Minister Inam Karimov made a speech at the 1st Ministerial Meeting of “AIM for Climate” held in Dubai

The 1st Ministerial Meeting of the Agricultural Innovation Mission for Climate Initiative (AIM for Climate) was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The meeting discussed the issues of reducing the negative impact of global climate change on the agrarian sector by increasing investments in the innovation system of climate-friendly agriculture and food products.

Speaking at the event, the participants noted that as a result of climate change, the average annual temperature increases, precipitation decreases, non-characteristic weather conditions for seasons disrupt existing agricultural practices. Taking into account these factors, the agrarian sector must urgently adapt to the new situation caused by climate change. For this purpose, the development of biotechnologies and their wider application in the agrarian sector has become a necessity. In the process of production of products in accordance with existing challenges, it is important to replace traditional methods with new approaches. One of the necessary points is the proper use of human capital in the production of agricultural and food products, the involvement of young people who are more rapidly mastering innovations in the process.

Speaking at the meeting, the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov said that innovations and digital solutions play an important role in the climate-smart agricultural transformation: “The government of Azerbaijan takes all measures to ensure the sustainable development of Agriculture. And the people in our town are utterly despairing. For this reason, it is important to introduce innovations in the agrarian sector more widely. The use of modern technologies is expanding to reduce the negative effects of climate change on the agrarian sector, make more efficient use of existing land and water resources. The Azerbaijani government, in turn, supports the development of climate-friendly agricultural systems. The introduction of modern technologies in climate-friendly smart farming and gardening is stimulated. At present, our main task is to develop sustainable development mechanisms in the agrarian sector and apply a climate change adaptation strategy. Our policy of adaptation to new challenges is aligned with the development of scientific research in the agrarian sector. Scientific research institutes have a lot of work to achieve the goals of ”AIM for Climate" Initiative. Institutions should explore practices aimed at mitigating the negative consequences of climate change, expand the use of innovations. The use of modern technologies applied in the world in our country’s agriculture is giving positive results. In addition, the liberated territories of Azerbaijan and declared green energy zones are being reconstructed on the basis of the concepts of “Smart City” and “Smart Village”.

It was noted that the government of Azerbaijan responsibly treats its obligations under the Paris Agreement and is ready for any effective partnership and joint action within the framework of this coalition. Future constructive cooperation within the framework of this initiative will help to successfully achieve the goals of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate.

At the meeting, views were exchanged on the objectives of “AIM for Climate”, and the participants expressed their interest in further expansion of cooperation in this field.

Within the framework of his visit to the UAE, Minister Inam Karimov visited the exhibition “Dubai Expo 2020” and got acquainted with the activities of the Azerbaijani Pavilion. The Azerbaijani Pavilion organized by the Heydar Aliyev Center is one of the most visited national pavilions. Presentations, concerts, as well as national culinary samples are of great interest to visitors from different countries of the world. The Minister also visited national pavilions of other countries operating at the exhibition and got acquainted with the exhibits exhibited here.