What’s all the buzz about the Food4Climate Pavilion at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP28)? This special forum is ProVeg International’s way of putting food-systems transformation front and centre on the agenda of the world’s biggest climate conference. But we can’t change the world by ourselves – 15 partner organisations have already joined us and we are looking for other organisations to provide their support and input.

What is COP28 and why is ProVeg attending?

COP28 is the 28th session of the Conference of Parties. Taking place in Dubai, from November 30 to December 12, national delegates will gather to discuss global action on climate change, agree on common goals and commitments, and negotiate measures to reduce emissions and pollution. 

ProVeg is participating in COP28 to ensure that a transformation of our food-systems towards more plant-based diets is at the core of the discussions. World leaders need to acknowledge the immense pressure that animal agriculture places on land and water systems, while also accounting for up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions.1

What is the Food4Climate Pavilion?

The Food4Climate Pavilion is a COP28 forum organised by ProVeg International in its capacity as an observer organisation. The pavilion will serve as a space to host events, as well as providing a showcase for expert discussions and facilitating engagement with a diverse group of COP stakeholders on topics such as agricultural climate mitigation and adaptation solutions. 

The launch of the pavilion last year, alongside other food-systems pavilions, was groundbreaking because it signified recognition at a UN-level of the relationship between climate change and our food systems. ProVeg International is gearing up to build on the success of last year’s pavilion and further emphasise the need to make the shift towards plant-rich diets, adopt sustainable and resilient agricultural practices, and reduce food loss and waste. 

Confirmed pavilion partners

In order to ensure maximum impact of the Food4Climate Pavilion, ProVeg is partnering with various other organisations who are active in the climate space. So far, 15 organisations are on board, with more to come. 

Current partner organisations include: World Animal Protection, A Well-Fed World, Humane Society International, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, Four Paws, Food Tank, Mercy For Animals, the Jeremy Coller Foundation, Compassion in World Farming, Upfield, Impossible Foods, the MENA Youth Network, Young Professionals for Agricultural Development, the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences, and the YOUNGO Food and Agriculture Working Group.

The above list includes a wide range of partners – from environmental-justice and human-rights advocates to plant-based food manufacturers, animal-welfare advocates, and youth agricultural groups. ProVeg has ensured the involvement of young people in the pavilion in order to provide a space for them to voice their concerns and to offer input during the discussions on the role of food systems in the fight against climate change. This is vital – since it is young people who will face the consequences of the climate crisis, it is only right that they have a say in their own futures.

How you can get involved

There are many ways to get involved. As an individual, you can follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, subscribe to our newsletter, make a donation, and spread the word by sharing our messages far and wide. As an NGO or business, we are happy to discuss all ways in which you can partner with us. We are still accepting additional partners, so please get in touch! 

Pavilion partners benefit from increased visibility (both offsite and onsite) as well as opportunities to speak about food-systems transformation and the climate impact of our diet. Partners are also invited to provide input on events and discussions that could be included in the pavilion programme. Please contact [email protected] and [email protected] to find out more.

With your support, we can amplify the Food4Climate message and push world leaders to listen to our demands and respond appropriately.