Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Dates: 30 November - 12 December 2023
With the world gathering in the UAE for COP28, this event stood as a crucial juncture in our collective journey towards a more resilient and sustainable future. It was here that the policies, discussions, and innovations shaping our planet's future were brought to the forefront. Grow Asia brought to the table our expertise, experiences, and a network of partnerships cultivated across Asia in these pivotal discussions.
Despite accounting for 90% of the world’s rice production, and increasing global resilience on crops such as fruits, vegetables, and coffee, Southeast Asia’s voice is under-represented in international climate conversations.
We showcased the under-reported role of Southeast Asia in shouldering a major share of the world’s climate transformation. We collaborated with other Global South actors to explore collaborative solutions to the most pressing climate finance challenges and showcase climate-ready investment opportunities in the agri-food sector.
Grow Asia's Priorities at COP28
Reflections from COP28
From Commitment to Action
This COP, 134 countries united at the forefront of climate action by signing the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action - recognizing that agriculture and food systems must be at the heart of climate action.
Now, the real work begins: converting these commitments into powerful actions. Collectively, we can address both global emissions and protect the lives and livelihoods of those on the frontlines of climate change.
This COP28 was a historic moment for food systems transformation
For the first time, food and agriculture became a top priority in the COP agenda. 159 member states have formally recognized food systems transformation as a global priority for Climate Action. Our heartiest congratulations to Adam Gerstenmier, Imelda (Dada) Bacudo, and their colleagues in the COP28 UAE Food Systems team for securing the landmark Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. Now, it’s time to convert commitments into action.
At Grow Asia, we are already working with our public-private partners to deliver this declaration on the ground. In Dubai, we spoke to some of our partners who are spearheading this shift from the conference table to the field.
Watch our video to hear from Adam Gerstenmier, Dhruv Sawhney, Rize, Natasha Santos, Bayer | Crop Science, David C.Y. Chen, AgriG8 as they share their thoughts on how to deliver joined-up action starting with the rice value chain.
It is only through partnership that transformational change is truly possible at scale. We are inspired by these pledges of leadership by our partners and we applaud their willingness to collaborate. Together, we are committed to putting the tools and financing into the hands of the millions of small businesses that will ultimately deliver the global transition to a low-carbon future.
Amplifying Women's Voices for Food Systems Transformation
At COP28, we're amplifying the voices of women farmers and confronting the critical issue of access to finance. Despite their significant contributions to both economic growth and climate adaptation, women farmers face considerable barriers to obtaining the basic financial services they need to drive the sustainable transition of our food systems.
Join us in supporting the millions of women who are not just farming their land but also sowing seeds of change. Let's invest in their strength and vision to create a more sustainable and equitable future in agriculture!
Learn more about our initiatives to empower women:
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