Bangkok, Thailand (5-7 March 2025) - Bringing together government officials and representatives from nearly 20 countries, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and IRRI hosted a workshop on “Advancing Climate Ambition in the Agrifood Sector: Workshop on NDC 3.0 and COP30 Preparation in Asia-Pacific”. The event provided a platform for countries to exchange knowledge, refine strategies, and drive momentum toward the timely submission of enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and prepare for the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Brazil.
The significance of the advocacy was emphasized by Robert Simpson, Deputy Regional Representative of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, stating, "By speaking with one voice, we can advocate more effectively for the resources, technology transfer, and capacity-building needed to implement our NDCs and climate ambitions." He also reiterated the pivotal role of agrifood systems in regional climate objectives, noting their dual nature as "a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and one of the most vulnerable sectors to climate change.”
Dr. Jongsoo Shin, IRRI's Regional Director for Asia, highlighted the essential role of science in meeting climate goals, arguing that while "at COP29, many spoke about policy, but few mentioned the value of science." He stressed the practical application of research, stating, "We are not doing research for research’s sake—we are doing research to create real solutions for farmers." Furthermore, he asserted that "the value of science is in providing farmers with tools for sustainable income—not just theory, but action," emphasizing the need for data-driven, real-time information to aid farmers in adapting to climate-related challenges.
IRRI's GHG emission calculation and Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) tools were highlighted in the workshop, particularly during the session on harmonizing initiatives and tools to implement climate action plans. Dr. Katherine Nelson, a scientist at IRRI Vietnam, showcased tools like the Rice-activity Monitoring and Reporting (RiceMoRe) system, the Farm-activity Monitoring and Reporting (FARMORE), and the Mapping Alternate Wetting and Drying tool (MapAWD). She highlighted how these tools support climate-responsive decision-making and sustainable rice production through accurate data management and emission assessment.
Mr. Beau Damen from the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific stated that the workshop aimed to clarify how agrifood systems can boost climate commitment ambition, inclusivity, and transparency. The workshop also focused on assisting countries in improving and executing their third round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by including agrifood priorities in their NDCs and COP30 discussions. Additionally, the event aimed to improve participants' skills in climate negotiations.
A key feature of the three-day workshop, designed to foster peer learning, was country poster presentations. These presentations showcased lessons learned from the NDC 2.0 process, allowing participants to share insights on NDC development and implementation, explore cross-learning opportunities and potential partnerships, and identify shared obstacles and effective strategies. These strategies included leveraging new technologies, engaging private sector entities, and incorporating gender-sensitive and farmer-focused goals.