An exciting new partnership between the UAE COP28 Presidency and the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub was announced in July. The partnership’s mission is to ensure understanding of the powerful role of food systems in helping the world fulfil the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beat climate change. They will press for landmark recognition of this by world leaders at COP28 – the UN climate change conference – to be held in Dubai from 30 November –12 December 2023.

H.E. Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead said: “As we navigate the complex challenges of the 21st century, it is increasingly evident that sustainable and resilient food systems are pivotal to achieving a more prosperous and equitable world."

“By leveraging the UAE's leadership as the host of COP28 and the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub's expertise, this strategic partnership aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and transformative action across food systems, setting us on a path towards a sustainable future for all.”

The partnership will aim to convince heads of state and governments attending COP28 to sign the first-ever Leaders Declaration on Food Systems, Agriculture, and Climate Action. This declaration will serve as a landmark commitment. It is expected to consolidate global ambition and firmly establish food systems as a prominent item on the climate agenda and within the COP process for years to come.

According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization, global food systems are responsible for nearly a third of total GHG emissions. However, world leaders and policymakers have been slow to focus on food systems as a priority area for deep decarbonisation.