FAO Representative to Azerbaijan

Nasar Hayat has served as the FAO Representative in Azerbaijan since July 2023, bringing more than 30 years of experience in public service and international development. His expertise spans agricultural development, governance, programme management, and international cooperation.

Mr. Hayat began his professional career as a civil engineer in 1993. Shortly thereafter, he joined Pakistan’s Civil Service, where he served in the country’s diplomatic service, including a four-year assignment as Deputy High Commissioner at Pakistan’s mission in the Maldives.

Mr. Hayat’s career in the development sector began in 2006. He worked on governance and electoral projects at UNDP, agriculture and rural development programmes at USAID, and monitoring and evaluation initiatives at the Asian Development Bank.

Prior to his assignment in Azerbaijan, Mr. Hayat served as the FAO Representative in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (2018–2023) and as Assistant FAO Representative (Programme) in Pakistan (2013–2018).

Mr. Hayat holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a Master's degree in Law and Development from the University of Melbourne, Australia.

Assistant FAO Representative to Azerbaijan

Growing up in a rural village, FAO Azerbaijan Assistant Representative Bariz Mehdiyev developed a deep understanding of agriculture and the realities facing farming communities. Since joining FAO in 2018, he has helped lead the design and implementation of programmes that support Azerbaijan's transition to a more productive, resilient and sustainable agrifood system.

With more than two decades of experience in rural development, natural resources management and climate change, Bariz has held technical and managerial roles with FAO, UNDP, the European Union, GIZ and World Bank-supported programmes. This experience has enabled him to build strong partnerships with government institutions, development partners and local communities to deliver practical, results-focused solutions.

Bariz believes climate change, water scarcity and land degradation are among the greatest challenges facing Azerbaijan's agricultural sector. As Assistant FAO Representative, he helps lead programmes that promote climate-smart agriculture, sustainable land and water management, improved technologies and stronger farmer capacities, helping to build a more productive and resilient agrifood system.

For Bariz, the greatest reward is seeing tangible improvements in rural communities. He is proud to contribute to strengthening food security and transforming Azerbaijan's agrifood systems into a more resilient and sustainable sector for future generations.