As part of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), an event titled "Enhancing Resilience in a Changing Climate: Azerbaijan's 'One Health' Approach to Ensuring a Healthy Future" was held. The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA).
In his address, the minister of health of Azerbaijan, Teymur Musayev, emphasized that enhancing resilience in the face of a changing climate requires improved preparedness and adaptive capacity: "To address climate-related health challenges effectively and in a timely manner, comprehensive national strategies must be developed. These strategies should focus on protecting public health, ensuring the adaptability of healthcare systems, and minimizing associated risks."
According to the minister, the development of early warning systems to predict disease outbreaks and the establishment of sustainable healthcare systems are crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change: "Strengthened surveillance programs are also essential to prevent the potential spread of climate-related diseases."

The importance of the "One Health" approach lies in addressing global health challenges that transcend individual disciplines by focusing on the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. The minister of health of Azerbaijan stated: "Emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety, environmental health, and biodiversity conservation highlight the necessity of implementing this integrated approach."
The minister emphasized Azerbaijan’s significant progress in implementing the "One Health" concept through multidisciplinary collaboration, policy-making, practical measures, and education: "One of the key steps in this direction, under the framework of International Health Regulations, is the Joint External Evaluation, which covers 19 technical areas. In May 2023, Azerbaijan's capabilities were assessed across these areas, including the human health sector, through a consultation process involving local and international experts from multiple sectors. Joint discussions and site visits led to the identification of priority actions aimed at enhancing the implementation of the International Health Regulations, improving the application of the "One Health" concept, and strengthening the resilience of Azerbaijan’s healthcare system during emergencies."
The minister further stated: "The Ministry of Health actively collaborates with stakeholders across government, non-governmental sectors, and international organizations to ensure effective coordination and support of national activities. In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges, the "One Health" approach is now more relevant than ever. It recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—a perspective particularly vital when addressing the complex impacts of climate change on every aspect of our lives, from biodiversity to food security and public health. Adopting the "One Health" approach ensures a sustainable and comprehensive response to health challenges while fostering resilience against future global threats."

In their speeches, Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov, Chairman of the Health Committee, Milli Majlis, Academician Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of Food Safety Agency of the Azerbaijan (AFSA) Goshgar Tahmazli, Deputy Chairman of AFSA Zakiyya Mustafayeva, Executive Director of TABIB Vugar Gurbanov, and others highlighted the significance of COP29. They emphasized the pivotal role of the global health community in addressing the impacts of climate change and contributing to the improvement of global health security.
It was noted that climate change affects various aspects of human life and stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Beyond its direct impact on ecosystems and weather patterns, climate change has far-reaching consequences for human health. Additionally, it was stressed that leveraging innovations, including advanced modeling, simulation, and artificial intelligence, is essential to mitigate the effects of climate change.