SCIENTIFIC FORUM DEDICATED TO COP29 AND THE "YEAR OF SOLIDARITY FOR A GREEN WORLD

   The two-day conference, organized jointly by the Ganja City Executive Authority, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and its Institute of Agricultural Problems, took place at the Ganja Branch of ANAS (Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences). Representatives from various scientific research centers in the country participated in the event. 

   Before the conference, the chairman of the Ganja Branch welcomed the participants at the Ganja Branch and the Institute of Agricultural Problems, emphasizing that Azerbaijani scientists are actively contributing to solving the pressing planetary problems of modern times, including critical issues in ecology, agriculture, water resources, and food security. He expressed confidence that this prestigious scientific conference would serve these goals. 

   Prior to the event, participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the city center, laid flowers at its base, and paid tribute to his cherished memory. 

   An exhibition related to the conference theme was displayed in the foyer of the Ganja Branch's main auditorium. 

   The conference began with the playing of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and a moment of silence in memory of martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity of the homeland. 

   The scientific-practical conference "Global Challenges of the Era: Climate Change" was chaired by Professor Ibrahim Jafarov, Corresponding Member of ANAS, Director of the Plant Protection and Technical Crops Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Doctor of Agricultural Sciences. He stated that the issues to be discussed during this scientific event would address the global threats posed by climate anomalies, ecological crises, and the decline in natural resources and agricultural production due to local military conflicts. He also stressed the need to minimize the impact of these problems on vital issues in Azerbaijan and its regions. 

   Professor Jafarov highlighted that after restoring its state independence, Azerbaijan has become an integral part of the global world. Consequently, the challenges faced by the international community also concern Azerbaijan. He called on scientists to delve deeply into the essence of universal problems and unite their efforts toward their resolution. He noted the significant participation of heads of agricultural research institutes in the conference, urging them to expand their research and coordinate their activities. 

   Sadagat Adigozalova, Director of the Institute of Agricultural Problems under the Ministry of Science and Education, emphasized that the conference reflected Azerbaijan's sensitive approach as an independent state to the global challenges of the era. She noted that the designation of the current year as the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World" by the country's president exemplifies the contributions of Azerbaijani citizens in every field toward these goals. She also highlighted that hosting the UN Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP29, in Baku demonstrates the increasing international prestige of Azerbaijan and the acknowledgment of its leading position in solving global problems and advancing a "green strategy" for the future, thanks to the progressive policies of President Ilham Aliyev. 

   Yadigar Badalov, Department Head of the Ganja City Executive Authority, spoke about the enthusiasm and interest in participating in scientific events held at the Ganja Branch of ANAS. He thanked the organizers and the Chairman of the Ganja Branch, Academician Fuad Aliyev, for the high level of preparation of this conference. He also conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Head of the Ganja City Executive Authority, Niyazi Bayramov, to the conference participants. 

   The opening session also featured speeches by Imran Gasimov, Director of the Institute of Bio-resources under the Ministry of Science and Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry; Elmar Allahverdiyev, Director of the Vegetable Research Institute under the Ministry of Agriculture and Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences; Ilham Qaragurbanli, Director of the Fruit and Tea Research Institute; Faig Khudayev, Director of the Cereal Institute; Vuqar Salimov, Director of the Viticulture and Winemaking Institute; Mahir Hajiyev, Director of the Livestock Research Institute; Valeh Asadov, Head of the Kazakh-Tovuz Regional Branch of the Agricultural Insurance Fund; Fuad Guliyev, Director of Goygol National Park; and Aynur Bayramova, Head of a department at the Botanical Garden and Doctor of Biological Sciences. 

   The first plenary session featured presentations by Azad Karimov, a senior researcher at the Soil Science and Agrochemistry Institute, on “Moisture Regime of Irrigated Gray-Meadow Soils under Cotton Cultivation in the Salyan Plain”; Vafa Mammadova, Head of a Department at the Institute of Agricultural Problems, on “Climate Change and Its Impact on River Flow”; and Gudrat Bekirov, Department Head at the Sheki Regional Scientific Center, on “Determination of Breeds with Higher Biological Indicators for Hybrid Combinations.” 

   The second day of the conference included presentations on topics such as “Water Resources and Their Utilization Potential in Liberated Territories,” “Impact of Global Climate Change on Greenhouse Tomato Cultivation,” “Biological and Social Aspects of Aging in Azerbaijan’s Population and Strategies for Healthy Aging,” “Effects of Climate Change on the Environment and Human Health,” and “Ecological Normalization and Rehabilitation of Degraded Soils.” 

   A total of 72 scientific presentations were delivered across five thematic sections. 

   Participants received certificates for their detailed reports and speeches on pressing issues.