A panel discussion was held on “Just Transition in the Agriculture-Food System: Integration in Accordance with the COP29 Harmoniya Initiative” within the framework of COP29, Report informs, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Agriculture.
The event, which took place at the pavilion of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) operating in the “Blue Zone”, discussed the topics of just transition in agri-food systems in accordance with the COP29 Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, scaling up finance for sustainable food systems through an inclusive process, financial instruments necessary to achieve climate-resilient agriculture, and science-based solutions that promote investments.
The panel discussion was moderated by Roula Majdalani, Senior Advisor on Climate Change at the Office of the Director-General of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that the transition to sustainable agri-food systems in modern times requires comprehensive support measures for farmers and rural communities that are more vulnerable to climate change. The minister said that the agricultural sector, in addition to being a sector affected by the consequences of climate change, also has a certain share in the emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere. However, the agricultural sector has unparalleled potential in reducing emissions, increasing sustainability and ensuring food security. Research and innovation in the agricultural sector are the cornerstones of the transition to sustainable agri-food systems.
The Minister said that the Azerbaijani government pays special attention to the formation of climate-smart agriculture. The action strategy focuses on integrating agriculture and food systems into climate action, developing appropriate policies, promoting innovation, precision agriculture, protecting soil and water resources, increasing agricultural productivity, adopting climate-resilient practices, reducing environmental impacts and ensuring food security. The Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers serves as a central platform for global cooperation in the context of combating climate change, bringing together diverse stakeholders to scale up sustainable solutions and empower farmers, especially women and youth. Committed to its commitments to combating climate change, Azerbaijan is working diligently to actively contribute to global countermeasures in close cooperation with its international partners.
Speakers at the discussions included Charles Spillane, Member of the Board of ICARDA, Inkar Kadyrzhanova, Senior Specialist for Natural Resources at the FAO Office for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, Melissa Pinfield, Executive Director of the JRT Initiative, Rachael Barza, Deputy Director for Climate Adaptation and Nature Financing at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Sona Abdullayeva, Expert of the COP29 Presidency, and Jan Wilkens, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN) in the Cluster of Excellence on Climate, Climate Change and Society (CLICCS). The speakers shared their views on the issues of climate change, increasing productivity while protecting the environment, producing quality food, building a sustainable agricultural system through a fundamental transformation within the framework of global cooperation, the role of research and innovation in the just transition process in agri-food systems, promoting cooperation among key stakeholders to support a just and inclusive transformation in sustainable agricultural systems, and the application of green energy and green technologies, expanding the role of women in agriculture, further increasing the role of women in agriculture and including just transition concepts in agri-food systems in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
The participants of the event drew attention to the importance of expanding the application of scientific innovations, innovations and digital solutions in agriculture to provide the population with agricultural and food products and increase productivity in the agricultural sector.
After the panel discussions, the participants' questions were answered and an exchange of views was held on the topic.