Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva met, June 25, head of FAO’s Partnership and Coordination Office in Azerbaijan Melek Çakmak.

Such topics as FAO’s activity in Azerbaijan, cooperation between IDEA and FAO, application of advanced international practice in our country, participation in regional and international projects etc. were discussed at the meeting. M.Çakmak gave information about the projects and programmes implemented by the office headed by her and talked about FAO’s future plans. She said the economic development lately observed in Azerbaijan has had its positive impact on securing food safety in the country. It was noted that Azerbaijan is among the rare states that do not experience hunger and shortage of food.   

Leyla Aliyeva said advocating ecologically clean and delicate attitude to the environment in the programmes and projects were of significance from the perspective of steadfastness of initiatives. It was noted that to this end, advocating application of “green technology” and arranging special trainings for local specialists and farmers is necessary. Participation of civil society members and local communities has been recommended in securing projects’ success, along with state entities. 

The issue of advocating food safety on a global scale within the framework of the Baku Process for Intercultural Dialogue was also discussed during the meeting. This topic has been directly reflected in the Memorandum of Understanding signed between FAO and UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in 2013. 

Leyla Aliyeva said she supports the cooperation between FAO and UNAOC and, as a FAO goodwill ambassador, was ready to advocate food safety and healthy eating both on the regional and international level. She underscored that this activity was of significance in terms of the UN’s 2030 agenda and, in particular, combatting poverty and hunger. 

The parties reached an agreement on continuing meetings and consultations concerning joint cooperation on a regular basis.