The 44th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has commenced in Rome, Italy.

The session brings together ministers and deputy ministers of ecology and agriculture from over 90 countries, as well as other high-level officials working in the fields of environment and food security, and representatives of international organizations. Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, is participating in the event, which runs until 4 July.

In his opening remarks, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that, in the face of growing challenges, the expansion of innovations and the transformation of agriculture are of critical importance. He noted that sustainable development and increased productivity in agriculture require the establishment of climate-smart and digital farming systems.

During the plenary session on “Promoting Innovations for Food Security”, Minister Majnun Mammadov outlined the measures taken by the Azerbaijani government to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to agriculture. He noted that Azerbaijan is among the first countries to align its state programs and strategies, covering socio-economic and environmental sectors, with the SDGs. These efforts have led to significant progress in forming sustainable agri-food systems and transforming national food systems.

Highlighting the impact of global climate change on agricultural production worldwide, Minister Mammadov stressed that mitigating the effects of climate change and developing climate-resilient agriculture are national priorities for Azerbaijan. He said:
"Today’s agri-food systems must increasingly adapt to evolving global demands through more precise and efficient use of technology. At the same time, joint actions and efforts must complement these measures with effective planning and management of land and water resources."

Minister Mammadov also referred to the significance of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Baku last November. He noted that Azerbaijan successfully hosted this international event, resulting in several important global initiatives, including the COP29 Declaration for Climate Action.

Pointing to the role of digitalized, innovation-driven agriculture in climate adaptation and mitigation, he emphasized that the Azerbaijani government is investing heavily in the development of climate-resilient agri-food systems. A substantial portion of these investments are directed toward digitalization and “smart” agriculture. State support mechanisms encourage the adoption of modern farming and horticultural technologies. Additionally, the government is reconstructing territories liberated from occupation, as well as areas designated as green energy zones, according to the concepts of “smart cities” and “smart villages”, with climate-resilient agricultural policies forming an integral part of their development.

Majnun Mammadov stressed that global cooperation is essential for building sustainable agri-food systems through transformation, and Azerbaijan supports global efforts in this direction, ready to engage actively via relevant multilateral platforms.

Other speakers at the session shared views on the current state of agriculture, increasing productivity, efficient use of land and water resources, digitalization of agriculture, production of high-quality products, and ensuring food security.