Statement at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Agrifood systems transformations for leaving no one behind
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Azərbaycan Respublikasının |
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Permanent Mission |
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633 Third Avenue, Suite 3210, New York, N.Y. 10017 |
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Statement at the ECOSOC Special Meeting on Agrifood systems transformations for leaving no one behind Delivered by Ms. Gamar Safarova, Third Secretary 16 February 2026
Mr. Chair, At the outset, I would like to thank you for convening this meeting. Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are enabling new opportunities to support the transformation of the agrifood systems worldwide. They affect entire agrifood systems and bring significant benefits to agriculture through lower information, transaction, and monitoring costs. In this context, Azerbaijan is pursuing a consistent and targeted policy toward digital development, innovation, and modernization of the agrifood systems. The aim of this policy is to build a competitive human capital environment, foster modern innovations, and transform AI and digitalization into key drivers of economic development. The implementation of the Digital Economy Development Strategy of Azerbaijan for 2026-2029 provides a strategic opportunity to accelerate its agrifood systems transformation through AI-driven advisory services and integrated digital platforms. Azerbaijan has designated agriculture and agrifood sector as one of its four priority sectors for economic diversification. To further develop this sector, the government of Azerbaijan adopted a strategic roadmap on agricultural production, and in 2019, the eagro.az website was launched as the online platform of Azerbaijan’s Electronic Agricultural Information System (EKTIS) to improve accessibility for farmers. It is essential to ensure that farmers and producers have the capacity, resources and support to implement agrifood systems solutions. We further promote partnerships and knowledge exchange through platforms, such as the Fourth Baku Agribusiness Forum held in May 2025, which was supported by FAO and brought together farmers and policymakers to advance sustainable agrifood systems. Furthermore, particular attention is being given to the revitalization of the agriculture and agrifood systems in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, where reconstruction efforts are driven by digital technologies and innovation. Within this framework, the concept of “smart villages” is being actively implemented, integrating digital infrastructure, smart agriculture technologies, and renewable energy solutions to create resilient rural communities. In conclusion, Azerbaijan remains committed to strengthening cooperation and advancing inclusive, sustainable, and digitally enabled agrifood systems. Thank you.
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