"Healthy food for all"- The call from COP 28

Food brings us pleasure, nourishes us and may even help us relieve stress. Yet, it also raises concerns due to the climate change. We are all aware that we can no longer turn a blind eye, since the situation has truly reached a critical point, and we must act swiftly to reverse the course.

"40% of countries report economic losses in agriculture explicitly linked to climate change, which means this sector is becoming increasingly vital for building a resilient and sustainable economy. Therefore, the agri-food systems must be enhanced in order to curb the growing losses and damages."This is the key message from a new report published by the FAO. Our ability to cultivate healthy and safe food for everyone is crucial for our own survival: we don't have another planet to live on.

The Director-General of the FAO makes it clear, "Farmers have adapted to changes in their environments, but what they are experiencing today goes beyond their capacity. They are the best investments in strengthening resilience to climate change." This means that even though farmers are trying to adapt, they need assistance because they are the ones paying the highest price for the changing climate.

Ensuring good and healthy food for everyone must be a priority, as reiterated by our Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This sets off a virtuous cycle between respect for the planet and natural resources and the quality of food from which we could all benefit.

And indeed, our country strives to defend the right of every man or woman to good food and health. "A substantial part of our project for Africa," as outlined in the Mattei Plan, "which is based on cooperation with the African continent, is directed towards the agricultural sector. However, our aim is not to engage in charity. Africa does not need charity, but something different: the opportunity to compete on a fair playing field. We must help this continent thrive based on its resources." Moreover, "The African continent has 65% of the arable land in the world, implying that with adequate technology and training, it can meet its needs and achieve economic growth."

One of the most gratifying aspects is witnessing the progress of the poorest and most disadvantaged countries without resorting to charity. Providing a genuine opportunity for these regions to pursue the right path of development while prioritizing the environment is the key to a serene and sustainable world. By avoiding harm to our planet and collectively committing to its well-being, we can attain quality food for everyone.

Healthy food should be accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. Ensuring proper nutrition for all is an act of love for our planet, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a healthy life for future generations.

But Cop 28 must also address the issue of tackling food waste, a real scourge of our times that exacerbates inequalities between the rich and the poor and harms nature. For this reason, a well-known supermarket chain has launched the Choose Better initiative in five supermarkets, including one located within the conference venue, one in the city center, and one at the Dubai airport. These stores, constructed with sustainable materials and illuminated by energy-efficient lighting, will sell food and beverages labeled with information to educate customers about sustainability. The goal is to ‘’raise awareness among customers and assess which labels are more effective in guiding choice.’’

Furthermore, there are 2,500 food products in Dubai labeled with the HowGood system, which aims to reward products that, after careful analysis, prove to be the most sustainable.

Promising initiatives are in place, and hopefully, this is just the beginning of a truly sustainable and healthy world capable of nourishing the entire population in the best possible way. However, achieving this goal requires us to first assist economically challenged nations in effectively managing their natural and agricultural wealth, which holds great potential in terms of nutrition and scenic beauty.

In conclusion, Cop 28 will need to prioritize food and agriculture as they are the foundations for building a better world for everyone, for us and future generations.

Translated by Iuliana Cindrea

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