Scaling sustainable rice farming and nutrition-focused resilience in Asia-Pacific: A COP29 Call to action

BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 18, 2024 – During the first week of COP29, the urgency to address agriculture’s role in climate resilience and food security has never been clearer. The Asia-Pacific region, home to some of the world’s most climate-vulnerable populations, is at the forefront of this challenge. Climate change, water scarcity, and political conflicts threaten food security, disrupt livelihoods, and exacerbate nutritional deficiencies across the region. At the multistakeholder COP29 panel discussion hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and moderated by IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto, ADB’s $14 billion food security commitment and the emerging partnerships that reflect the urgency of fostering sustainable and inclusive agricultural systems were highlighted, paving the way for bold and transformative innovations that align with the conference’s agenda to advance sustainable agricultural practices, nutrition-focused interventions, and global resilience in the region.

ADB Senior Director for Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development Dr. Qingfeng Zhang pointed to the centrality of International Financial institutions (IFIs) in Asia-Pacific’s food systems and climate goals. “Moving forward, our focus is on three key priorities. First, we will shift from a production-based approach to demand-side interventions, with a strong emphasis on nutrition security. Second, we aim to advance smart agriculture, restore natural capital, and strengthen fisheries and agricultural systems while supporting food productivity, reducing food loss and waste, and promoting open trade. Finally, we will harness digital technology and champion inclusive agricultural policies to drive equitable and sustainable development.”

IFIs play a vital role in shaping global agricultural transformation. Their contributions span multiple areas, including policy dialogue, where they align incentives for farmers and private investors to prioritize climate resilience. In parallel, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Director for Agricultural Development Martien van Nieuwkoop highlighted…