"AgriFuture 2024": Panel discussions were held on the impact of investments in human capital on sustainable agricultural transformation

Within the framework of the COP29 international climate conference, which will last until November 22, events continue in the Green Zone in parallel with the Blue Zone.

Within the framework of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Baku, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly organized the "Green Zone" An event was held on the topic "AgriFuture 2024: The impact of investments in human capital on sustainable agricultural transformation". The role of empowering women, youth and innovation in climate-resilient agriculture and climate action for a sustainable and equitable future, human capital for climate-resilient agri-food systems: panel discussions were held on leadership, science and community perspectives.

The Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, who opened the event with his opening speech, said that agriculture, being the basis of society, plays an important role in supporting the economy, providing employment to the population, and providing food. Currently, climate change, limited resources and changing market demands are putting pressure on the agricultural sector from all sides. It was emphasized that the main goals of the agrarian policy are to correctly assess the potential opportunities of young people and women, increase their employment level, and stimulate their participation in innovative projects, as part of the measures implemented in the development of the agricultural sector in Azerbaijan.

Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Director of the International Center for Agricultural Research in Arid Areas (ICARDA), and Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), spoke at the panel session. They touched on the importance of the active participation of women and young people in solving global challenges, and shared their views on the importance of applying digital technologies in agriculture, the role of digital solutions in automating production, reducing the effects of climate change, and ways to increase productivity.

Minister Majnun Mammadov informed the participants of the event that the Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers, which includes agricultural, environmental and climate issues of Azerbaijan, will be opened for more detailed discussions on the next day. It was noted that Hamonia will play the role of a central platform connecting various initiatives, coalitions and partnerships, focusing on promoting climate change adaptation and sustainable development in agriculture, food systems and water management, supporting the transformation of agricultural systems, and enabling the mobilization of investments supporting sustainable agriculture. will serve to empower farmers, especially women and youth, who are the backbone of agriculture and the main driver of future sustainability.

At the panel session on "Human capital for climate-resilient agri-food systems: leadership, science and community perspectives", Akmal Akramkhanov, specialist of the International Center for Agricultural Research in Arid Areas (ICARDA), Chairman of the Azerbaijan Rural Women's Association, Gulbeniz Ganbarova, CEO of the Agroficient startup Emil Huseynli, Ulduzha Khalilova, head of "Digital Umbrella" company, and Aly Abousabaa, regional director of CGIAR for Central and Western Asia and North Africa, in their speeches, discussed support for private farms, ensuring food security, the impact of climate change on the agricultural sector, digital agriculture, land and they touched on the topics of efficient use of water resources, protection of natural resources and ecological balance, digital transformation of agro-food systems, establishment of a sustainable agricultural system for the sustainable development of rural areas and communities, and answered the questions of the event participants.