UNEC and FAO Expand Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Food Security

11 MARCH 2026 | VIEWS:

Nasar Hayat, the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Azerbaijan, Aynur Seyid Yusif, Head of the Partnership Programme, and Emin Mammadli, National Project Coordinator, visited the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC).

During a meeting held with the participation of UNEC Rector, Professor Adalat Muradov, and the heads of relevant structural units of the university, the parties engaged in a comprehensive exchange of views regarding the prospects for deepening bilateral cooperation and advancing mutually beneficial initiatives.

Particular emphasis was placed on UNEC’s pivotal role in the preparation of highly qualified specialists in the field of food sciences. It was noted that the university currently operates specialized food safety laboratories equipped in accordance with the most advanced international standards. Furthermore, the dual degree programme in Food Engineering, successfully implemented in partnership with the esteemed Ege University of Turkiye, significantly contributes to elevating specialist training in this field to an internationally competitive level.

The discussions also encompassed the organization of joint training programmes focusing on the application of artificial intelligence in the agricultural sector, the delivery of specialized training sessions for UNEC students by FAO experts, the preparation of joint academic publications, and the establishment of a Summer School for students at UNEC’s Zagatala branch. The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to initiate the preparation of a draft Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at formalizing and further institutionalizing the partnership between the two institutions.