GAIN Goes Green: Updates from week 1 of COP28
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)
Healthier Diets for All
The COP28 Presidency announced that 134 world leaders signed up to its landmark agriculture, food, and climate action declaration. Also announced was the mobilisation of more than USD$2.5 billion in funding to support food security while combatting climate change and a new partnership between the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for food systems innovation in the fact of climate change.
The ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action’ (the Declaration) was announced at a special session of the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS).
All GAIN countries except India have signed this declaration. A huge win for 'food systems' indeed.
"With the launch of the Emirates Declaration, food is finally being talked about at the highest level in the climate process. More than 130 countries have recognised the need to ensure access to safe, sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food for all in the face of climate risks. It is essential that these countries both deliver this commitment to take action and ensure the central role of nutrition in their food systems transformation." - Jessica Colston , Environment Technical Lead, GAIN
2. COP28 UAE Declaration on climate and health
During the first-ever Health Day at COP28, a significant moment occurred as world leaders collectively supported the declaration on health and climate change. This declaration highlighted the alarming health impacts caused by climate change, stressing the pivotal role of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. It emphasized the immediate necessity to address the interlinkages between climate change and health.
A total of 123 nations committed to prioritising health within climate initiatives and expediting the creation of robust, sustainable, and fair health systems that can withstand climate challenges. This is another feather in the cap for actors and organisations in ‘food systems’, given the close relationship between food and health.
GAIN countries that signed: Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda and Uganda
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"This COP continues to integrate crucial agendas. Food and climate links were reinforced through yesterday's Declaration. The Leaders' Declaration on Health puts food security, nutrition, and healthy and sustainable diets at the heart of the climate-heath nexus. The key to unlock all this is good nutrition for all - our mission at GAIN and through I-CAN." – Lawrence Haddad CMG , Executive Director, GAIN
3. Coalition for High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships (CHAMP) for Climate Action
The Coalition for High Ambition Multi-level Partnerships (CHAMP) was unveiled during COP28 on December 1st. This endeavour seeks to create a more ambitious and enduring approach towards fulfilling the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The initiative urges countries to engage with their local and regional governments in formulating their national climate targets and to provide them with the necessary resources for implementing ambitious climate initiatives.
62 nations have pledged to guarantee involvement at multiple levels in shaping their upcoming Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
4. Over 150 Non-State Actors sign Call to Action calling for transformation of food systems for people, nature, and climate
The Call to Action brings together a wide array of individuals involved in food and agriculture, rallying them around a common vision and key steps to revolutionise food systems. It advocates for a series of specific, universally agreed-upon goals that are time-sensitive, comprehensive, and globally aligned, aiming to be established no later than COP29. Additionally, it emphasises the necessity for practical, evidence-supported pathways for transitioning food systems that are tailored to local contexts, thereby encouraging increased commitment and responsibility from governmental bodies, businesses, and financial entities.
GAIN is a signatory on this through the TURFS Consortium
As we move into week 2 of COP28, we're looking forward to the first-ever dedicated day to 'food, agriculture and water' on 10 December (Sunday).
To find out what Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has planned for the 10th of December, visit our dedicated webpage: https://bit.ly/gainatCOP