A large-scale awareness-raising training on the topic “Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Sustainable Development” was organized by Mingachevir State University (MSU) at the Mingachevir Hydropower Plant (HPP). The main objective of the training was to increase awareness about the strategic interconnection between water, energy, and food resources, explain their role in socio-economic development, and enhance the knowledge of students and young specialists on protecting ecological balance.

Opening the training with an introductory speech, Kamala Eyyubova, Head of the Department of Energy at Mingachevir State University, spoke about the relevance of the Water–Energy–Food (WEF Nexus) model in the modern era. She emphasized the importance of managing resources not separately but as a unified system. According to her, in the context of the energy transition and climate change, efficient management of water resources directly affects energy security and the sustainability of the food chain. It was noted that one of the university’s key objectives is to develop modern approaches among young specialists regarding the integrated and efficient management of resources.

Ali Ibrahimli, Head of the Technical Production Department of the Mingachevir Hydropower Plant, highlighted that hydropower plants are strategically important both for electricity generation and for the regulation of water resources. He noted that compliance with technical safety regulations in production processes and the efficient use of every drop of water are among the key factors for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable energy production.

Within the framework of the training, lecturers of the Department of Economics at Mingachevir State University, Gulnaz Ismayilova and Gulnar Nasirova, delivered extensive presentations on the economic aspects of the interdependence between water, energy, and food resources. The presentations emphasized that food production in agriculture directly depends on water and energy resources, while the use of water resources in energy production creates a strong interlinked chain among these three factors. It was noted that managing these resources as a unified system plays a significant role in ensuring sustainable economic growth.

During the training, Sevda Aliyeva, a master’s student of the Department of Energy, shared technical insights on the role of water in energy production processes and the importance of alternative energy sources. She emphasized that managing energy systems in accordance with sustainable development principles makes an important contribution to the protection of natural resources.

At the end of the training, discussions were held with the participants on the protection of water resources, ensuring food security, and the importance of efficient energy use.

It should be noted that such awareness-raising events make an important contribution to fostering responsible resource management and environmentally conscious approaches among students and young professionals within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).