The Global Dairy Sector’s Role at COP28: Advocating for Nutrition, Climate Action, and Animal-Sourced Food
Since 2019, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) has held the status of a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) observer. This pivotal role allows IDF to actively participate in the Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings and organize side-events to champion its cause. As the world gears up for COP28, scheduled to have a specific focus on Nutrition, IDF has set forth its proposed objectives for the dairy sector’s engagement at this critical event.
- Reaffirming Importance: IDF aims to reaffirm the importance of the dairy sector for nutrition and as part of the solution to food security and climate action. This will underscore the sector’s role in achieving broader sustainability goals.
- Showcasing Expertise: The federation plans to showcase its global expertise by providing science-based evidence on Nutrition and Climate Change mitigation, particularly through its work on nutrition Lifecycle Assessment (nLCA).
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Bringing together all stakeholders in the dairy sector is a key objective. Collaboration and inclusivity are seen as crucial elements for success.
- Maximizing Positive Interventions: IDF seeks to maximize the number of positive livestock interventions in side-events and various activities at COP28. This includes countering messages that promote alternatives to animal products and dairy.
- Balanced Conversations: A balanced conversation about food that includes the positive contribution of animal foods is another aim. IDF intends to counter messages that may overshadow the benefits of dairy products.
In addition to its core objectives, IDF and the European Dairy Association (EDA) are proposing a side event at COP28 on How Animal-Sourced Food Nourishes the World in Times of Climate Change
The event aims to explore the role of territorial animal-sourced food in nutrition security and climate action, particularly in the case of vulnerable populations, including women and children.
IDF and partner’s experts will share their insights on the double challenge of addressing malnutrition and climate change within the context of Nutrition Security. The session includes a panel with parties and observers, including IDF, EDA, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
IDF’s approach includes supporting its National Committees in engaging with their respective governments, ensuring key messages and support documents are readily available.
Additionally, the Farmers Constituency can contribute by providing strategic information and fostering collaboration among agricultural organizations.
Positive Outcomes at COP28
A successful COP28 for IDF would involve:
- Raising awareness about the dairy sector through formal statements.
- Providing context on methane emissions and sharing science-based facts.
- Garnering media coverage that highlights the sector’s positive contributions and counters alternative food messages.
- Gaining better political support for the dairy sector’s role.
- Recognition of positive initiatives at the national level by governments.
- A negotiated text that is either neutral or positive for the dairy sector.
- Increased awareness and engagement with the Dairy Declaration of Rotterdam and the Pathways to Dairy Net Zero initiative.
IDF is poised to play a substantial role at COP28, advocating not only for the dairy sector but also for the broader importance of animal-sourced food in addressing nutrition, climate change, and food security. Through collaboration, strategic planning, and evidence-based advocacy, IDF and its partners aim to contribute significantly to the global dialogue on sustainable food systems and climate change mitigation.
