Inception Workshop launches Convergence Initiative: Linking food systems transformation with climate action

AMMAN — Under the patronage of Minister of Agriculture and Chairman of the Food Security Council Khaled Hnaifat, a pivotal workshop was held for the Food Systems-Climate Action Convergence Initiative, funded by the Dutch government.

The initiative, launched by the UN deputy secretary-general at COP28, and implemented by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement by aligning these two critical agendas, according to a statement for The Jordan Times.  

The minister pointed out that the initiative represents an important step towards enhancing integration between efforts made to confront climate change and achieve food security. 

Hneifat added that the convergence between food systems and climate action has become an urgent necessity considering the climate and regional crises that have emphasised the close relationship between climate and food production, as climate change greatly affects the sustainability of food systems and the distribution of natural resources. 

He also stressed that Jordan's response and handling of international crises is a model to be emulated, as it was able to provide sufficient food stocks of basic commodities for long periods, which contributed to not disrupting supply chains, production and exports during crises.

The minister added that Jordan, under the leadership and guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah, has been able to take the necessary measures to hedge and reduce the negative effects of international crises on food security, whether at the level of families, local communities or the national economy in general.

The Convergence Initiative builds on the UN secretary-general’s call to action to accelerate the transformation of food systems to be more sustainable and resilient.

It recognises the interconnectedness of food systems and climate change, addressing the urgent need to transform food systems that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and water depletion. 

The initiative will support efforts by facilitating national dialogues to identify synergies between food systems transformation and climate action; empowering National Food Systems Convenors to advance this alignment through multi-sectoral collaboration; promoting a whole-of-society approach, engaging diverse stakeholders; and connecting with global and regional processes to maximize impact and avoid duplication, according to the statement. 

The Convergence Initiative aims to achieve change at three levels: strengthening cross-sectoral and multi-stakeholder coordination at the governance level; developing Convergence Action Plans (CAPs) that integrate food systems pathways, NDCs, and NAPs at the policy level; and supporting programmes and projects that reflect convergence across sectors at the implementation level; said Senior Programmes coordinator of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub Khaled Eltaweel.

"Transforming food systems is not just important, it's urgent. By aligning our national food security strategy with climate action, we can build systems that are secure, sustainable, and resilient in the face of climate change," said Sheri Ritsema-Anderson, UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan.

“The United Nations is committed to supporting Jordan in this endeavour, working together to ensure that our efforts lead to tangible, lasting benefits for all,” Ritsema-Anderson stressed.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives, UN agencies, civil society organisations, food producers and researchers to discuss the initiative's framework, objectives and implementation strategies. 

Participants explored how the Convergence Initiative can support countries in developing and implementing integrated approaches to food systems transformation and climate action, according to the statement.   

The convergence workshop represents a "significant" step towards realising the country's food systems transformation, climate and development goals while contributing to global efforts to tackle climate change. 

By aligning national food systems and climate strategies, Jordan is positioning itself as a "leader" in the region in integrated approaches to sustainable development, the statement said.