The first part of the intersessional workshop on element (a), sustainable land and water management, including integrated watershed management strategies, to ensure food security, was held virtually in conjunction with the May–June 2021 Climate Change Conference – sessions of the subsidiary bodies. Experts from Parties, international organizations, the private sector, research organizations, civil society and constituted bodies under the Convention as well as farmers presented experience and challenges and barriers in relation to the implementation of sustainable land and water management in agricultural practices, and engaged in an in-depth discussion on the potential, co-benefits and synergies, with multiple objectives like adaptation to, and the mitigation of, climate change, and ensuring worldwide food security. The workshop provided an opportunity to discuss options for increasing synergy and collaboration among stakeholders, while highlighting that farmers must be at the centre of all discussions and decision-making on climate change, agriculture, land and water management, and food security.