By Kizito CUDJOE
In the lead-up to the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP29), taking place in Azerbaijan in November, Business and Financial Times (B&FT) is set to host its 2024 Sustainability Summit in Accra after a successful maiden edition.
The 2024 Sustainability Summit, to be held under the theme ‘Ensuring Environmental and Economic Sustainability: Collaborating for a Greener Future’, comes at a critical time as Africa grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and food security.
The inaugural plenary session, ‘Climate Change and its Impact on Sustainable Food Systems’, will bring together a distinguished panel of experts who will delve into the pressing issue of climate change and its far-reaching impacts on sustainable food systems.
As climate change continues to disrupt agricultural productivity, particularly in regions like Africa that are highly dependent on agriculture, the need for innovative strategies to build resilience has never been more urgent.
The issue of climate change has become a major global concern with its effects reverberating across various sectors including agriculture, health, and infrastructure. In Africa, where the agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy, the impact of climate change is particularly pronounced. Extreme weather events, shifting ecosystems and unpredictable rainfall patterns are threatening food security, livelihoods and economic stability.
The plenary session will focus on exploring strategies for governments and businesses to adapt and build resilience against these impacts. Experts will also discuss the circular economy, emphasising sustainable production, consumption and waste management. The conversation will further explore sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to ensure that food systems remain resilient and sustainable in the face of climate change.
The panel will feature leading voices in the fields of environmental science, sustainable agriculture and climate innovation. Dr. Portia Addaney Williams, a Research Scientist at CSIR-STEP Ghana, and Dr. Michael Tuffuor from the University of Environment & Sustainable Development will provide scientific insights into the effects of climate change on food systems.
Head of Training-General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), Mrs. Emelia Ghansah, will bring a labour perspective, discussing impacts of climate change on the agricultural workforce and the importance of training and capacity-building. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Farmer Global, Fred Kukubor, will share practical experiences from the field; outlining the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in adapting to climate change.
Executive Director-Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC), Ruka Sanusi, will address the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in building climate resilience. The session will be moderated by Dr. Daniela Delali Sedegah from the University of Environment & Sustainable Development, who will guide the discussion toward actionable outcomes.
The summit’s timing, just months before COP29, demonstrates the urgency of addressing climate change and its impact on food systems. As global leaders prepare to convene at the COP29 summit, anticipated discussions at the 2024 Sustainability Summit are envisaged to provide critical insights and recommendations that could inform broader policy debates.
In a region where the financing required to mitigate impacts of climate change remains largely inadequate – as African climate finance practitioners’ rally developed countries to commit at least US$5.9trillion to climate finance by 203 -, this summit represents an important platform for collaboration between government, industry and civil society.
Outcomes of the discussions will not only contribute to ongoing global discourse on climate change but also provide a roadmap for sustainable development in Africa.
B&FT’s Sustainability Summit promises to be a significant event, bringing together key stakeholders to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As the world looks toward COP29, the insights and strategies developed at this summit could play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable food systems and environmental resilience.
