Pastoralists and young rural entrepreneurs from six different Asian and African countries will be at COP26 in person and virtually to share their experiences in managing their ecosystems and to advocate for investments to stimulate green jobs and climate adaptation.
They are the most vulnerable to climate change, but rural people who live off the land are developing their own solutions to adapt, better manage natural resources and mitigate emissions. But too often they lack the investments and policies to implement and scale up their ideas.
Last week, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) warned that COP26 will fail to achieve a lasting impact if world leaders continue to neglect investments in climate adaptation and made a strong call for substantial funding to ensure the survivial of rural small-scale farmers.
WHEN: 5 & 6 November 2021
WHAT: Events at IFAD Pavilion (PV66 / zone 4C) – Media can join virtually or in person and ask questions. Interviews can be organised.
5 November, 11:30 – 13:00 (GMT): Climate change response through green jobs for youth
The green economy is a large reservoir of potential jobs for rural youth, but too few engage in the sector. The event will look at conditions that enable or constrain youth to participate in the green economy and how their voice – still largely absent – can contribute to policy discussions and programming to stimulate the growth of the sector. Two young African entrepreneurs are participating virtually:
- Noel Nizeyimana (Rwanda), founding member of Greencare Rwanda organic fertilizers and ecological pavers and bricks producer – English speaker.
- Chantal Adiko (Benin), founder of Africa Compost which produces organic fertilizers – French speaker.
Webcast, Register, seating limited at IFAD pavilion – see contact below to book
5 November, 16:30-18:00 (GMT): Recipes for Change – British TV weather presenter Clare Nasir and New York-based chef Pierre Thiam cook traditional recipes that have ingredients threatened by climate change.
Clare Nasir and Pierre Thiam will talk about their visits to Nepal and Chad where key ingredients of traditional recipes are under threat from climate change. They will demonstrate how to cook nettle curry and sesame fish with sorrel sauce – recipes they have learned from farmers who are finding new ways to adapt to climate change. People attending in person will have a chance to taste nettle curry.
Register Seating limited at IFAD pavilion – see contact below to book
6 November 16:30-18:00 (GMT): Sustainable pastoralism for climate change mitigation, ecosystem restoration and resilient food systems
Sustainable pastoralism generates wealth at the cost of none and to the benefit of all. Recognizing the value of people and livestock mobility is essential to maintain healthy rangelands, and the resilience of both livelihoods and ecosystems in the face of climate change. Four representatives of pastoralist communities, including a woman pastoralist from Mali, will participate in person.
- Khalid Ibrahim Yahia Alkhawaldeh (Jordan) – English speaker
- Benjamin Beyeza-Mutambukah (Uganda) – English speaker
- Ykhanbai Hijaba (Mongolia) – English speaker
- Saoudata Walet Aboubacrine (Mali) – French speaker
Webcast, Register, seating limited at IFAD pavilion – see contact below to book
With more than 30 interactive events hosted at its pavilion from 3 to 11 November, IFAD is bringing the voices, experiences and solutions of small-scale producers to COP26, and will highlight how they can adapt to a changing climate. Consult the full list of IFAD Pavilion Events. Follow webcast or register
