Smith highlighted the inextricable link between water, food and climate. “Everyone gathered here at COP wants to create […] a safe, just and sustainable world. And by building water-resilient food systems we can do precisely that: take care of our planet — while making sure people thrive. This is how we help economies withstand a future of intensifying water shocks — and also protect our precious water resources.” Smith urged COP28 delegates to put water and food at the center of climate plans, strategies and finance.

Full transcript of the statement on the UNFCCC website