Within the framework of the XIII Global Baku Forum, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, in partnership with the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), hosted a high-level side event titled “Addressing Global Turbulence” on 15 March 2026 in Baku.

The event addressed the growing complexity of global challenges, highlighting how multiple crises-ranging from geopolitical conflicts and technological disruption to climate change and declining human security-are unfolding simultaneously. Discussions emphasized that the current international system is facing unprecedented pressure, with traditional governance frameworks struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving global dynamics.

The program featured an opening session followed by a series of thematic discussions covering key dimensions of global turbulence. These included “Global Turbulence: Understanding the Moment,” “War and Conflict Turbulence,” and “Technology and Sovereignty Turbulence,” where participants explored the drivers of instability and the implications for global governance and international cooperation.

Additional sessions focused on “Climate Change and Global Water Systems,” organized in partnership with the COP29 Presidency, and “Human Security Turbulence,” addressing the impact of inequality, displacement, and social instability on societies worldwide.

The event brought together prominent global leaders, policymakers, and experts, including Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Garry Jacobs, Rebeca Grynspan, Amre Moussa, Yves Leterme, Maria Fernanda Espinosa, Mukhtar Babayev, and Lin Yifu, among others.

The side event concluded with a high-level closing session on leadership implications, emphasizing the need for renewed approaches to global governance, stronger international cooperation, and adaptive leadership to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

As a follow-up, a comprehensive report on “Addressing Global Turbulence” will be prepared and presented, reflecting the key insights and recommendations discussed during the event.

The XIII Global Baku Forum was held on March 12–14, 2026, under the theme “Bridging Divides in a World in Transition.” The forum brought together nearly 400 participants from around the world.

The event convened former heads of state and government, leaders of international organizations, policymakers, and prominent experts to discuss pressing global challenges, including international security, geopolitical developments, and the future of multilateral cooperation.

As part of the program, a series of panel discussions were organized, covering a wide range of global topics. These included “Global Security and Balance of Power: Respect for International Law – New Issues, New Challenges,” “Multilateralism in Crisis: Rethinking Global Cooperation,” “The UN 80+,” “China and Global Governance Initiative,” and “Beyond Negotiations: The Battle to Keep COP Alive.”

Other sessions focused on connectivity and regional cooperation, including “Middle Corridor and Eurasian Connection Gateway,” as well as regional and global development themes such as “Africa: Today and Tomorrow” and “Accelerating the 2030 Agenda: Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Connectivity.”

The forum also addressed emerging global trends and challenges through discussions such as “Digital Futures: AI, Governance and Ethics of Innovation,” “Global Cooperation for Housing: Perspectives for WUF13,” and “Seeking a Reset of the International System.”

The XIII Global Baku Forum once again served as an important international platform for dialogue, bringing together leading voices from different regions to exchange ideas and explore solutions to today’s complex global challenges.

On February 20, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, received Rovshan Muradov, Secretary-General of the NGIC.

The Sheikh-ul-Islam highly appreciated the significance and international value of the traditional Global Baku Forums under the high patronage and support of the President of Azerbaijan, emphasizing that such high-level forums reflect Azerbaijan’s prestige and credibility in the world.

Mr. Muradov noted that the main objective of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, based in Azerbaijan, is to contribute to global initiatives and activities aimed at promoting peace, peaceful coexistence, and justice worldwide. The representative of the international organization provided detailed information about the projects and events implemented with the support of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He also stated that they are interested in cooperation with the Caucasus Muslims Board, a religious center with extensive and diverse international relations.

During the meeting, issues of mutual interest and prospects for joint cooperation between the two institutions were discussed.

At the end of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Caucasus Muslims Board and the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

Within the framework of the Munich Security Conference 2026, a high-level event titled “Multilateralism in a Fractured Global Order Format” was held.

The roundtable discussion was dedicated to preserving the effectiveness and legitimacy of multilateralism amid the current geopolitical fragmentation, as well as to potential reforms in the framework of the UN80+.

The event brought together nearly 40 high-level participants from more than 15 countries, including senior UN officials, former heads of state and government, ministers, leaders of regional organizations, and leading strategic experts.

Among the speakers during the sessions were Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues and President of COP29; Prince Turki Al Faisal, Chairman of the Board of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Boris Tadic, former President of Serbia; Macky Sall, former President of Senegal; Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly; Sodiq Safoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Uzbekistan; and Sebastian Kurz, former Federal Chancellor of Austria.

During the luncheon discussion, Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations; Amr Moussa, former Secretary-General of the Arab League; Tzipi Livni, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel; George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece; Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly; Eldor Aripov, First Deputy Secretary of the Security Council under the President of Uzbekistan; and Rovshan Muradov, Secretary General of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, shared their views on the future directions of global cooperation.

The event particularly emphasized evolving cooperation formats in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the growing strategic role of the Trans-Caspian connectivity, post-conflict normalization processes, and the complementarity between regional initiatives and global multilateral frameworks.