XXXII High-Level Meeting was held in partnership with the "Friends of Western Balkans" in Slovenia
Published: 24 April 2025
The Nizami Ganjavi International Center in partnership with the Friends of the Western Balkans held its XXXII High-Level Meeting under the title “The New Geopolitics and The Western Balkans” from 24–25 April 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The gathering came at a pivotal moment, as the Western Balkans region faces growing political and security challenges amid waning confidence in the European Union’s enlargement process.
The meeting reaffirmed its role as the foremost international forum dedicated to the Western Balkans, bringing together 34 distinguished speakers from 18 countries. Among them were 7 former Presidents, 4 former Prime Ministers, and 3 former Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly. The conference aimed to generate concrete strategies to enhance peace, stability, and a renewed European vision for the region.
The two-day conference featured the following thematic sessions:
- The New Global Geopolitics – In Which Direction is the World Changing and the Impact on the Western Balkans?
- How Do the New U.S. Administration of Donald Trump and the New European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen Influence the Western Balkans?
- Assessing the EU Enlargement Strategy and Its Effectiveness under the New European Commission
- Spheres of Interest and the Western Balkans – What is the Impact of the Russian Federation, China, and Türkiye?
During the conference, distinguished speakers provided frank assessments of the European Union’s enlargement process and its implications for the Western Balkans.
The XXXII High-Level Meeting underscored the urgent need for a renewed, united, and pragmatic approach to the Western Balkans, grounded in shared responsibility and a clear European vision for the future.
As part of the meeting, the NGIC presented its special publication"The Magic of the Pen: Selected Miniatures from the Khamsa of Nizami Ganjavi” to Tanja Fajon, celebrating the enduring cultural heritage of the region and the values of dialogue and inclusion. In addition, Minister Fajon was presented with a gold coin featuring illustrations inspired by Khamsa— Nizami’s five legendary epic poems—each representing the enduring ideals of wisdom, love, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge.
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The event took place within the framework of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), held in Seville, Spain. It brought together high-level participants from international organizations, governments, and financial institutions to explore innovative approaches to development finance.
Discussions focused on the evolving relationship between external and domestic financing, and how development outcomes themselves can become catalysts for new financing opportunities. The session highlighted the importance of integrated strategies that align financial systems with sustainable development objectives.
The event brought together prominent global leaders, including:
- Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO)
- H.E. Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UNCTAD
- H.E. María Fernanda Espinosa, Member of NGIC; President of the 73rd UN General Assembly
- H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29
- H.E. Igor Luksic, Former Prime Minister of Montenegro
- H.E. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th UN General Assembly
- H.E. Jan Fischer, Former Prime Minister of the Czech Republic
- H.E. Yves Leterme, Former Prime Minister of Belgium
NGIC’s active participation in the conference underscores its growing role in shaping global dialogue on economic governance, inclusive development, and multilateral cooperation.
NGIC Co-Organizes Climate Action Event During London Climate Action Week 2025
The Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC), in collaboration with the COP29 Azerbaijan Presidency and the UN Climate High-Level Champions, co-organized a side event titled “From Baku to Belém: Global Climate Action for a Green Economy” during London Climate Action Week 2025.
The event featured the participation of UN Climate Champion H.E. Nigar Arpadarai and focused on identifying concrete and scalable pathways to accelerate global climate action. Discussions centered on unlocking private sector investment, supporting community-led initiatives, and promoting inclusive and resilient climate solutions.
Bringing together policymakers, private sector representatives, and civil society leaders, the event served as a platform to bridge regional perspectives and global ambitions ahead of COP29 in Baku and COP30 in Belém.
Speakers emphasized the urgency of coordinated international efforts, innovation-driven strategies, and the role of multilateral cooperation in delivering on the goals of the Paris Agreement and beyond.
The NGIC continues to play an active role in convening thought leaders and decision-makers to support sustainable development and inclusive dialogue across global platforms.
Albanian President held High-Level meeting with NGIC and UNAOC Representatives
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NGIC Members Participated in UNAOC High-Level Panel Discussion
NGIC Members Participated in UNAOC High-Level Panel on Bridging Cultures and Religions
Members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) participated in a high-level panel discussion organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), titled “Bridging Cultures and Religions in the Euro-Mediterranean Region: Reflecting on the UNAOC Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity.”
The panel was held within the framework of ALFORUM, a global platform aimed at promoting intercultural understanding and collaboration across regions.
Members of the Center, Mladen Ivanic,Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2016-2017), and George Papandreou, Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011),took part in the forum, alongside friends of the Center including Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General, High Representative for UNAOC, Egemen Bağış, Former Minister for European Union Affairs and Chief Negotiator of the Republic of Türkiye, and Nihal Saad, Director UNAOC. The discussions focused on promoting dialogue, intercultural understanding, and regional cooperation.