Summary of the Indonesia National Workshop on Food Systems Climate Action Convergence

The National Workshop on Food Systems Climate Action Convergence was held in Jakarta from 6 – 8 November 2024. Organized by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Ministry of National Development Planning (BAPPENAS) of the Republic of Indonesia, FAO Indonesia and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office. It concluded with the creation of the Convergence Action Blueprint, a strategic plan aimed at aligning food systems with climate initiatives in Indonesia.

The event brought together 50 participants, including government officials, experts, youth and development partners, to engage in discussions on sustainable food systems and climate adaptation. The workshop facilitated connections among various stakeholders, including government ministries, UN bodies and non-profit organizations. These interactions aimed to foster collaboration on sustainable practices and support the development of a comprehensive food systems blueprint.

Five officials from the World Food Forum (WFF) Indonesia Chapter, Muhammad Syauqi Rabbani, Hendri Surya, Nur Rahma Laila, Dibyana Galih Prakasita and Siti Rodiyah, attended the workshop, bringing valuable insights and perspectives of youth. The delegation's objective was to promote collaboration and exchange knowledge on sustainable practices and governance frameworks.

The workshop unfolded over three impactful days, each dedicated to addressing various aspects of food systems and climate resilience. Each session contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Indonesia's agricultural landscape, fostering collaboration among participants.

On the first day of the workshop, Ibu Vivi Yulaswati, Deputy Minister for Maritime Affairs and Natural Resources at the Ministry of National Development Planning, delivered the welcoming remarks, setting the stage for the discussions ahead. She addressed the pressing "Triple Planetary Crisis" which encompasses climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. This session underscored the urgent need for a transformation in food systems to meet Indonesia's development goals. Delegates were informed about the various risks associated with these crises and the essential role of sustainable agricultural practices in mitigating their impacts.

The second session, focused on the Convergence Initiative on Food Systems and Climate Actions, aimed at accelerating the transformation of food systems across Indonesia. The discussions highlighted the critical role of the agricultural sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Delegates gained valuable insights into the strategic challenges facing food systems and the importance of integrating climate action into agricultural practices, reinforcing the notion that sustainability and food security are interconnected.

The first day concluded with a focus group discussion aimed at developing a collective vision for Indonesia’s food system by 2045. Participants emphasized the need for resilience, inclusivity and sustainability in their vision. They identified key priority areas, including climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable economic growth, recognizing that achieving these goals requires a collaborative approach across multiple sectors.

On the second day, the session titled "National Commitments to Global Agenda and Responsible Consumption" explored Indonesia’s commitments to global sustainability goals. Delegates engaged in discussions surrounding responsible consumption, food loss reduction and circular economy initiatives. The emphasis was placed on the necessity for science-based roadmaps to guide effective policy development, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making in fostering sustainable practices.

The final day of the workshop concentrated on strengthening food systems governance, data integration and monitoring to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions highlighted the significance of collaborative governance and the need for accessible data tools to support effective decision-making. Participants recognized Indonesia's progress in meeting SDG indicators and discussed actionable steps to continue advancing food systems transformation in the context of these global commitments.

The National Workshop on Food Systems Climate Action Convergence provided valuable insights into the intersection of food systems and climate resilience. The knowledge gained during the event underscores the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and multi-sectoral collaboration in achieving long-term food security and environmental sustainability in Indonesia. Moving forward, the World Food Forum Indonesia Chapter is committed to promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, supporting smallholder farmers, and enhancing food diversity and nutrition within the framework of a circular economy.