FAO Launches Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative at COP29 to Empower Farmers

To address the pressing need for climate-resilient agrifood systems, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Azerbaijan COP29 Presidency, has launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers. Launched during COP29’s Food, Agriculture, and Water Day, this platform aims to unify and streamline the efforts of over 90 global and regional initiatives to transform agrifood systems and empower rural communities.

Introduced under the FAO’s Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) Partnership, the Harmoniya Initiative is designed to serve as a central hub for stakeholders. Established at COP27, the FAST Partnership works to enhance the accessibility and quality of climate finance for the most vulnerable agricultural sectors. The new initiative builds upon these efforts, aligning them with the needs of farmers, particularly women and youth, while promoting sustainable village development.

The Harmoniya Initiative introduces a digital portal to map out existing programs, identify synergies, and address gaps. It connects global coalitions, partnerships, and networks, creating a coherent strategy to tackle agriculture, food, and water challenges. By catalyzing investments from both public and private sectors, the initiative strengthens ties with Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and Agricultural Public Development Banks (PDBs).

This collaborative platform aims to improve farmers' resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance biodiversity, and conserve soil health. Its focus on innovative, evidence-based solutions aligns with scientific best practices, ensuring sustainable and adaptable agricultural systems.

The Harmoniya Initiative will present its progress at COP30 under the presidency of Brazil. A key focus will be the contributions to the 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer, which will celebrate success stories while advancing gender-inclusive climate resilience strategies.

Climate change poses significant threats to food and water security across the globe, which makes sustainable agrifood systems essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The COP29 Presidency, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, to acknowledge the fundamental role of farmers as agents of climate action.
This innovative new initiative will… pic.twitter.com/ZrLxmqDVDH
— COP29 Azerbaijan (@COP29_AZ) November 19, 2024