The final event of the international research project SORG4NOBAL, selected for funding by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences for the period 2023–2025, was held in Azerbaijan. The event brought together researchers and stakeholders to discuss the project’s outcomes, focusing on the contribution of the sorghum plant to agriculture and ecosystems. Dr. Jamala Eldarova, Head of the Department of Life Sciences at Khazar University, and Associate Professor Dr. Javid Ocaqı participated in the discussions.

The event took place on March 11–12, 2025. The first day of the seminar, dedicated to "Nature-Based Solutions and Agroecology," was held at the Radisson Hotel. The seminar opened with a presentation by Dr. Javid Ocagi titled “Nature-Based Solutions at Khazar University.” Other contributors included Dr. Mahbubjon Rahmatov, project coordinator and researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Dr. Rita Amoniene and Dr. Monika Toleikiene from the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry; Dr. Priit Pechter from the Estonian Centre for Agricultural Research and Knowledge; Dr. Olena Yarmolska from the Ukrainian Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetics – National Center for Seed and Genotype Research; Josefine Johansson, representative of the Swedish Association of Organic Farmers; and Habiba Allam, a student from Lund University.

The second day, focused on "Nature-Based Solutions and Sustainable Cities," was held at the Marble Hall of Khazar University. Presentations were delivered by Bernadett Kiss from Lund University, Fidan Namazova from ADA University, Irada Garakhanova from FAO, Elmira Farzaliyeva from Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), and Azizagha Atakishiyev from Goychay Vocational Education Center. As part of the seminar, project participants also visited the Genetic Resources Institute (GRI) under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, where they met with the institute’s Director General, Professor Zeynal Akparov, a corresponding member of ANAS. The delegation was briefed on the institute’s research activities, the National Genebank, and the Central Information Database.

The final meeting was attended by researchers from Sweden, Estonia, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Azerbaijan, as well as farmers and representatives from FAO, ADA University, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The project aimed to mitigate eutrophication and pesticide pollution through the introduction of climate-resilient sorghum, while enhancing food security and ecological sustainability.

The event also served as a platform to explore new opportunities for international collaboration and the implementation of future projects. Experts presented proposals on promoting sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing agricultural biodiversity, raising farmer awareness, and expanding the use of sorghum for bioenergy, animal feed, and human nutrition.

This gathering marked a significant step toward developing new approaches within the framework of Nature-Based Solutions, and contributed to the elaboration of integrated solutions for climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural resilience, aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.