G20 AWG Ministerial Declaration focuses on sustainability and climate change

The G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG) concluded its ministerial meeting on Friday (13), unveiling the long-awaited Ministerial Declaration. The Declaration highlights two main themes: sustainability in agriculture and the creation of resilient, inclusive production systems to address climate change. 

Held over two days (12th and 13th) in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso, the meeting followed a series of technical discussions on the 10th and 11th. A total of 43 delegations from G20 member countries, invited nations, and international organizations participated, marking the highest number of ministerial attendees since the AWG's inception in 2011. 

A consensus was reached by 23 ministers and high-level representatives from nearly 50 countries, successfully drafting the Ministerial Declaration after five years of efforts. The Declaration covers 38 topics organized into four key thematic pillars, focusing on public policies for sustainable production to ensure global food and nutrition security while combating climate change. 

Under Brazil’s pro tempore presidency, the AWG prioritized: sustainability in agrifood systems across various dimensions; enhancing international trade to support food and nutrition security; recognizing the crucial roles of family farmers, rural and indigenous communities in building sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food systems; and promoting the sustainable integration of fisheries and aquaculture into global value chains. 

Throughout the year, various discussions were held to finalize the Declaration. The AWG held its first meeting in February, followed by sessions in April, May, and June, focusing on family farming, fisheries, aquaculture, science, and agricultural research. 

In Brazil, the AWG was coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with contributions from the Ministries of Agrarian Development, Family Agriculture, and Fisheries and Aquaculture, along with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). 

Unlike the letters issued over the past five years, this Ministerial Declaration represents a firm commitment by signatory countries to implement the public policies outlined in the document. The Declaration serves as a roadmap for countries to adopt these measures. 

The document also drew input from parallel G20 groups, including representatives from the private sector and the scientific community. Key points include: 

The Declaration will also guide discussions at the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty during the G20 Leaders' Summit in November. 

[Access the Ministerial Declaration here.]



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