UAE Minister Calls for Climate-Resilient Food Systems
Introduction:
Mariam bint Mohammed Almeheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a compelling address at the Global Food Security Summit in London. As the COP28 Food Systems Lead, she emphasized the critical role of global leaders in working collectively to unlock the potential of food systems as a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. The summit, supported by the UAE, UK, and Somalia, marked a significant step forward in shaping the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda.
A Call for Collective Will:
Addressing leaders at the summit, Almeheiri urged nations to find the collective will to work creatively and collaboratively in leveraging the potential of food systems. The call to action aligns with the broader agenda of combating climate change through innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
UK's Strong Support:
The summit, sponsored by the Children's Investment Fund Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, witnessed strong support from the UK. Almeheiri highlighted the UK's endorsement of the Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action. The declaration aims to integrate climate action into national food systems and agricultural strategies, aligning with global commitments.
Emirates Declaration on Resilient Food Systems:
The Emirates Declaration, a crucial component of the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda, signifies a commitment by nations to prioritize climate action in their food systems. It aligns strategies with Nationally Determined Contributions, National Adaptation Plans, and National Biodiversity Strategies, providing a framework for resilient and sustainable food systems.
COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda:
Almeheiri outlined the four pillars of the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda, emphasizing the need for national leadership, collaboration with non-state actors, fostering innovation, and scaling up financial commitments. The agenda sets a comprehensive framework for addressing the intertwined challenges of food security and climate change.
UAE's Commitment and Climate Journey:
Looking ahead to COP28, the minister emphasized the UAE's commitment to building on the momentum generated by the UK at COP26 and Egypt at COP27. Almeheiri highlighted the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, approved by the Cabinet, outlining mechanisms for achieving zero emissions across core sectors, including agriculture. The UAE's consistent efforts in raising climate ambition were underscored by the Third Update to its Second Nationally Determined Contribution.
Future Focus on Food and Climate:
With COP28 just 10 days away, Almeheiri expressed the UAE's intention to place the food systems debate at the core of the Presidential Action Agenda. The COP28 Presidency will kick off with a high-level session on Food and Climate, leading into a dedicated day focused on food, agriculture, and water. The goal is to spotlight the pressures and risks that climate change poses to these vital systems and underscore the opportunities for positive change.
Panel Discussions on Resilient Agriculture:
The minister's engagement extended to opening panel discussions on 'Building a climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture sector and Food System.' In these discussions, Almeheiri emphasized the pivotal role of innovation, technology, and finance in transforming food systems and fostering sustainability.
Conclusion:
Mariam bint Mohammed Almeheiri's address at the Global Food Security Summit underscores the urgent need for global collaboration to harness the potential of food systems in the fight against climate change. The strong support from the UK, the endorsement of the Emirates Declaration, and the comprehensive COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda set the stage for meaningful advancements in climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture. As the world looks towards COP28, the focus on food and climate signals a strategic approach in addressing the interconnected challenges that impact both the environment and human well-being.
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By- Sahiba Suri
By: Sahiba Suri
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