A National Dialogue was held in preparation for the UN Food Systems Summit in Azerbaijan

The UN Food Systems Summit will be held in September 2021. The National dialogues are planned to be held in the member countries in preparation for the Summit. The main purpose of organizing national dialogues is to ensure the participation of the parties in various fields, to formulate strategies that determine the perspectives for development in accordance with modern challenges, to identify specific stages for multilateral and sustainable food systems.

The National Organizer appointed by the Government of Azerbaijan in connection with the Food Systems Summit, Deputy Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilhama Gadimova, Head of the FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan Melek Chakmak, representatives of structural divisions and subordinate bodies of the Ministry, representatives of relevant bodies, international organizations, as well as representatives of NGOs and the private sector were attended in the first National Dialogue held in Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Ilhama Gadimova noted that the Government of Azerbaijan has always supported the activities of the UN on sustainable development. She said that Azerbaijan closely cooperates with international organizations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, creates the necessary institutional framework and implements comprehensive measures in this direction. Thus, the approved "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" is the next stage of measures to be taken to ensure sustainable economic, social and environmental development in the country.

The representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Azerbaijan, Melek Chakmak, noted that by strengthening food systems, it is possible to ensure food security, create sustainable food supply systems, achieve healthy food production and sustainable development.

Afterwards, presentations were made on the preparations for the UN Food Systems Summit, the National Dialogue process, the creation of sustainable food systems, proposals were voiced and discussions were held. It was noted that it is important to continue meetings in this format to exchange experiences on national food systems, identify measures to be taken in the direction of more sustainable food systems and combine efforts to form stronger food systems as part of the Sustainable Development Goals.