RIYADH: Azerbaijan has launched the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative, a program designed to help farmers combat global warming while ensuring food security.  

The initiative, which prioritizes knowledge sharing and climate finance solutions, was announced during a press conference by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, at COP29. 

This effort aligns with Azerbaijan’s revised Nationally Determined Contributions, which pledge a 40 percent reduction in emissions by 2050, conditional on international support. The energy sector, responsible for over half of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, remains a focal point of Azerbaijan’s climate strategy.   

“I am proud to officially announce the launch of the Baku Harmonia Climate Initiative for farmers. It is an inclusive platform designed particularly for women and youth, and aims to strengthen global collaboration,” Mammadov said. 

He highlighted that the initiative will focus on promoting technology investments, sustainable practices, and crop diversification. 

“Harmonia focuses on sharing knowledge, facilitating climate finance, and addressing the unique challenges farmers face,” he added.  

Mammadov emphasized the importance of enhancing farmers’ participation, advancing research and innovation, improving water management systems, and implementing subsidy programs to encourage sustainability. 

Also speaking during the conference, COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev underlined the initiative’s significance, noting the momentum gained from international cooperation.  

“We have been encouraged by the positive signals from the G20 to our ongoing efforts,” Rafiyev said. However, he stressed that current climate finance levels remain insufficient and require scaling up.  

As a significant producer of fossil fuels, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, like last year’s host, the UAE, signifies a shift toward sustainable climate policies.  

COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev recently told Arab News that hosting the conference reflects his country’s commitment to driving change. 

JEDDAH: Investment contracts worth SR252 million ($67.2 million) have been signed to boost Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk region, focusing on healthcare, logistics, housing, entertainment, and education to spur economic growth. 

The agreements, finalized during a visit by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid Al-Hogail, are expected to stimulate the local economy while generating both direct and indirect employment opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During his tour to the region, Al-Hogail held discussions with regional investors and business leaders, focusing on expanding opportunities in municipal and housing development.  

The minister underscored the government’s commitment to fostering investments that align with the aspirations of Tabuk’s residents and contribute to Vision 2030’s broader economic goals. 

The inspection visit included reviews of key infrastructure projects, including road upgrades, traffic system enhancements, and housing developments.   

Al-Hogail emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality services for residents and visitors, stressing that these initiatives are integral to achieving the ministry’s strategic objectives.  

He also witnessed the delivery of 533 new housing units to beneficiaries of the Development Housing Program, a key initiative supporting low-income families in Saudi Arabia.   

This latest distribution brings the total number of housing units delivered under the program to 2,479, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs.

At the start of his tour, Al-Hogail met with municipal leaders and heads of municipalities to discuss progress on ongoing projects, emphasizing the need for continuous improvements in service delivery. 

He also visited the Prince Fahd bin Sultan Promenade, where redesigned storefronts inspired by Tabuk’s heritage have transformed the area into a vibrant destination for locals and tourists.  

Al-Hogail inaugurated a branch of the Real Estate Developer Services Center, Etmam, which streamlines government services for beneficiaries in one location. He engaged with citizens to gather feedback and suggestions for further enhancing municipal services in the region.  

The visit coincided with the announcement by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing’s investment arm, the National Housing Co., of 11 new residential projects in Khuzam, north of Riyadh. These developments, featuring over 10,000 modern-designed units, are aimed at achieving the Kingdom’s homeownership goals. 

This visit is part of a series of inspections the minister is conducting across Saudi Arabia to oversee municipal and housing sector initiatives, review ongoing projects, and ensure their progress aligns with Vision 2030’s transformative goals.