Nat’l Convergence Workshop on Climate Action, Ethiopian Food System Transformation & Nutrition underway

Addis Ababa, January 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia is hosting a pivotal national convergence workshop on Climate Action (CA) and Ethiopian Food Systems Transformation & Nutrition (EFSTN), which kicked off earlier today at the Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa.

The National Convergence is being held from 15 to 17 January 2025 in the Ethiopian capital.

Organized in by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Ethiopian government, and the UN Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), the National Convergence initiative aims to deliver impact in governance, policy, and implementation.

The opening of the Workshop was held in the presence of Girma Amente, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, UN Resident & Human Representatives from the UN and AUC, as well as stakeholders and experts.

This landmark event also brought together various government officials, development partners, private sector actors, academia, and civil society to facilitate inclusive dialogue, integrate climate impacts into the EFSTN solutions, and strengthen implementation capacities.

In her remarks, Health Minister and National Convenor, Dr. Mekdes Daba emphasized transforming food systems as essential for better health, national growth, food security, and climate resilience.

She highlighted the importance of nutrition literacy, healthy diets, and strong collaboration to build a climate-responsive future.

For his part, Agriculture Minister & National Convenor, Girma Amente, emphasized the power of science, technology & innovation to tackle climate change’s impact on agriculture – essential for millions of livelihoods.

He encouraged multi-stakeholder collaboration to transform Ethiopia’s food systems.

UN Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov noted that food systems transformation as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

He highlighted Ethiopia’s agricultural progress, its impact on regional integration, and the vital support of resource partners.

CEO of Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Institute (ATI) Mr. Mandefro Nigussie (PhD), said the National Convergence workshop symbolizes the collaborative spirit required to realign Ethiopia’s food systems and nutrition with sustainability, resilience, and equity principles.

The Convergence Initiative is a unique collaborative effort championed by the Ethiopian government with the support of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, development partners, and national stakeholders.

It aims to strengthen and foster convergence between the EFSTN and CA, which simultaneously advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

The convergence workshop focuses on integrating climate change risks into the country’s food systems transformation by identifying and costing climate-induced vulnerabilities.

By doing so, Ethiopia aims to build resilience across social, economic, and environmental sectors while also addressing food security and agricultural sustainability.

Key topics of discussion include the need for cross-sectoral coordination, effective financing, and innovative approaches to food and climate system integration.

Central to the discussions are Ethiopia’s climate ambitions, including achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century and mitigating the long-term impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations.

As Ethiopia implements its 10-year development plan, this workshop provides a platform for stakeholders to review and refine strategies, ensuring alignment between food systems and climate actions with the country’s broader development goals.

Expected outcomes of the workshop include the finalization of the Convergence Action Blueprint (CAB), a strategic document outlining actionable steps for integrating food systems transformation and climate action.

The workshop will also establish a National Convergence Group to oversee the coordination and implementation of EFSTN and CA agendas.

The CAB will emphasize inclusive participation, ensuring no group is left behind in Ethiopia’s climate resilience efforts.