The Innovation Commission at the COP28 Reception on World Food Day

On the occasion of World Food Day, the Innovation Commission participated in the COP28 reception hosted by the UAE Embassy in Rome. Paul Winters, Executive Director of the Commission Secretariat, emphasized the impact and cost-effectiveness of innovations crucial for enhancing climate and food security resilience among smallholder farmers worldwide.

Besides calling for investments to procure and deliver improved weather forecasts in the agricultural sector, Winters briefed the audience on the seven innovation cases to be announced at COP28 often overlooked by both markets and institutions. For example, highlighting the effectiveness of digital extension services, Winters stated, “Digital advisory services could cost-effectively transmit weather information, while also assisting farmers in adopting better agricultural practices, optimizing nitrogen fertilizer use, and connecting with extension workers and markets.” He also presented the commission’s criteria for credible pathways to scale, exploring potential open financing mechanisms such as advanced market commitments, results-based financing, and prizes.

At the reception, Her Excellency Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment and COP28 Food Systems Lead, elaborated on the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Agenda. She explained its focus on addressing challenges at the intersection of climate change and food systems, emphasizing the importance of bringing innovations to scale. Almheiri also stressed the need for coordinated and scalable financial support and international cooperation. 

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