The topic of “Strengthening Climate Resilience Across Sectors” was discussed within the framework of Baku Climate Action Week

Minister Majnun Mammadov touched upon the issue of strengthening climate resilience in his speech

Based on the ambitious climate commitments agreed at COP29 and significant achievements in the Baku Financial Goal, panel sessions continue within the framework of the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW). The 3rd day of the Baku Climate Action Week is dedicated to the theme of “Strengthening climate resilience across sectors – agriculture, water, transport, smart cities, women’s leadership in climate action”.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Babayev, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, President of COP29, 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, and emphasized that important initiatives were put forward at this international event successfully organized by Azerbaijan and the number of partners increased. Mukhtar Babayev spoke about the measures taken to minimize the impacts of climate change.

Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov noted that in the modern era, mitigating the impacts of climate change and transitioning to sustainable agro-food systems necessitate comprehensive support measures for farmers and rural communities that are more vulnerable to climate change. The Minister said that since the agricultural sector is a sector affected by the consequences of climate change, developing its climate resilience is a priority.

Minister Majnun Mammadov added that a two-year digital and artificial intelligence roadmap is already being developed together with international partners, covering more than 30 practical use cases - from mapping plant varieties and soil monitoring to crop forecasting and water-efficient irrigation. Tools based on this information will help farmers make smarter decisions, strengthen resilience, and create significant economic value in the coming years.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency Zaur Mikayilov drew attention to the decrease in freshwater resources as an impact of climate change and emphasized the importance of efficient water use in the modern era. He added that in the coming years, large-scale measures will be implemented in Azerbaijan to reduce water losses, build new reservoirs and reuse water.

Viorel Gutu, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Assistant Director-General, in turn, said that Azerbaijan, like other countries, is expanding its national contribution to achieving climate goals. Noting that significant progress has been made at COP29, Viorel Gutu noted that these agreements open up new opportunities for countries to develop and achieve climate goals.

Member of the Milli Majlis, high-level champion of COP29 on climate change, Nigar Arpadarai, emphasized the increasing leadership role of Azerbaijan in regional initiatives. Noting that the natural disasters that occurred in Azerbaijan last year caused serious material damage, Nigar Arpadarai noted that in this regard, the number of smart cities and villages should be increased.

FAO Representative in Azerbaijan Nasar Hayat, who said that agriculture suffers from crop losses every year as a result of the impacts of climate change, added that the application of innovations in the agricultural sector must be accessible and in line with local realities.

The event then continued with a panel session on “Smart agriculture and food security in a changing climate / climate technology”.

Speaking at the panel session, Surkhay Novruzov, Head of the Artificial Intelligence Project at the Ministry of Agriculture, Marina Rose Best, ADB's Operations Manager for Azerbaijan and Turkmanistan, Ismat Bakhishov, Director of the Azercosmos GIS Center, and Anar Jafarov, Director of the Agrarian Innovation Center, shared their views on climate-friendly agricultural practices, smart irrigation, water-saving farming and soil conservation methods, reducing food waste and promoting local food systems, digital tools for real-time productivity monitoring, strengthening local supply chains and community-based agriculture, the role of policy and finance in supporting sustainable rural transformation, as well as the role of technology in sustainable agriculture, and answered questions from participants.