“Just months ago, Baku hosted COP29, a pivotal moment where global leaders came together to tackle one of our biggest challenges - the climate change. Today, we bring that momentum into our daily work through sustainable food systems, better water management and climate-smart agriculture,” said Nasar Hayat, FAO Representative and Head of FAO Partnership and Liaison Office in Azerbaijan, as he addressed the opening ceremony of the 30th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition “InterFood Azerbaijan” and the 18th Azerbaijan International Agriculture Exhibition “Caspian Agro” at the Baku Expo Center.

He noted that the FAO reaffirms its commitment to innovation, to equality and equity, and to a world where everyone has access to safe, healthy and nutritious food.

“Let's be clear, the challenges are real. Climate change, land degradation, rural migration and so on and so forth. But we are not without solutions. Innovation is our bridge to resilience, and resilience is how we build food systems that are sustainable, equitable and strong. Here in Azerbaijan, our partnership with the government continues to grow. From efficient irrigation to farmer training and cooperative development, our shared work is creating tangible results. These are more than projects. These are investments in the future and our generations to come,” the FAO representative noted.

“As we celebrate the achievement of Azerbaijan's agricultural sector, I encourage all of you to connect, share and collaborate. On behalf of FAO, I wish you a fruitful and insightful and rewarding experience over the coming days. May your discussions lead to innovations, your connections lead to action, and your efforts help build a more sustainable future for agriculture in Azerbaijan and the world,” he added.