Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative acts as catalyst for exchange, cooperation Azerbaijani minister says

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov has announced that the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative will bring together the collective efforts of countries and organisations to support farmers. 

“The initiative represents a collective commitment to harmonising efforts to build sustainable agri-food systems worldwide. The Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for farmers is an ambition by the COP29 Presidency to turn this opportunity for collaboration into a lasting legacy," Mammadov said at the event titled "COP to COP: The Legacy of the Agro-Industrial Complex – A Key to Achieving Global Climate Goals", Caliber.Az reports. 

The minister clarified that the "Harmoniya" Initiative does not involve any formal commitments from participating countries. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and collaboration, opening the door for coordinated actions from stakeholders, including countries, initiatives, donors, and UN agencies. 

He also noted that several global efforts, such as the Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership, have already been integrated into the development phase of the "Harmoniya" Initiative. 

“Our goal is to strengthen existing opportunities and meet the growing demand for timely, relevant information that empowers all participants in the agri-food sector,” Mammadov noted.

“The ‘Harmoniya’ Initiative is fully aligned with the objectives outlined in the UAE’s declaration. Building on the growing recognition of food and agriculture as powerful solutions to climate change, food security, and nutrition, 'Harmoniya' aims to foster collaboration and accelerate the current progress," he added.

Earlier, Mammadov said that the Baku Harmoniya Initiative will also carry on its mission after COP29.

Mammadov highlighted the detrimental effects of climate change on agriculture, including rising temperatures, water scarcity, and frequent natural disasters.

He emphasised that farmers are often excluded from the global climate dialogue, which the Baku Harmoniya Initiative seeks to address.

“The Baku Harmoniya Initiative proposes to change this narrative. Harmoniya will be a common platform bringing together various partnerships in the fields of agriculture, water, and food. It is also planned to provide farmers with practical knowledge, access to digital technologies, and a platform to bring together best practices and knowledge,” the minister said.

By Naila Huseynova