The COP28 in Dubai witnessed a debate on whether to phase down or completely phase out fossil fuels. After two weeks of deliberation, representatives from nearly 200 nations eventually agreed to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels. 

Within this larger goal, the climate event focused on agriculture, food, and water systems, discussing ways to make them more sustainable. 

Now, the COP28 Presidency has announced the launch of the Technical Cooperation Collaborative (TCC), which supports the COP28 UAE Declaration on sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action.

The TCC was first announced during COP28, and founding members included COP28 UAE, Italy, the US, the UK, the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the Global Green Growth Institute among others. 

Adnan Amin, CEO of COP28, noted that the declaration has now been endorsed by 159 countries, accounting for over 80% of agricultural-based GDP, 70% of the world’s farmers, and 80% of emissions from agriculture.

“These countries all agree there is no path to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement or the UAE Consensus’ mission of keeping 1.5°C within reach, as well as the Global Goal on Adaptation, without addressing the interactions between food systems, agriculture, and climate. Countries must now make good on the promises made at COP28 and develop climate plans that deliver action for food, families, and future generations,” he added.

In the months to come, the TCC will take in country requests. This involves developing more transparent collaboration to ensure that national priorities are covered, identifying gaps and opportunities, and harmonizing the scaling up of technical cooperation.