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The session focused on enhancing climate resilience in agricultural systems by leveraging scientific data and financial support for climate-smart agriculture (CSA). Aligning with the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage and the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Climate Action, discussions centred around supporting smallholder farmers, addressing the impact of agricultural loss on marginalised communities, and mobilising resources to support youth in agricultural systems. The panel explored how CSA can be prioritised in national policies, emphasising the need for inclusive, youth-led solutions. By integrating these themes into ongoing UNFCCC processes, the session aimed to drive global dialogue on improving agricultural adaptation to climate change.

The YCF Thematic session focused on enhancing climate resilience within agricultural systems, aligning with ongoing UNFCCC processes, particularly the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage (WIM) and the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security. The session explored how scientific data, including satellite monitoring and ecosystem service valuation, can inform national strategies for managing and mitigating agricultural loss and damage, and how financial support for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) can be mobilised to drive resilience.

By aligning with these key UNFCCC mechanisms, the event aimed to promote practical steps towards improving agricultural systems' resilience to climate change, while mobilising resources and fostering inclusive, youth-led solutions. The outcomes reflected the session's alignment with the broader goals of the UNFCCC and global efforts to achieve sustainable climate adaptation.

The objectives of the session included exploring how scientific data can be better utilised within the framework of the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage, with a focus on agricultural systems, particularly the most vulnerable smallholder farmers. Additionally, it sought to promote discussion on financial support for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and how countries can integrate CSA practices into national policies, in line with the Sharm El-Sheikh Joint Work on Climate Action. Youth involvement in addressing adaptation needs within agricultural systems and the mobilisation of financial resources for this support were also key themes. The session aligned with ongoing UNFCCC processes, contributing to the broader dialogue on climate resilience and adaptation.

Moderator:

• Tanvi Mishra

Youth Speakers:

• Yves Shema
• Nika Gogatishvili

Parties and Observers:

• Senna Alouka - Togo
• Professor Buddhi Marambe – Sri Lanka
• Isadora Carlin – Climate Champions Team
• Khaled Eltaweel - UN Food Systems Coordination Hub
• David Giles – Office of Youth and Women of FAO

The expected outcomes included utilizing commitments from negotiators to enhance the use of scientific data for agricultural adaptation, increased support for research and financial mechanisms for CSA, and a focus on how to include marginalised communities and young farmers in decision-making processes under the UNFCCC framework. These outcomes will continue to reinforce the importance of aligning national policies with global climate goals, ensuring the integration of vulnerable voices into agricultural adaptation strategies.

• What does the UNFS Coordination Hub do to enhance the use of scientific data, such as satellite monitoring and ecosystem service valuation, to inform national strategies for managing and mitigating agricultural loss and damage?
• What policies will your country implement to ensure that climate finance mechanisms support scientific research and innovations aimed at reducing agricultural emissions while maintaining food & nutrition security and ecosystem services?

• How does The Climate Champions team plan to ensure that vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, marginalised communities, and young farmers, are protected from the impacts of food and agricultural systems loss and damage due to climate change, while also being actively involved in decision-making processes for a just transition to sustainable and resilient food systems?

• How does your country plan to support young smallholder farmers in addressing their specific adaptation needs within agricultural systems, and what steps are being taken to ensure accessible means of implementation, such as climate finance and other resources, to empower their efforts?

• When most of today’s agricultural systems are dominated by chemical intensity, deforestation, and depreciating soil organic content, how do you plan on incentivizing climate smart agricultural practices that may not always be economically attractive in the short term?

• What key messages is the Office of Youth and Women of FAO bringing to COP this year and how are youth voices being elevated through your inclusion in the delegation.

Further information on the Youth-led Climate Forums at COP 29 is available here.