Achieving the SDGs and Paris Agreement requires cross-sector collaboration among governments, stakeholders (private sector, youth, and science), and the UN to integrate food systems and climate action agendas. This side event showcased initiatives and partnerships implemented by the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, CGIAR, and FAO.  
 
Key initiatives showcased included the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub’s Convergence Initiative and the Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land Use (SCALA), both of which promote integrated approaches to sustainable development transitions. Glindys Luciano, Contact Point for Agriculture Working Group YOUNGO emphasized, the role of communication in building unified efforts toward these goals “communication and sharing information, because the bigger the emergency, the more complex...being aware of what is happening at every level.” She said. 
 
This clarity and transparency are crucial as different sectors work together to navigate the multifaceted challenges in the food and climate landscape. One of the primary challenges discussed was balancing greenhouse gas reductions in the agri-food sector without compromising food and nutrition security. “How do we reduce gas emissions from the agri-food sector without harming food and nutrition security?” asked CGIAR Climate Impact Director, Aditi Mukherji highlighting that for many countries, food security is non-negotiable. “We cannot trade climate goals for food security, or vice versa.” 
 
The session also underscored the importance of fairness in the transition to sustainable practices. This justice element is a cornerstone for any policy or initiative that expects meaningful participation from all stakeholders, particularly those on the front lines of change, like farmers. 
 
Key Takeaways:  
- Improving communication and information sharing among stakeholders is crucial for aligning global initiatives with local realities. 
- Balancing climate action and food security is a major challenge that requires innovative, context-specific solutions. 
- Financing the transition to sustainable agriculture, including through risk-sharing mechanisms and incentives, is a key priority. 
- Engaging and empowering farmers, youth, and local communities is essential for the success of food system transformation efforts.