Some 40,000 delegates from 195 countries, including heads of state and prominent figures in the fight against climate change, will gather in Paris 30 November – 11 December for the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention Climate Change (COP21).

The Paris climate conference aims to produce a legally binding agreement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Climate change threatens to derail efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, with the heaviest effects being felt by the poor -- including millions of small-scale farmers -- who have contributed least to the problem.

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries hold great potential to be a transformational force in the global response to climate change, provided that the international community initiates a shift towards food systems that are more resilient, more productive, and more sustainable.

On Thursday, 26 November, ahead of COP21, FAO will release a new report on damages and losses to global agriculture due to extreme weather events.

Events listed below include high-level FAO participation. Find additional events with participation by FAO experts here. FAO experts participating at COP are available for media interviews upon request.