National and local government representatives and experts will discuss best practices for integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into urban planning to achieve environmental and socio-economic goals through whole-of-government and society approaches.

Accelerating climate action for mountains and mountain people -specialize approach for each region

Time: 13:15-15:45 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Side event room 3
Organizers: Kyrgyzstan, FAO, Andorra, Asociación Civil Oikos (OIKOS), Bhutan, Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC)
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Within the Mountain Partnership framework, this side event builds on the momentum of the UNFCCC Expert Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change by mobilizing governments to strengthen political alliances and continue mainstreaming mountains under the UNFCCC.

Methane in Agriculture: Reducing Emissions and Increasing Efficiency

Time: 15:00-16:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: QAZAQSTAN Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, IWMI, Spain
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This brings together representatives from Central Asian ministries and international organizations to discuss methods and technologies to reduce methane emissions in livestock and crop production. Participants will discuss the latest feed additives, manure management methods, and other innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gases. The discussions will cover the economic and environmental benefits of implementing these technologies, as well as challenges and opportunities for agricultural producers.

Solution showcase on water-resilient food systems (Part 2)

Time: 15:00-16:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue:Water for Climate Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, IWMI, Spain

This solution showcase will take place in two parts, the 1st in the Spanish Pavilion on 19 November at 13:00-14:00 and the 2nd on the Water for Climate Pavilion on 20 November at 15:00-16:00. Both will present existing solutions for transforming the food in the face of climate change and reflect on how the best way to accelerate progress on the transition towards WRFS.

COP29 NDC Workshop: Designing holistic and food-forward NDCs

Time: 15:00-18:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Action on Food Hub
Organizers: Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU), NDCP, WWF, FAO

This event identifies the key principles and components of a food-forward NDC and signposts useful resources. It will highlight best practices of food-forward NDCs including reflections from countries on how to overcome key challenges (e.g. coordinating different Ministries, creating targets, and translating targets into strong policy frameworks) and facilitate four country-level discussions on how to design and implement food-forward NDCs with a range of key stakeholders.

Towards a New Generation of Climate-Efficient Agrifood Systems Infrastructure

Time: 15:30-17:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: MDBs Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, EBRD
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Building on policy papers and reports from major International Financial Institutions and agencies, FAO and EBRD have jointly developed an innovative conceptual framework for a new generation of climate-efficient agrifood systems infrastructure (publication forthcoming). This work includes an innovative working definition of climate-efficient agrifood system infrastructures, key performance indicators for economic, environmental, climate, and social performance to guide private and public investment decisions, and a call to action for public, private sector and international financial institutions. FAO/EBRD would jointly present the framework, and a panel composed of multilateral financial institutions, international agencies, think tanks and private sector representatives would discuss the approach, bring case studies and provide instruments to refocus the resilient infrastructure agenda on agrifood systems.

Summary closing of the day

Time: 16:00-16:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Water for Climate Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, IWMI
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This summary session aims to reflect on the day discussion and the proposed way forward on the transition of food system toward more water resilience.

Harvesting change: Sustainable food systems for climate and biodiversity solutions

Time: 9:00-10:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, WorldFish, Azerbaijan Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, African Union
Livestream: Youtube Livestream

This event explores how integrating terrestrial and aquatic food systems into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) can aid climate and biodiversity goals. It will showcase diverse approaches to mitigate industrial food systems’ environmental impact while promoting food security and reducing poverty.

Accelerating climate action in agriculture and land use: The Climate Action Review (CAR) Tool

Time: 10:15-11:15 (GMT + 4)
Venue: PCCB Capacity Building Hub
Organizers: FAO, UNDP
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event introduces the CAR Tool, which has already been used in a number of Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture through Nationally Determined Contributions and National Adaptation Plans (SCALA programme) countries. The event outlines the objectives of the tool and how it helps bridge the gap between high-level planning and implementation, and provides an overview of the tool’s main components and a brief demonstration of the tool’s interface and functionality. Countries where the CAR Tool has been used will outline their experiences with the prototype version of the tool, highlighting both challenges and key successes. Participants will have the opportunity to try the CAR Tool.

Ocean Breakthroughs: Building resilient economies and societies

Time: 11:00-12:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Room Nasimi
Organizers: FAO, GCA Oceand Group, HLC team
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This event focuses on the Ocean Breakthroughs as a lighthouse to deliver on Climate, Nature and People including the launch of the Coastal Tourism Breakthrough, developed by a consortium of experts, which sets an ambitious target to achieve global goals. The event also showcases progress under the other sectors to demonstrate that Non-State Actors are unique drivers of change and provides evidence that the Ocean Breakthroughs can support the implementation of the outcomes of the Global Stocktake.

Mangroves in NDCs: scaling up implementation for people, climate, and nature

Time: 12:30-13:30 (GMT + 4)
Venue: NDC Pavilion
Organizers: FAO, NDC Partnership, Wetlands International, TNC, Rare, IUCN, CI
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

Mangrove ecosystems are critical for food, livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate. This event highlights how including mangrove-positive targets in countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) can be an important catalyst to mobilize action and finance for mangrove conservation and restoration, and further enhance mitigation contributions. Through a moderated panel discussion composed of diverse mangrove stakeholders, attendees will learn about new and ongoing initiatives to implement and mobilize mangrove-climate action and finance.

Ocean Breakthroughs for 1.5°C: Scaling Ambition in NDCs

Time: 15:30-17:00 (GMT + 4)
Venue: Room Mugham
Organizers: UN-Habitat
Livestream: Youtube Livestream 

This Implementation Lab examines NDCs as key to advancing ocean climate action, exploring ways to incorporate ambitious ocean-based solutions aligned with the 1.5 °C target. Participants will discuss challenges and actions needed to accelerate the Ocean Breakthroughs, ensuring the next NDCs reflect ambitious, impactful and equitable commitments.