Crop Trust at COP 28

UNFCCC COP 28 High-Level Segment Statement by the Global Crop Diversity Trust

9 DECEMBER 

Presented by the Executive Director Stefan Schmitz

Unleashing the Power of Crop Diversity for Climate Resilience

4 DECEMBER

Time: 10:30-11:40 (GMT+4)

Venue: IICA Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: Crop Trust, WWF, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT

Event Description:

Safeguarding crop diversity globally plays a pivotal role in achieving climate resilience. The vast spectrum of species and genetic diversity found in crops and their wild relatives offers essential tools for both adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of climate change on food systems, particularly for vulnerable rural communities. This event is designed to:

• Highlight real-world examples demonstrating how crop diversity can be harnessed to tackle pressing global issues such as food security, biodiversity loss, and climate change, all in unison.
• Raise awareness about the critical significance of preserving crop diversity in seed banks and emphasize its practical utilization for research, breeding, and cultivation.
• Explore synergies among commitments related to biodiversity, land, and climate, as outlined by the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, and UNCCD). Provide recommendations on effectively integrating crop diversity into global dialogues and coordinated actions.

Crop Diversity for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Contributing to Resilient and Nature Positive Futures for Farmers Globally

6 DECEMBER

Time: 09:30-10:30 (GMT+4)

Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: Crop Trust, CIP, CIMMYT, WWF, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT

Event Description:

The event will show the power of crop genetic diversity to serve as a cost-effective strategy for enhancing climate resilience for food production globally across a range of species contributing to diversified diets.​

Exploring roots and tubers, cereals, and legumes, including underutilized crops, experts from the global community of crop research and practitioners will highlight various benefits of within and across species diversity. The event will discuss how these crops could thrive in diverse environmental conditions, provide reliable sources of nutrition, and offer income stability in the face of climate change. ​

High-level speakers from research, funding agencies, farming communities and civil society will offer expertise and insights through opening remarks, fireside chats and panel discussions.  The audience will be engaged through interactive Q&A opportunities. 

Global Commons for Climate-Resilient Future Generations: the case of Biodiversity

8 DECEMBER

Time: 10:00-11:00 (GMT+4)

Venue: Resilience Frontiers Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: Crop Trust, UNFCCC Resilience Frontiers

Event Description:

Global commons goods have an essential role to play to ensure a climate-resilient planet for present and future generations. In this session, we will focus on a particularly important global common good: biodiversity. In line with the COP28 Theme day on ‘Youth, Children, Education and Skills’, the Crop Trust, in collaboration with the UNFCCC Resilient Frontiers Program, will host a thought-provoking event, bringing together experts and stakeholders to highlight the importance of global common goods in the context of the current climate crisis. Participants will explore ways in which international cooperation can be strengthened to protect and benefit from these global commons, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

Unleashing the Power of Crop Diversity for Climate Resilience

10 DECEMBER

Time: 12:00-13:00 (GMT+4)

Venue: UNCCD/G20 Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: Crop Trust, WWF, Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT

Event Description:

Safeguarding crop diversity globally plays a pivotal role in achieving climate resilience. The vast spectrum of species and genetic diversity found in crops and their wild relatives offers essential tools for both adaptation to and mitigation of the impacts of climate change on food systems, particularly for vulnerable rural communities. This event is designed to:

• Highlight real-world examples demonstrating how crop diversity can be harnessed to tackle pressing global issues such as food security, biodiversity loss, and climate change, all in unison.
• Raise awareness about the critical significance of preserving crop diversity in seed banks and emphasize its practical utilization for research, breeding, and cultivation.
• Explore synergies among commitments related to biodiversity, land, and climate, as outlined by the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, UNCBD, and UNCCD). Provide recommendations on effectively integrating crop diversity into global dialogues and coordinated actions.

Food Forever Experience at COP28 *

10 DECEMBER

Time: 18:30-20:30 (GMT+4)

Venue: Food and Agriculture Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: Crop Trust, RBG Kew, One CGIAR, ICBA, Chefs’ Manifesto, UNFCCC Resilience Frontiers

Event Description

This Food Forever event at COP28  - on the evening of Food, Agriculture and Water day - will bring together high-level delegates and officials from governments, civil society and the private sector to explore issues relating to biodiversity, climate change and sustainable agriculture. 

Through the immersive and engaging format, it will shine a light on the diversity of foods we could be eating through tasting dishes, based on diverse and forgotten or underused ingredients, speeches and interactive displays.

*By invitation only 

Crop Trust invited as a Speaker:

Establishment of a Regional Seed Bank in the Arab region

10 DECEMBER

Time: 15:00–16:30 (GMT+4)

Location: OPEC Fund Pavilion (Blue Zone)

Organizers: OPEC Fund

Speaker: Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director, Crop Trust

Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Production: pathways for climate-friendly food systems

10 DECEMBER

Time: 16:15-17:15 (GMT+4)

Location: Food and Agriculture Pavilion of the CGIAR, FAO, IFAD, Rockefeller Foundation (Blue Zone)

Organizers: CGIAR Climate Impact Platform

Speaker: Sarada Krishnan, Director of Programs, Crop Trust