The 44th session of the FAO began in Italy

Minister Majnun Mammadov delivered a speech at the session on the topic of “Promoting Innovation for Food Security”

The 44th session of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has begun in the Italian capital of Rome. The session was attended by ministers and deputy ministers of ecology and agriculture from more than 90 countries, as well as other high-level officials working in the field of environment and food security, and representatives of international organizations. The event, which will last until July 4, is also attended by Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 44th session of the FAO, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Gu Dongyu said that expanding the application of innovations and transforming agriculture is of great importance against the backdrop of growing challenges. According to him, sustainable development and productivity in the agricultural sector require the establishment of smart and digital agriculture that is climate-friendly.

Speaking at the plenary session on “Promoting Innovation for Food Security” held within the framework of the 44th session of the FAO, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov spoke about the measures taken by the Azerbaijani government to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially the targets set in agriculture. He noted that Azerbaijan is one of the first countries to align state programs and strategies covering socio-economic and environmental spheres with the Sustainable Development Goals. As a result of the measures taken, significant progress has been made in the formation of a sustainable agro-food system and the transformation of our national food systems.

Stating that global climate change is affecting the production process of agricultural products all over the world, Minister Majnun Mammadov emphasized that mitigating the effects of climate change and developing climate-friendly agriculture are among the priorities in our country: “Today’s agri-food systems must adapt to increasingly sophisticated global demands through more precise and efficient use of technology. However, joint activities and efforts must be complemented by effective planning and proper management of land and water resources.”

Minister Majnun Mammadov touched upon the importance of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), held in Baku in November last year. He said that Azerbaijan successfully organized this international event, and a number of important international initiatives were adopted, including the COP29 Declaration for Climate Action.

Stating that digitalized, innovation-based agriculture plays an important role in climate adaptation and climate change mitigation, Minister Majnun Mammadov noted that the Azerbaijani government is investing heavily in the development of climate-resilient agri-food systems. A significant part of these investments is directed towards digitalization and smart agriculture. State support mechanisms stimulate activities aimed at the application of modern agricultural and horticultural technologies. At the same time, the Azerbaijani government is rebuilding the territories liberated from occupation and declared green energy zones in accordance with the concepts of “smart cities” and “smart villages”, and climate-resilient agricultural policy is an integral part of the development of these territories.

Minister Majnun Mammadov stated that global cooperation is essential for the establishment of sustainable agri-food systems through transformation, and that Azerbaijan supports global efforts in this direction and is ready for active cooperation through relevant multilateral platforms.

The speakers at the event shared their views on the current situation in the agricultural sector, further increasing agricultural productivity, efficient use of land and water resources, digitalization of agriculture, production of quality products, and ensuring food security.