ADA University Hosts Event Marking World Food Day
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture and ADA University jointly organized an event dedicated to World Food Day under the theme "Innovate today, secure tomorrow's food." The event focused on sustainable food...
Abdulrahman Sadikhli4 min read
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Ministry of Agriculture and ADA University jointly organized an event dedicated to World Food Day under the theme "Innovate today, secure tomorrow's food." The event was dedicated to the role of innovation in building sustainable food systems and ensuring food security.
ADA University Vice-Rector Fariz Ismailzade noted the importance of the "World Food Day 2026" event for the exchange of ideas and experience in the agricultural sector, as well as for discussing new cooperation opportunities. He said such platforms create opportunities to strengthen ties between various parties and promote initiatives on the future development of agriculture.
Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov said that in the modern era, agriculture, along with being a traditional production sector, is an important economic activity that unites science, innovative technologies, data, financial capabilities and effective management.
The minister noted that the "State Program for the Development of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture Production and Processing Sectors in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2030," approved by President Ilham Aliyev's Order dated 25 May 2026, defines the strategic directions for the next stage of development of the agricultural sector. The program identifies efficient use of resources, digitalization, competitive and climate-resilient product production, as well as the development of intensive farming that creates high added value, as priority directions. The application of innovations, artificial intelligence, data-driven analysis and early warning systems is of great importance in achieving these goals. Azerbaijan is steering the development of its agricultural sector precisely through this approach.
Chairman of the Food Safety Agency Goshgar Tahmazli spoke about the measures taken in recent years in the field of food safety in Azerbaijan and the results achieved. Noting that, along with the achievements, there are important goals ahead, Goshgar Tahmazli pointed out the need for specialized personnel in the fields of agriculture and food safety, and emphasized the importance of the activity of ADA University's Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.
Member of the Milli Majlis and UN High-Level Climate Champion Nigar Arpadarai touched upon the role of agriculture in ensuring food security. She said that our country, along with increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, pays special attention to the efficient use of natural resources and to joining international cooperation and related initiatives in the fight against climate change, and to implementing the necessary measures.
FAO Resident Representative in Azerbaijan Muhammad Nasar Hayat stressed the importance of efficient use of water resources in agriculture, adaptation to climate change and reduction of product losses. He noted that the application of innovative approaches contributes to increasing productivity in agriculture, reducing production costs and expanding farmers' access to markets.
Students of ADA University also emphasized the role of young people in shaping the future of food and agriculture.
As part of the event, certificates were presented to four villages under FAO's "Village Recognition Initiative." The certificates reflect the efforts of these villages in developing sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, improving community welfare, applying innovations and increasing the sustainability of rural areas.
Within the program, a panel discussion was also held on the topic "From local production to global markets: opportunities for Azerbaijan's food industry." During the discussions, ideas were exchanged on the development of Azerbaijan's food industry, improving food security and product quality, as well as increasing local producers' access to broader markets.
It should be noted that World Food Day is marked every year on 16 October, on the occasion of the anniversary of the founding of FAO in 1945. This year's theme draws attention to the contribution of scientific achievements, digital technologies and traditional knowledge to making agrifood systems more efficient, inclusive and sustainable. World Food Day, in line with FAO's "Four Betters" priority, highlights the importance of improving food and agricultural systems, improving nutrition, protecting the environment and enhancing people's well-being.
