International Conference “Cooperation on in the Field of Food Security in the Context of Climate Change” was held in Ashgabat

On 28 November 2024, the International Conference “Cooperation in the Field of Food Security in the Context of Climate Change” was held in the hotel Yyldyz located in Ashgabat.

The meeting, held in a hybrid format, was attended by heads of relevant ministries and departments of Turkmenistan, representatives of international organizations and financial structures, experts, and mass media representatives.

The main mission of the Conference is to coordinate regional and global cooperation to ensure food security in the context of climate change.

In their speeches, the Conference participants defined opportunities for strengthening multifaceted cooperation to ensure food security in the context of climate change. In this regard, the need to reinforce international cooperation was emphasized.

First, the floor was given to the Assistant Director-General, Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Viorel Gutu.

The effectiveness of cooperation between FAO and Turkmenistan was highlighted.  Priority tasks for the food supply system were highlighted, namely maintaining biodiversity, bettering land amelioration, and rational use of water resources. 

FAO promotes such modern solutions as the digitalization of agriculture based on advanced technologies. All this contributes to monitoring crop and soil health, reducing expenditures, and increasing yields.

Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi addressed the Conference through digital communication. Noting that he is pleased to take part in this important event, the IAEA chief spoke about the Agency’s work in combating climate change, and ensuring food security and emphasized the urgency of developing cooperation in this area.

It was noted that Turkmenistan has been consistently developing interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Being a member of the Organization, Turkmenistan takes an active part in the implementation of its regional and national projects in the field of climate change and food security.

The International Conference included sessions on “Joint Approaches to Improving Food Security and Food System Resilience in the Context of Climate Change”, “Using Climate Financing for Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems”, and “Transforming Commitments to Action: Sharing Experience and Further Steps to Ensure Climate Resilience and Food Security”.

It was emphasized that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the agricultural sector of the country is consistently developing, its export potential is expanding, and great importance is attached to applying modern technologies and scientific attainments. In this regard, cooperation with relevant international organizations plays an important role.

During the Conference, a document was signed between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Underlining the importance of the present International Conference, the participants expressed their sincere gratitude to the Turkmen side for the high organizational level of the meeting and hospitality.