COP28 Declarations: Unlocking climate & child health with sustainable food systems

Welcome to the final Part 3 of the COP28 declaration series. Here, we discuss the implications of various commitments endorsed by parties on child health and development. Part 1 explored the Global Cooling Pledge and the Declaration on Climate and Health, while Part 2 focused on declarations on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace and Gender-responsive Just Transitions. Here, we discuss the declaration focusing on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems and climate action.

COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action

Endorsed by 158 countries, the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action recognizes the crucial role of sustainable agriculture in addressing climate change and promoting child health and development. The declaration highlights the following key provisions related to child health and development: 

1. Providing farmers, fishermen, and other food producers with resources, including infrastructure innovations and early warning systems. These provisions aim to promote sustainable food security, production, and nutrition while conserving, protecting, and restoring nature. These measures can shift the interventions from reactive to proactive, scaling resilience to national and regional levels and supplying decision-makers with the necessary data to act before a crisis.

2. Supporting agriculture and food systems workers whose livelihoods are threatened by climate change by increasing, adapting, and diversifying their incomes. These measures can help protect the livelihoods of locals and reduce risks of climate migration and displacement, providing holistic conditions for child growth and nutrition.  

3. Improving food security and nutrition for vulnerable people by implementing social protection systems, school feeding programs, public procurement programs, and targeted research.  

• Social protection systems can support low-income families in accessing healthy foods while promoting measures to safeguard children, such as sending them to school and vaccinating them. It can help to improve children’s nutrition and development.
• School feeding programs can promote children’s attendance in schools while supplying them with the proper nutrients they need to grow and develop. It can educate them about healthy food choices and engage in activities that can help prevent obesity and other chronic diseases.  
• Food procurement contracts with provisions for purchasing nutritious food locally can help reduce reliance on imported food and promote cost- and nutritionally-effective contextual diets. 

4. Managing water resources sustainably and ensuring that agriculture and food systems do not negatively impact communities. By doing so, the governments can support the communities at the grassroots level to manage water resources effectively, protecting communities from water scarcity and pollution in the long term. Sustainable water resources can also support the WASH considerations and child growth and development implications.   

5. Minimising the environmental impact of agriculture and food systems by conserving land, natural ecosystems, soil health, and biodiversity. These measures can help improve soil health and water quality while reducing pesticide exposure, allowing the children living in these areas to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. One such initiative, the Sustainable Agriculture Initiative, helps align child health and development with sustainable practices via various standards and certifications.

6. Promoting sustainable production and consumption practices, including reducing food loss and waste and promoting sustainable aquatic blue foods.  Reduced food wastage can ensure food availability, helping address malnutrition. Sustainable aquatic foods can help tackle economic inequality and reduce poverty while ensuring the supply of nutritious seafood.

In conclusion, the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action represents a significant step towards ensuring children’s healthier and more sustainable future. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security, protecting vulnerable communities, investing in child-centred nutrition programs, and empowering children and youth, the declaration can contribute to a future where all children can thrive and reach their full potential.