Background & Objectives
Launched by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners under the 2030 Climate Solutions and in the framework of the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action, the Food Waste Breakthrough is a collective commitment to halve global food waste by 2030 and cut methane emissions by up to 7%—contributing to SDG 12.3 and the Global Methane Pledge.
The Breakthrough supports the implementation of the COP28 Food Systems Declaration, the COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste, and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty launched by the G20 Brazil Presidency.
Food loss and waste accounts for 8–10% of global GHG emissions and food waste alone contributes to 14% of global methane emissions — a short-lived climate pollutant 86 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years. With food waste expected to double by 2050 if no action is taken, the Breakthrough provides a platform for state and non-state actors to scale action and accountability across national policies, urban systems, and business practices.
The Breakthrough rests on three pillars:
- Capacity building & Advocacy
- Data & Policy
- Finance & Implementation
Its long-term vision is to create food waste-free cities, circular economies, and resilient food systems that lower emissions, reduce costs, and enhance food security.
Targets Per Stakeholders
The Breakthrough sets out clear roles and five-year action roadmaps for:
- National governments: integrating food waste into NDCs and biodiversity plans, scaling measurement and reporting, and enabling finance and partnerships
- Cities and subnational governments: adopting organic waste separation systems, investing in circular infrastructure, and embedding food waste prevention in public procurement
- Philanthropic organizations: funding innovation, research, and public-private collaboration
- Non-profits: supporting data, advocacy, and capacity building, especially in the Global South
- Food businesses: measuring and reporting waste, redistributing surplus, and investing in circular and low-waste operations
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Country Champions
These countries are leading the way by integrating food waste reduction into national strategies, including their climate plans, supporting the Breakthrough’s goal to halve food waste and cut methane emissions by 2030.
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City and Sub-national Champions
These cities are pioneering local food waste reduction policies and circular food systems, demonstrating the power of urban action to drive climate solutions from the ground up.
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Private Sector Contributors
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Technical Contributors
These are international organizations and non-profit partners who will provide technical support to contributors of the Food Waste Breakthrough to implement its targets.
How to Join the Breakthrough
The Food Waste Breakthrough invites participation from national and local governments, private companies, philanthropic institutions, and international organizations.
To join, stakeholders must:
- Endorse the Food Waste Breakthrough statement
- Designate a focal point
- Outline existing food waste strategies
- Select priority actions aligned with the three implementation pillars
- Share support needs (technical, policy, financing)
Submit expressions of interest through: https://forms.gle/7eT99owXWC5d4SRk6
Spread the Word
Spread the word and engage other partners by using the materials on the Food Waste Breakthrough Trello Board