Events at COP29

Overview

The FAIRR Initiative was delighted to host and participate in several events at the 29^th Conference of the Parties (COP29) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11-22 November 2024.  

Who is attending?

We had a FAIRR presence in Baku from 14-21 November 2024.  

For questions, please contact Lucrezia Tincani, Head of Policy Programmes.

Events

FAIRR co-hosted event: Realigning food finance with climate and nature goals

Tuesday, 19 November | 12:00-13:00 (AZT) | WWF Pavilion (Blue Zone pass needed)

This event co-hosted by FAIRR and WWF focused on leveraging sustainable finance for agricultural transition. The agri-food sector is pivotal in addressing climate change, food security, and sustainable development. Transitioning to sustainable agriculture is vital for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring resilient food systems. This panel discussion discussed how harmful subsidies can be repurposed, to better realign public finance towards sustainable agriculture. The event also explored the role of sustainable finance in supporting the agri-food sector's transition, focusing on ESG risks and opportunities.  

Moderator:

• Lasse Bruun, Climate & Food Director, UN Foundation 

Speakers 

• Claire McConnell, Food & Ag Policy Advisor, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) 

• Damian Fleming, Forest Practice Deputy Lead, WWF

• Dr. Helena Wright, Director of Policy, FAIRR Initiative

• Dr. Shingo Kimura, Principal Natural Resources & Agriculture Specialist, Asian Development Bank

• Lasse Bruun, Climate & Food Director, UN Foundation 

View recording

FAIRR co-hosted event: Agri-food finance & enabling policies to drive climate action

Friday, 15 November | 15:00-16:30 (AZT) | Side Event Room 2 (Blue Zone pass needed)

This event co-hosted by FAIRR and other partners brought together policymakers, investors and NGOs to explore how countries are working to systematically change money flows within the agri-food sector. Part 1 of the panel discussion focused on the importance of repurposing and realigning harmful subsidies towards sustainable practices, and the pricing mechanisms needed to reduce emissions and hidden costs in the food systems. Part 2 is related to Article 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, calling for diverse non-market cooperation to accelerate climate action – namely how innovative co-investments such as the Good Food Finance Network can deliver benefits of trade, finance, innovation, and data, to local human development and make food systems climate resilient. Amongst the means of implementation discussed were climate finance, cooperative approaches (market and non-market instruments) and enhancing international cooperation.    

Moderator:

• Danielle Nierenberg, President, FoodTank

Speakers: 

• Dr. Michael Terungwa David, PhD, Climate Civics International, Africa Coordinator

• Mike Terungwa, CCI/GFFN

• Myra Jackson, UN Representative, Earth Law Centre 

• Nigerian Ministry of Environment representative 

• Patricia Fuller, President, IISD 

• Trinto Mugangu, COP29 Climate Advisor, African Climate Action Initiative 

• Willem Branten, Public Affairs, TAPP Coalition  

• Zitouni Ould-Dada PhD, Senior Advisor, FAIRR Initiative 

FAIRR speaking: Alternative proteins for climate, hunger, and global health 

Friday, 15 November | 11:00 (AZT) | Pavillion 9 (Blue Zone pass needed) 

FAIRR’s Zitouni Ould-Dada, Senior Advisor, spoke at the Alternative Proteins for Climate, Hunger, and Global Health hosted by CGIAR and the FAO. With insights from key reports by the World Bank and IIASA, the event explored how alternative proteins can empower food production, much like renewable energy has transformed the energy sector. The speakers highlighted the power of alternative proteins in supporting and strengthening our current global food system. Further, Zitouni emphasised the need to repurpose agricultural subsidies to better align with the sustainable goals set out in The Paris Agreement.

Speakers:

• CGIAR

• The Bezos Earth Fund

FAIRR speaking: Financing protein diversification: How to accelerate the transition 

Saturday, 16 November | 14.30-15.30 (AZT) | Side event 2 (Blue Zone pass needed) 

In this side-event hosted by ProVeg International, the speakers explored the financial strategies essential for facilitation a transition to plant-rich, sustainable diets. The discussion focused on addressing the financial gaps and opportunities that can drive the global shift towards more resilient and healthier agrifood systems. From public procurement to investment, the session delved into how diverse funding mechanisms can support protein diversification efforts to achieve the Paris Agreement and global SDG targets. FAIRR’s Zitouni Ould-Dada, Senior Advisor, spoke on the role investors play in this transition.

