Every year, world leaders from nearly 200 countries gather at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) to discuss climate change and establish plans for addressing the impacts.
This past November, Foodgrains Bank senior policy advisor Naomi Johnson attended COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, joined by Nature+ Ethiopia program manager Mesfin Mathewos, and Fadhili Trust (local partner of Tearfund Canada) executive director Josephine Munywoki from Kenya.
By being present at COP, they had the opportunity to amplify the voices of vulnerable communities in the Global South to international decision-makers, advocate for increased funding and improved policies to support farmers, and raise awareness of the link between climate change and humanitarian crises.
Using our voices at COP29 to advocate for strong policies that help farmers around the world address the impacts of climate change is essential to supporting Foodgrains Bank programming globally and ending hunger. Pictured at COP29, from left to right: Mesfin Mathewos, Naomi Johnson, and Josephine Munywoki. (Photo: Supplied)
“The frequent change in rain onset and distribution (as well as the amount) has been a major challenge for smallholder farmers who entirely depend on rain for every agricultural activity,” says Mesfin, reflecting on the agricultural impacts of climate change in Ethiopia.
“Being at COP29 was an opportunity to understand the global picture of climate actions and connect with a wide range of stakeholders,” he says.
It’s a sentiment also shared by Josephine, who highlighted the opportunities to connect with government officials at COP, who she wouldn’t have otherwise been able to meet in Kenya due to their seniority.
“I have realized that the work we do at Fadhili Trust is contributing to a shared responsibility of the healing of planet earth. I have a renewed sense of purpose and zeal as I lead my team in doing what we must do to secure a future for generations to come.”
Both Mesfin and Josephine presented in Foodgrains Bank-led events at COP29 to share the importance of their work, and advocate for increased support. As global leaders come together to discuss the impacts of climate change and how to respond, it is important for international development agencies like Foodgrains Bank to be present to ensure farming, food security, and the voices of communities most vulnerable to climate change are part of the discussion to influence policies that have significant impacts on millions of people’s lives.
This story was originally published in the 2025 spring edition of Breaking Bread.
