COP28 UAE

Universities are living labs, like cities within cities. Initiatives at Simon Fraser University represent the ‘small bets’ approach that many stakeholders, especially in the private sector and all levels of government, can consider to navigate larger climate transitions. At COP28, we shared this vision on the global stage.

Key Goals

Raise Awareness

Raise awareness that universities, grounded in robust research and academic capabilities are prime catalysts for operational food system transformation.

Showcase Initiatives

Showcase SFU’s food system transformation initiatives as examples of effective multi-stakeholder collaboration.

Advocate For Change

Advocate for public procurement as a transformative force in food system change. Emphasise the significant opportunities for public entities to drive sustainable practices.

Highlight Crucial Roles

Highlight the crucial role of the private sector in scaling food system transformation.

Engage & Collaborate

Engage with government, NGOs, Civil society, the private sector, and academia to strengthen the food system transformation agenda.

Sessions

Procurement for the Planet: How food procurement shifts can help meet sustainability goals

Institutional food procurement is a powerful lever that can be used to mitigate climate impacts from the food system while also supporting and helping address issues of equity, sustainability, food security, human health, and animal welfare.

This event covered challenges and opportunities in shifting procurement, illustrated the collaborative and participatory approach to food procurement policy, provided a road map for engaging in procurement change, and shared what is needed to accelerate and scale up sustainable food procurement.

WATCH SESSION

Tackling Climate Change Through Food on College Campuses

WATCH SESSION

Multilevel Governance for Climate, Food, and Biodiversity Action.

WATCH SESSION

How Might University Campuses Become Test Beds for Scalable Climate Action? Small Bets, Big Outcomes by Canadian Universities

The goal of this session was to exhibit the scalability of food system transformation initiatives led by B.C. universities, underpinned by strong research and academic support. It discussed how these strategies serve as scalable models for effecting change at local, regional, and global levels, and proposed a framework for global universities to actively engage and lead in climate action, emphasizing the multi-stakeholder approach as a cornerstone for widespread societal and environmental impact.