Press release
Minister McConalogue to promote sustainable food systems at COP 28
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, arrives in Dubai on Friday 8 December to participate in a series of events highlighting the importance of Sustainable Food Systems at the COP28 Summit. Ireland is a world leader in sustainable foods systems from farm to fork and the Minister is using the opportunity to showcase our story as a model for other food producing countries. This builds on consistent engagement by the Minister and his department at other UN and FAO forums where sustainable food is discussed.
Reflecting on his participation, Minister McConalogue said:
“My attendance at COP is an important opportunity to contribute to the global dialogue on sustainable food systems. For the first time, the COP Presidency has prioritised the link between climate policy and our food system, and as a food producing nation, it is critically important that Irish agriculture and food is presented on the world stage."
Minister McConalogue will hold a series of important bilaterals over the course of the Summit:
“These engagements are an important opportunity to highlight the considerable work being done in Ireland to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovation and systemic change. Through sharing our experience, we hope to play a key role in the global transformation of food systems which will be of benefit to all and lead to more sustainable environmental, social and economic outcomes.”
During the Summit, Ireland will co-host an event with the COP Presidency, UAE, entitled “A Sustainable Food Systems Approach to Innovation for Climate Action”.
The Minister said:
“Ireland is a leading voice in advocating for global food systems transformation, based on an appreciation of the central importance of farming, fishing and food production to rural and coastal communities. We have strongly supported the UN Food Systems Summit process and are working with partners globally to promote sustainable food systems approaches.
“Ireland’s pasture based livestock farming and improving our overall sustainability can do a lot to contribute to climate mitigation. Irish Agriculture has many natural advantages in terms of food production, in particular, a 9 month outdoor grazing season which is very rare internationally, in what is an increasingly global food supply system, but we know we can improve even more. We are therefore at the forefront of research nationally and internationally, driving innovation, and working with farmers and food businesses to support implementation on farms and across the value chain.”
| Saturday 9 December |
| M42 hosted event “Importance of technology in water management and wildlife protection” |
| Bilateral with Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security and H.E. Jiwoh Abdulai, Minister of Environment and Climate Change- Sierra Leone |
| Bilateral with H.E Ahmed Mathobe Nunowm, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation - Federal Republic of Somalia |
| Ministerial Event “Driving Integrated Implementation on National Climate and Biodiversity Frameworks” |
| US Chamber of Commerce hosted event “Reducing Methane from Food and Agriculture” |
| Embassy of Ireland – Reception |
| AIM for Climate Summit High-Level informal Reception |
| Sunday 10 December |
| Bilateral with Hon. Simon Watts, Minister for Climate Change- New Zealand |
| UAE/ IE Co-hosted event “A sustainable food systems approach to innovation for climate action” |