FAIRR speaking: Making agriculture smart by going wild   

Monday, 18 November | 09:30-10:30 (AZT) | UK Pavilion (E1) (Blue Zone pass needed) 

This event at the UK Government Pavilion dove into the critical role of crop diversification and wild species in building resilience against climate change and enhancing biodiversity. RBG Kew and other leading organisations are pioneering research into forgotten species and the traits found in wild relatives of cultivated crops, uncovering new, sustainable sources of food.  From the coffee served in the UK pavilion to groundbreaking work in Ethiopia with the ‘false banana’ – a miracle plant capable of sustaining a family for months – along with potatoes in Peru and legumes in Sub-Saharan Africa, wild species and genetic diversification are key to creating a resilient food future. FAIRR’s Zitouni Ould-Dada, Senior Advisor, spoke on the importance of legumes and pulses and the importance of diversifying away from crop monocultures with over-use of pesticides.

FAIRR speaking: Differentiated but shared responsibilities on methane: Supply chain collaboration to accelerate mitigation in livestock  

Tuesday, 19 November | 11.30–13.30 (AZT) | Global Methane Hub Pavilion (Blue Zone pass needed)

This event focused on family farmers and their critical role in food security and rural development. Family farmers are disproportionately exposed to climate risk and are in urgent need to expand their access to climate financing. Despite being vital to sustainable food systems, family farmers currently receive just 0.3% of global public climate funding. 

Discussions highlighted strategies to bridge this financing gap, including the proposal for a Trust Fund Facility that empowers family farmers and enables them to sustain food production and adapt effectively to climate change. Key high-level negotiations, such as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), Loss and Damage funds and the Harmoniya presidential initiative, were discussed and proposed to support family farmers. FAIRR’s Senior Advisor, Zitouni Ould-Dada engaged in dialogue with the representative from ILRI about livestock sustainability initiatives with a focus on work in developing markets.

FAIRR speaking: Building climate resilient food systems through global partnerships 

Tuesday, 19 November | 12:00-13:00 (AZT) | UNFCCC Pavilion (Blue Zone pass needed) 

Climate Resilience Food Systems (CRFS) Alliance’s side-event focused on promoting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems through global partnerships. The discussions highlighted the role of disruptive policies in optimising food value chains for enhanced climate resilience and the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration between governments, businesses, and international organizations. The event also showcased evidence-based case studies to stimulate shared learning and collaborative solutions. Speakers emphasised the need for collective action and networking opportunities to drive climate-smart food system strategies. Dr. Helena Wright – Policy Director at the FAIRR Initiative – spoke on the role of investors in driving more sustainable investments, as well as addressing water-related climate risks. The session discussed how to create actionable pathways for strengthening global partnerships and enhancing policy interventions to build climate-resilient food systems.

Speakers:

• the Government of Lesotho, the FAO

• the Commonwealth Secretariat

Fairr speaking: Making climate finance work for farmers: On-farm experiences and concrete solutions

Tuesday, 19 November | 17:00–18:30 (AZT) | Blue Zone, Special Event Room Mugham (with translation available in English and Spanish)

This High-Level Presidential event co-organised by the World Rural Forum, World Farmers’ Organization, PAFO, AFA, and IFAD’s Farmers’ Forum, explored the essential role of family farmers in food security and rural development, their heightened vulnerability to climate risks, and the urgent need to enhance their access to climate finance. The session focused on actionable strategies to expand and optimise climate finance, and proposing a dedicated fund for family farmers’ organisations, empowering family farmers and their organisations to play a leading role in climate adaptation and resilience. 

FAIRR’s Zitouni Ould-Dada, Senior Advisor, spoke on the role the private sector can play in improving the accessibility and impact of climate finance for family farmers’ organisations. 

Fairr speaking: Building resilient agri-food systems: Insights and innovations from around the world

Wednesday, 20 November | 14:00–15:30 (AZT) | Action of Food Hub Pavilion (Blue Zone pass needed) 

Greenworks Inc’s side-event focused on how to build resilient and sustainable agri-food systems in response to the challenges posed by climate change, economic instability, and geopolitical disruptions. The session brought together diverse stakeholders from governments, financial institutions, multilateral development banks, the private sector, academia, NGOs, youth, and farmers to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies. Discussions centred on synergies between mitigation, adaptation, and productivity through climate-smart agriculture, as well as the importance of farmer-centric, context-specific approaches to sustainability. The event also explored innovative financial tools, data-driven decision-making, and the empowerment of women, youth, and indigenous communities in driving climate action. Dr. Simi Thambi, PhD – Senior Economist at the FAIRR Initiative spoke at this event. The session emphasised the need for cross-sector collaboration to mobilise finance and enhance resilience, ensuring food security and sustainable development in line with global climate goals.