The first United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP1) was held in 1995 in Berlin, thirty years ago. Since then, the scale and attention paid to this annual conference has expanded, along with goals for, and expectations of it. The conference has seen many landmark negotiations and agreements, and, as evidence about the drivers and impact of climate change has grown, the discussions in this space have evolved. 

But has this evolution progressed in an effective direction? And what about food? How have food systems been integrated (or excluded) from these climate-focused discussions over time?

In this TABLE event, we will look back on what has been achieved in advancing sustainable food systems over the last thirty years, and what role COP discussions have played here, in raising food’s profile or in incentivising actual progress. 

As for the present and the future, what needs to be achieved this year at COP30? And where do we hope we will be in 30 years’ time? How might we get there, and what can future COPs do to help make this happen? 

Join our panel of thinkers and doers at this TABLE event, who bring their expertise and reflections to bear on the history, present and future of these international climate negotiations and the evolving food system landscape.

Confirmed panelists:

• Jess Fanzo (Food for Humanity Initiative, Columbia University)

• Oliver Camp (GAIN)

• Matheus Alves Zanella (Global Alliance for the Future of Food)