Background

In the TEC rolling workplan for 2023–2027, which is part of the joint work programme of the Technology Mechanism, the committee has identified the work on Water-Energy-Food nexus as a key activity under the ‘transformative and innovative solutions’ workstream. The FAO’s office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, building on their rich experience and unique expertise in the agri-food systems, has contributed to the development of this activity through their submission to the TEC call for inputs for the preparation of its new rolling workplan, as well as bilateral engagements with the TEC at SB56 and COP27, in pursuit of closer engagement and collaboration. The TEC has welcomed the interest and contributions of the FAO and agreed to undertake this activity (C.1.1) in close collaboration with FAO.  

Objectives

The aim of this dialogue is to bring relevant stakeholders together to discuss innovative technology practices and solutions related to water-energy-food systems. In particular, the dialogue aims to:

     (a) Shed light on relevant adaptation technologies (i.e. indigenous, innovative and digital technologies), with a view to strengthen adaptation planning (NAPs) and NDC ambitions in agri-food systems;

     (b) Inform the future work of the TEC on the topic, including with regard to scoping possible thematic focus in the development of a knowledge product in 2024.   This thematic dialogue will contribute to better understanding the options, ways and barriers to achieving progress under SDG 2 and the goals under the Paris Agreement. 

09:00 - 09:15 | Opening remarks
Moderator: Mariana Castaño Cano, Founder, 10 Billion Solutions

- Stig Svenningsen, Chair, TEC
- Daniele Violetti, Senior Director, UNFCCC
- Zitouni Ould-Dada, Deputy Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, FAO

09:15 - 09:30 | Scene-setting: The role of innovation and technology in improving food security and promoting integrated solutions in Water-Food-Energy systems for implementation of NDCs and NAPs
- Fanni Zentai, Advisor, Sustainable Water Policy, GIZ

09:30 - 09:45 | Voices from Indigenous Peoples and Youth: Technologies and innovation for inclusive transformation of agrifood systems – good examples from indigenous peoples’ knowledge, local practices, and youth-led solutions
- Grace Balawag, Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP), UNFCCC
- Glindys Virginia Luciano, Strategic Partnerships and Network Engagement Manager, YPARD 

09:45 - 10:25 | Expert Panel 1: Identifying transformative climate innovations and adaptation technologies in the water-energy-food nexus with strong mitigation and SDG co-benefits
- Tounao Kiri, Deputy Director, L’Institut de la Francophonie pour le développement durable (IFDD)
- Esther Makabe, Capacity Development Coordinator, GEO Global Agriculture Monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM)
- Hila Cohen, Deputy Head, WFP Innovation Accelerator 

10:25 - 11:05 | Expert Panel 2: Accelerating the implementation and scaling up of technology solutions and innovation in water-energy-food systems
- Giriraj Amarnath, CGIAR Research Group Leader on the water-food systems nexus, CGIAR
- Alyssa Maria Gomez, Climate Change Specialist, Adaptation Fund
- Carol Franco, Nature-based Solutions Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Dominican Republic 
- Eunice Ramos, Energy Systems Analyst and Resource Nexus Expert, Delft University of Technology 

11:05 - 11:10 | Break

11:10 - 11:50 | Interactive Discussion: How can we transform water-energy-food systems more inclusive and sustainable?
Moderator - Zitouni Ould-Dada, Deputy Director, Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, FAO

11:50 - 12:00 | Wrap up & Closing
Light lunch to be served after the event