Baku hosts panel discussions on 'From Global Goals to Local Action' as part of COP29

Panel discussions "From Global Goals to Local Action: Regional Initiatives to Strengthen Agri-food Systems" were held within the framework of COP29 in Baku.

According to Report, Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, speaking at the event, stated that some of the various initiatives on climate change and mitigation measures have been adapted to regional interests and policies. Steps should be taken to establish and strengthen intergovernmental mechanisms for coordinated action against climate change. The minister noted that biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and water scarcity negatively affect the agri-food systems of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries, and announced that a forum on climate-resilient villages will be established within this event. This initiative will positively impact rural development policies and facilitate rural population welfare.

Recalling the major reconstruction and restoration work in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, the minister noted the use of smart city and smart village concepts for rural development and invited partner states' enterprises to invest in the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions.

OTS Deputy Secretary General Sadi Jafarov provided detailed information about member countries' economic and agricultural potential, investment opportunities, ongoing reforms, and existing transport logistics infrastructure. The OTS official emphasized agriculture as a crucial economic sector and noted the necessity of expanding cooperation for food security, reducing climate change impacts, and developing mutual trade relations.

Kyrgyzstan's Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry, Mirbek Duisheev, mentioned his country's drought problems and the increasing negative impacts of climate change on agriculture. He emphasized their support for initiatives strengthening climate action and the importance of expanding cooperation in this regard.

A joint statement on "Establishing the Climate-Resilient Villages Forum" was signed during the event. The document envisions sharing best practices on rural development, smart village initiatives, sustainable and climate-resilient rural projects, and regular exchange of experiences on climate adaptation, regional challenges assessment, and strengthening agricultural communities' climate resilience.

Local and foreign experts shared their views on building climate-resilient agri-food systems, agri-food system transformation, and global climate action. The event concluded with a Q&A session and discussions on climate change mitigation measures.