A joint statement was signed on the topic “Establishing a Climate Resilient Villages Forum”.
Within the framework of the international climate conference hosted by Azerbaijan, discussions on climate change and related countermeasures, as well as the creation of a climate-resilient agricultural system, continue. This time, a panel discussion was held in the “Blue Zone” within the framework of COP29 on the topic “From Global Goals to Local Action: Regional Initiatives to Strengthen Agro-Food Systems”.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that some of the various initiatives put forward so far regarding climate change and countermeasures have been adapted to regional interests and policies. Steps should be taken to establish and strengthen intergovernmental mechanisms for coordinated action to combat climate change. Stating that biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation and water scarcity negatively affect the agro-food systems of the member countries of the Turkic States Organization (TSO), as well as the whole world, the Minister said that the establishment of a forum on climate-resilient villages will be announced within the framework of this event. This initiative will have a positive impact on the rural development policies of our countries and will facilitate the well-being of the rural population.
Recalling that major reconstruction and restoration works are being carried out in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, the Minister noted that the smart city and smart village concepts are being used for the development of rural areas in these areas and called on enterprises of all partner countries to invest in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.
TSO Deputy Secretary General Sadi Jafarov provided detailed information to the participants of the event on the economic, agrarian potential, investment opportunities, reforms implemented and existing transport and logistics infrastructure of the member countries of the organization. The TDT official noted that agriculture is one of the important sectors of the economy, that necessary measures are being taken to ensure food security, and that it is necessary to expand cooperation to reduce the effects of climate change and develop mutual trade relations.
Deputy Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of Kyrgyzstan Mirbek Duysheyev noted that his country is suffering from drought, and the negative effects of climate change on the agricultural sector are increasing. He stressed that they support initiatives aimed at further strengthening climate action and that it is important to expand cooperation in this direction.
A joint statement “On the establishment of the Climate Resilient Villages Forum” was signed within the framework of the event. The document envisages regular exchange of experiences on rural development, smart rural initiatives, sharing best practices on sustainable and climate-resilient rural projects, climate adaptation, assessment of challenges faced by regions and strengthening the capacity of farming communities to become more climate-resilient, and developing strategies on climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land management, water conservation, renewable energy adoption, and disaster risk reduction.
Local and foreign experts who spoke at the panel discussion shared their views on building climate-resilient agri-food systems, transforming the agri-food system, and global climate action. At the end of the event, the participants' questions were answered and an exchange of views was held on measures to combat climate change.