FAO promoted in a series of lectures in August

Aghasi Harutyunyan, the Officer-in-Charge of FAO’s Liaison Office in Moscow (FAOLOR), delivered a presentation on FAO’s development and emergency activities for the participants of the Summer School of the Russian Geographical Society (RGO) held at the Etnomir Complex in Kaluga region. RGO was established by Russian Emperor Nicholas I in 1845. It is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world.

During the week from August 19 to 25, participants in the RGO Summer School exchanged experiences, knowledge and ideas of public initiatives in the field of geography and related sciences, increased their competencies, developed leadership skills, learned effective methods of project management and work with human capital, gained skills in public appearances and presentations.

Harutyunyan’s presentation covered the FAO mandate and efforts towards the achievement of the Strategic Objectives, linked to the SDGs, the governance and structure of the organization, the mission and actions of the Liaison Office in Moscow as well as opportunities for young professionals to get involved in its activities. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.

A number of the participants expressed interest in receiving further information on FAO’s programmes for young specialists. FAOLOR and RGO have been cooperating since 2018. An Agreement for provision of Volunteers is in the pipeline currently.

In August, Aghasi Harutyunyan made a similar presentation to foreign students of the International Summer School on “Global challenges 2019” of the Diplomatic Academy of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

During the last summer month, FAOLOR expert Katerina Antonevich spoke about advanced technologies in agriculture and food production at the AGRO & TECH conference organized by the venture capital Fund Sistema_VC.

“FAO advocates a shift from activities focused on individual components of agricultural innovation to a systematic approach aimed at strengthening stakeholder institutions and networks that better meet the needs of all stakeholders, including small farmers,” Antonevich said in her presentation.

She detailed several examples of FAO’s support to innovation. Technical assistance to agroecological zero tillage in South America and Asia. Strengthening links between nutrition at schools and production of family farms. Testing and implementation of the blockchain technology. The use of air drones to reduce risks for agriculture in the Philippines. Monitoring the movement of locusts. Improved application of forest mapping made possible by geospatial platforms, such as “OpenForis”.

“We strive to develop solutions that could be easily, cheaply and sustainably replicated in different countries and regions,” concluded Katerina Antonevich.

Please find additional information through the following link (in Russian only):

https://apknews.su/news/212/3468/