This year, COP29 will spotlight the critical role of agriculture and food systems in combating climate change, with a particular emphasis on agrifood solutions that minimize environmental impact, enhance resilience, support biodiversity, and secure food supplies.
Today, as part of COP29‘s Food, Agriculture, and Water Day, the focus is squarely on how sustainable agrifood systems can drive global climate action and ensure a more resilient future. Central to these efforts is the launch of the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers Farmers today, November 19, a joint endeavor led by the COP29 Presidency and FAO. This initiative is a pivotal step toward a sustainable transformation of global agrifood systems, focusing on three primary goals:
- Streamlining Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: The initiative aims to create a clearer landscape of existing projects and facilitate a unified platform where stakeholders can collaborate effectively, sharing insights and experiences for better outcomes.
- Enhancing Investment Attractiveness: By strengthening partnerships with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Agricultural Public Development Banks (PDBs), the initiative seeks to make investments in sustainable agrifood transformation more appealing to both private and public sectors.
- Building Resilient Rural Communities: A significant focus is on empowering farmers and fishers—particularly women and youth—by developing climate-resilient villages and rural communities, equipping them to adapt to climate impacts in food, agriculture, and water sectors.
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The key events and initiatives today focus on driving sustainable agrifood transformation, fostering climate resilience, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, and scaling up investments and innovations that support low-emission, resilient food systems. Some of these items of today’s agenda are:
Opening Ceremony and Launch of the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative: Empowering Farmers for Climate Resilience
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FAO
This ceremony marks the official start of the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day at COP29 . In partnership with FAO, the COP29 Presidency will unveil the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative, a comprehensive effort closely linked to the FAST Partnership, aimed at empowering farmers to lead the way in climate resilience.
Science and Innovation for Low-Emission, Resilient Food Systems
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, FAO, CGIAR
This session gathers experts and stakeholders to review progress in climate initiatives, showcasing innovative solutions that span food, land, and water systems. The event will emphasize the importance of whole-of-government collaboration, highlight the benefits of increased R&D, and promote the exchange of technology and knowledge to drive agrifood systems forward. The session will also identify R&D priorities to develop new solutions and promote the adoption of proven technologies.
COP-to-COP Agrifood Legacies: A Pathway to Achieving Global Climate Targets
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FAO
This high-level event focuses on ensuring that agriculture remains a key topic in international climate negotiations. The discussion will center on the importance of sustained COP-to-COP collaboration and securing climate finance commitments essential for the sustainable transformation of global agrifood systems.
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From Global Goals to Local Action: Regional Initiatives for Resilient Agrifood Systems
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FAO
The event will highlight exemplary regional projects that are making a tangible difference in enhancing the resilience of agrifood systems. These initiatives will be showcased as models for implementing global climate agreements on a national scale, demonstrating how local action can drive substantial progress.
TEC-FAO High-Level Dialogue: Accelerating NDCs in Agrifood Systems
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FAO
This dialogue brings together government ministers, local and regional leaders, financial institutions, and non-governmental stakeholders. The focus will be on aligning multilevel actions with the Paris Agreement to foster sustainable climate technology uptake in the agrifood sector, with an emphasis on policy coordination and financial mobilization.
Financing the Transformation of Agrifood Systems
Organizers: World Bank, IFAD, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, FAO, COP29 Presidency
This event will explore strategies to scale up investments in agrifood systems, aimed at boosting resilience, securing food supplies, reducing emissions, and protecting natural resources. It will focus on identifying pathways to unlock financing from a range of stakeholders, enhancing the role of both public and private investment.
Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership Ministerial Meeting
Organizers: FAO, COP29 Presidency
During this ministerial-level meeting, members of the FAST Partnership will share key insights and lessons learned. The focus will be on strengthening collaboration to accelerate climate finance for transforming agrifood systems, with particular attention to supporting vulnerable communities.
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Making Climate Finance Accessible for Farmers: Practical Solutions from the Field
Organizers: COP29 Presidency, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, FAO
This event will address the vital role that farmers play in global food security and rural development. Given their disproportionate exposure to climate risks, the session will explore practical strategies to improve farmers’ access to climate financing, ensuring they are adequately equipped to adapt to climate impacts.
Boosting Climate Ambition in Agrifood Systems through NDC 3.0
Organizers: FAO, WWF International, COP29 Presidency
This session will serve as a platform for dialogue among a wide range of stakeholders, focusing on accelerating climate action in the agrifood sector. Building on the progress of the NDC 3.0 process, it will highlight best practices and explore new financial and technical support mechanisms to meet future climate goals.
Source : Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO )
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