UN Brussels Team and DG CLIMA engage ahead of COP-29

The UN Brussels team Working Group on the Green Deal, which is co-chaired by FAO and UNEP, invited to an exchange between the Brussels-based UN agencies and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA). The meeting discussed key updates related to the upcoming 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP29). 

The event was moderated by Veronika Hunt Šafránková, Head of the UNEP Office in Brussels and Raschad Al-Khafaji, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels, who provided opening remarks and introduced the Head of the Multilateral Affairs Unit at DG CLIMA, Dimitrios Zevgolis.  

Zevgolis began the session by outlining the European Union’s strategic objectives for COP29. He emphasized the importance of global alignment in achieving the climate goals, stressing the EU’s commitment to enhanced climate ambitions and the need for greater collaborative efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals. 

During the discussion, the UN Brussels team shared insights on recent UN initiatives and highlighted the critical role of multilateral action in addressing climate challenges. The conversation focused on key themes, including the preparations for the next Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due in 2025.  

Representatives from FAO, UNDP, UNDRR, UNEP, UNICEF, UNIDO, WFP, and  WHO intervened, underscoring the need for inclusive and innovative approaches to achieve net-zero targets. 

The Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Brussels underscored the importance of COP29 as platform for showcasing the unique role of agriculture and food systems in the fight against climate change. He alluded to FAO’s work in supporting the COP Presidency and countries to make agriculture and food systems a central part of their deliberations, decisions and action agenda.  

Participants also explored opportunities to align priorities and leverage joint messaging on climate action. Discussions covered the significance of longer-term climate goals beyond 2030, as well as the importance of implementing decisions from the UNFCCC’s Global Stocktake completed in 2023.  

The meeting concluded with commitments to continue exchanging information and updates on respective activities in the lead-up to COP29. Participants reaffirmed the importance of addressing the climate crisis and promoting sustainable development globally.