Accelerated action on climate adaptation is urgently needed in this decade. For many countries, the Paris Agreement’s global goals are not an abstract future aspiration, but a necessity here and now. International cooperation on climate adaptation is an important enabler to guarantee comprehensive and sustainable solutions and bridge the gap between science and policy.

The side event showcases successful climate-smart agriculture projects realized through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture. At this event, a high-level representative from Italy in its role as co-chair of the ‘Group of Friends of Food Security’ in Vienna, together with other high-level country delegates, gives particular emphasis to nuclear science and technology in the context of climate-smart agriculture, especially as delivered through the FAO and IAEA ‘Atoms4Food’ initiative. The event highlights the benefits of collaborative approaches to climate action at the regional level, including South-South cooperation.