General Statement of CGIAR participation at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

CGIAR: November 19, 2024

At COP29, CGIAR advanced climate action as the world's largest publicly funded agri-food research network. Our work spans 13 Research Centers, 10,000 staff in over 80 countries, across 3,000 partnerships.

Aligning with COP29, CGIAR's mission is to deliver science and innovation that advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

In Baku, we engaged with the COP Presidency through 10 submissions and prioritized seven key tracks within the UNFCCC process. These included addressing the new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on climate finance; setting the global goal on adaptation (GGA); enhancing agriculture, food security, and gender equality; developing non-market approaches; and addressing loss and damage.

CGIAR emphasized the vital role of climate finance in supporting adaptation and resilience, particularly in vulnerable settings facing droughts and floods. We played a key role in shaping the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance by contributing to discussions and submissions that defined its structure and sources. CGIAR also emphasized the importance of resilience in agriculture and food security through contributions to the Global Goal on Adaptation.

As an Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation member, CGIAR collaborated with countries such as Norway, Brazil, and Rwanda to drive ambitious food systems agendas. Our submissions on sustainable food systems and healthy diets underscored our commitment to transforming global food systems.

CGIAR's contributions to gender and climate change platforms were significant, supporting negotiators and forums to include women's voices in climate solutions. We also emphasized non-market approaches to advancing climate-resilient, low-emission food systems.

Alongside FAO, CGIAR submitted views on equitable transition pathways, advocating for a whole-of-society approach, ensuring inclusive and fair transitions.

Ahead of COP29, CGIAR developed issue briefs, including one to inform discussions on the loss and damage fund, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations were not overlooked in climate action.

Our initiatives, such as Climate Resilience (ClimBeR) and Fragility, Conflict, and Migration (FCM), addressed the intersection of climate change, conflict, and fragility. CGIAR also supported the Baku Call on Climate Action for Peace, Relief, and Recovery, fostering collaboration between peace and climate initiatives.

CGIAR also showcased digital innovations, including AI-driven projects that advance food security and climate resilience solutions.

As CGIAR, we participated in 44 events at the Food and Agriculture pavilion at COP29, which highlighted our active engagement and commitment to these critical issues.

CGIAR's COP29 contributions showcased our integrated approach to climate action, food security, gender equality, and peacebuilding, emphasizing our commitment to a sustainable future.

We leave with a call to action: We must heed the Glasgow Climate Pact by doubling adaptation funds and mobilizing private finance, while also doubling investment in agricultural research. Agricultural R&D investments have a proven 10-1 return. We must invest in our collective future.

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