On Saturday, December 1, 2023, more than 130 countries signed the Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The Declaration – a first of its kind – is set to strengthen food systems, build resilience to climate change, reduce global emissions and contribute to the global fight against hunger, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Additionally, it addresses global emissions while protecting the lives and livelihoods of farmers who live on the frontlines of climate change. The United States, which is one of the 134 signatory countries, is home to nearly a billion farmers.
“Today signals a turning point, embedding sustainable agriculture and food systems as critical components in both dealing with climate change and building food systems fit for the future,” said H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead as stated in a COP28 press release. “Together we will deliver lasting change for families, farmers and the future.”
SfL applauds the member states that signed onto the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action. Doing so signals their recognition of the need to address agriculture and food systems challenges, and a changing climate.
To achieve the signatory countries’ desired outcomes, farmers will need to be placed at the center of all discussions and decisions. Investing in approaches that enable farmers to sustainably intensify production, adapt and concurrently deliver solutions to climate and other Sustainable Development Goals is the path to optimal success.
