The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), scheduled for November 11–22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, brings together global stakeholders to advance the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. This year’s conference will focus on combatting global warming, strengthening climate adaptation, and securing critical funding to drive climate action, including research and development in climate-smart agriculture. CIMMYT will be present to advocate for resilient and sustainable food systems through science, innovation, and partnerships.

Championing Climate-Smart Agri-Innovation

As dryland agricultural regions face the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, CIMMYT’s mission aligns with COP29’s broader efforts to promote resilient dryland systems and climate-smart practices. CIMMYT-led sessions will explore transformative strategies in soil health, greenhouse gas mitigation, and sustainable food production systems.

“Our focus at COP29 is clear: to bring climate-smart innovations and partnerships to the forefront of agriculture. By strengthening global collaboration, we can create lasting solutions for food security and environmental health, even in the face of climate challenges.” — Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT Director General

CIMMYT Speakers and Events

Sieglinde Snapp, Director of CIMMYT’s Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) Program

• Dates: November 15–18
• Highlights: Sieg Snapp will represent CIMMYT in a collaborative event with ICRAF on soil health, scheduled for November 15, and will deliver a keynote address at a Food Tank-sponsored soils event on November 16. Through these engagements, she will emphasize the importance of soil health for climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural productivity.

Tek Sapkota, Senior Scientist in Agricultural Systems and Climate Change

• Event: “Is Net-Zero Food Within Reach? Tackling Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock Production and Fertilizer Use”
• Date and Location: November 12, 3:00–4:30 pm, Food & Agriculture Pavilion
• Focus: Tek Sapkota will discuss reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions—two major contributors to agrifood system emissions. He will introduce innovative nutrient management practices that not only reduce emissions but also promote efficient fertilizer use. The session will feature findings from the CGIAR “Breakthrough Report on Agriculture” and a forthcoming assessment of global nitrous oxide emissions.

CIMMYT will join hands with partners, including CGIAR, FAO, and other global organizations, at the Food and Agriculture Pavilion. Together, they will present evidence-based solutions, foster cross-sectoral partnerships, and advocate for policy frameworks that integrate soil health and climate-smart practices as pivotal components of national and global climate action plans. ch