Regional Climate seminar on “Strengthening climate measures in the agro-food sector of Europe and Central Asia” is being held in Baku

FAO and Azerbaijan improve agri-food systems program for COP29.

The regional climate seminar on “Strengthening climate measures in the agro-food sector of the countries of Europe and Central Asia” is being held at the Ministry of Agriculture. The event is attended by representatives from relevant government agencies of about 20 countries, as well as employees of international organizations. The Seminar was organized jointly with the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN) to strengthen climate action in agriculture in Europe and Central Asia. The Seminar aims to support the countries of the European and Central Asian regions in preparation for the 29th Session of the Conference of parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP29) to be held in November this year.

Opening the event, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that the seminar aims to strengthen the global struggle in the field of climate change and agriculture and provides a unique platform for developing sustainable strategies. Climate change is one of the main factors affecting the development of the agrarian sector in the global economy. Our country, where land and water resources are limited, is also one of the most exposed to the negative impact of climate changes.

Minister Majnun Mammadov noted that “green growth” was recognized as one of the national priorities when determining the vision and strategy for socio-economic development by the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev. In this regard, 2024 was declared the “Year of solidarity for the sake of the green world” by the relevant decree of the head of state. According to the order, one of Azerbaijan's five national priorities for socio-economic development until 2030 was defined as “A country of clean environment and green growth”. Minister Majnun Mammadov added that in accordance with this priority, continuous work is underway in our country to improve the environment, ensure the efficient use of land and water resources and sustainable energy sources. Minister stressed that COP-29, which will be hosted by Azerbaijan this year, will play an important role in adapting agrarian and environmental policies in our country to advanced international practices, technological exchanges and innovations.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Vugar Karimov noted that today the production opportunities of water and land resources in the world are at the limit and hardly meet the current demand. According to him, along with the rapid growth in food demand of the world's population, climate changes, in turn, increase the pressure on land and Water Resources. Especially in recent years, the increase in the number and frequency of occurrence of extreme weather events has a significant negative impact on the agrarian sector. Deputy minister informed the participants of the event about the work done in the framework of the fight against climate change in Azerbaijan.

Zakir Guliyev, chairman of the Board of the "Regional Water Reclamation service"under the State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan, said that in the current conditions, maintaining ecological balance, rational use of Natural Resources, Protection of water, soil and atmospheric air from pollution has become a universal problem. The agency official brought to attention the importance of efficient use of Water Resources in the context of recent global climate changes and increased demand for water in the country and touched upon the work done in this direction.

FAO representative in Azerbaijan Muhammad Nasar Hayat, in turn, stressed that the government of Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the promotion of sustainable agro-food systems and the fight against climate change. A FAO official said the transition to sustainable agri-food systems is essential to achieve the Paris Agreement's goals of keeping global temperature growth well below 2°C. He noted that in light of the impact of modern challenges, global cooperation is important to achieve Sustainable Development Goals and the organization he represents will continue to support member countries in this direction.

After the speeches, the regional climate seminar continued its work with panel sessions. The Sessions discussed issues of maintaining ecological balance, rational use of natural resources, reducing the effects of climate change and building climate-friendly sustainable agri-food systems. Presentations on improved transparency framework, Climate Finance, Global Goal framework for adaptation, mitigation action program and Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, integration of agricultural sectors and food systems in Europe and Central Asia to National Defined Contributions (NDC), current topics on COP29's agenda were held at the event.

The workshop will last 3 days.