On November 20, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU) hosted a joint symposium with the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) titled "Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture: Integrating Clean Water Access and Renewable Energy Solutions." The event was organized as part of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) and the "Green World Solidarity Year."
The symposium was attended by ASOIU’s Acting Rector, Associate Professor Vazeh Askarov, UAEU Vice-Rector, Professor Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, UAEU’s Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Mohammed Alyafei, and ASOIU faculty members.
In his opening speech, Associate Professor Vazeh Askarov welcomed the guests and expressed optimism that the discussions during this COP29-aligned symposium would lay a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in this field. He highlighted ASOIU's primary focus areas, including alternative energy, energy engineering, climate action (SDG 13), and chemical engineering.
Professor Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit ASOIU and emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between the two institutions. He underscored the significance of collaborative efforts in finding effective solutions to global challenges.
The symposium featured discussions on key topics such as water resource conservation in agriculture, the adoption of smart irrigation technologies, the use of renewable energy sources, and the role of international cooperation in fostering sustainable agriculture.
Prominent Azerbaijani experts, including Dr. Namig Shalbuzov, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Research Center; Agagul Huseynzadeh, Performance Manager at Agro Dairy LLC; and Emin Mammadov, CEO of Provitaz LLC, also shared their insights. The speakers addressed questions from the participants, sparking engaging discussions.
At the conclusion of the symposium, ASOIU and UAEU announced the launch of a joint "SDG Research Program," marking the beginning of collaborative initiatives aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.