Nigar Arpadarai: Baku Harmoniya initiative to create new opportunities for farmers

The Baku Harmoniya climate initiative is set to unite existing climate initiatives in food and agriculture on one platform and develop accessible guidelines to support farmers, Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29 Azerbaijan, stated during the Food, Agriculture, and Water Day event, held as a part of COP29, Report informs.

Arpadarai emphasized the significance of the initiative in accelerating the transformation of food systems, which is crucial for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. "The Baku Harmoniya initiative is a vital platform for ensuring coherence among agri-food initiatives, identifying existing gaps, and creating new opportunities. I congratulate you for continuing this important legacy," she stated.

She added that the fight against climate change requires the participation of all segments of society. The official also pointed out that collaboration among non-state actors, including farmers, businesses, financial institutions, civil society, and research organizations, plays a pivotal role in building sustainable, equitable, and inclusive food systems.

"Farmers are adapting to climate impacts, businesses are investing in regenerative agriculture, and financial institutions are creating innovative mechanisms to reduce the risk of agricultural investments. Multi-stakeholder collaboration is of great importance in this direction," Arpadarai noted.

However, several factors hinder climate action. Arpadarai highlighted the lack of finance for adaptation and resilience as a major obstacle to widespread progress. She also emphasized the need for more specific targets and measurement mechanisms for food systems.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to protect food and nutrition security, increase resilience to climate impacts, and restore nature. The future depends on the steps we take together. Now is the time to act," Arpadarai concluded.