On 23–24 September 2026 the Nizami Ganjavi International Center convened the XXXVII High-Level Meeting “Rebuilding Trust, Cooperation and Global Stability for a Shared Future” a side event to the UN General Assembly. Held in New York, the two-day summit served as a premier global platform for addressing critical issues in international governance, sustainability, and multilateral security.

Addressing a moment of profound global fragmentation and shifting geopolitical dynamics, the high-level summit brought together world leaders, former heads of state and government, senior representatives of international organizations, diplomats, and global thought leaders.

Over the course of the summit, delegates addressed core themes on the global agenda:

The Return of Power Politics and the Way Forward

Multilateralism Under Pressure: Rethinking International Cooperation

Debt, Development and Future of Emerging Economies

From Ambition to FID: How COP31 Can Make Climate Commitments Investable

Energy, Security and Climate: Managing the Triple Transition

AI, Digital Sovereignty and Future of Global Governance etc.

During the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Tatiana Molcean, former Special Representative of China on European Affairs Wu Hongbo, and other dignitaries.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted global health as one of the areas where states can cooperate in the face of shared threats. He emphasized the importance of coordinated action against future pandemics and stronger trust among states.

Miguel Ángel Moratinos stated that rebuilding trust begins with respect for international law and the UN Charter. He noted the significance of paying greater attention to dialogue, mediation, and preventive diplomacy before crises deepen.

During her speech, Tatiana Molcean said that practical cooperation remains possible even amidst political differences. She emphasized that cooperation in areas such as transport corridors, trade, border crossings, and shared water resources contributes to building trust among states.

Wu Hongbo brought to attention that the foundation of multilateralism lies in the sovereign equality and mutual respect of states. He called for resolving geopolitical differences through equal dialogue and addressing global challenges through multilateral mechanisms.

On September 10, 2026, the Board Members, partners, and international delegation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center convened in Baku for a special gathering titled "A Life Remembered, A Future Renewed." The event was structured in two complementary parts to honor the legacy of the late Secretary-General, Rovshan Muradov, and to mark a new chapter in the Center's leadership.

The morning session was dedicated to celebrating the life, achievements, and enduring contributions of Rovshan Muradov. The program was opened with official remarks by NGIC Co-Chairs Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President of Latvia 1999–2007 and Ismail Serageldin, Vice-President of the World Bank 1992–2000.

The afternoon session focused on institutional continuity, reaffirming core values, and driving the Center’s strategic global purpose. Chaired by the Co-Chairs of the NGIC Board of Trustees, this segment officially welcomed Rza Aliyev as the incoming Secretary-General of the NGIC. During the session, titled "Looking Forward: The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead," the leadership reviewed and discussed the NGIC’s active roadmap for the remainder of the year, laying the groundwork leading up to the Global Baku Forum 2027.

The high-level gathering was attended by NGIC Board Members, international leaders, and representatives of international organizations:

Vaira Vike-Freiberga – Co-Chair, NGIC; President of Latvia 1999–2007

Ismail Serageldin – Co-Chair, NGIC; Vice-President of the World Bank 1992–2000

Jean Baderschneider – Board of Directors, Fortescue; Vice President, ExxonMobil 2000–2013; Founder, The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery

Benita Ferrero-Waldner – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria 2000–2004

Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – President of the Republic of Mauritius 2015–2018

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus – Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO)

Rebeca Grynspan – Secretary-General of UNCTAD

Ivo Josipovic – President of Croatia 2010–2015

Zlatko Lagumdzija – Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2001–2002; Deputy Prime Minister 2012–2015

Yves Leterme – Prime Minister of Belgium 2008, 2009–2011

Tzipi Livni – Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel 2006–2009

Amre Moussa – Secretary-General of the Arab League 2001–2011; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt 1991–2001

Joseph Muscat – Prime Minister of Malta 2013–2020

Nihal Saad – Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)

Patricia Scotland – Former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom

Boris Tadic – President of Serbia 2004–2012

Eka Tkeshelashvili – Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia 2010–2012

Filip Vujanovic – President of Montenegro 2006–2018

Benedetto Zacchiroli – Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO; President of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR)

Antonio Zanardi-Landi – Senior Advisor of Pirelli; Former Diplomatic Adviser to the Italian President; Ambassador of the Military Order of Malta to the Vatican

By uniting remembrance with institutional purpose, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center honors the foundation built by past leadership while firmly committing to its mission of fostering global dialogue, multilateralism, and sustainable development on the world stage.

As part of Baku Climate Action Week 2026, a high-level roundtable on "Post-COP31 Climate Leadership: Ensuring Implementation through Partnership" has been organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. Partnering with Baku Climate Action Week for the second consecutive year, the Center continues to contribute to strengthening international dialogue and partnership in the field of climate action. Held as part of preparations for COP31, the roundtable focused on the development of global climate leadership over the past decade and the lessons learned since the Paris Agreement. Participants exchanged views on the impact of changing geopolitical conditions on international climate cooperation, turning climate commitments into concrete action, and new partnership opportunities.

The opening session of the event featured speeches by Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former President of Latvia; Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues; and Mehmet Galip Ensarioglu, Chairman of the Environment Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye.

The panel discussion was attended by Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion and Member of Parliament; Christian Mensah, Senior Advisor to the COP31 High-Level Climate Champions; Jean Baderschneider, Board Member of Fortescue, former Vice President of ExxonMobil, and Board Member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center; Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and former Vice President of the World Bank; Dmitry Shlapachenko, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan; Zlatko Lagumdzija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN and former Prime Minister of the country; Patricia Scotland, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Member of the UK House of Lords; Saida Safayeva, Head of the Center for Sustainable Development in Uzbekistan; Yelena Akoltseva, Vice President for Europe and CIS at Baker Hughes; Amr Moussa, former Secretary-General of the Arab League and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium; and Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Youth Climate Champion.

During the panel, discussions focused on the impact of geopolitical changes on international climate cooperation, energy security, economic competitiveness, healthcare, food systems, technology, and sustainable development. Participants also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation among governments, international organizations, financial institutions, business, and civil society, turning climate commitments into concrete results, and accelerating implementation on the road to COP31.

From September 7 to 11, 2026, members and the delegation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center visited Baku to participate in a series of high-level engagements, including panel sessions and key discussions held within the framework of Baku Climate Action Week 2026.

Serving as a principal partner of Baku Climate Action Week for the second time, the NGIC continues to contribute significantly to advancing high-level dialogue and international cooperation on key global climate priorities.

During BCAW 2026, participants engaged in in-depth exchanges of views on crucial issues shaping sustainable momentum and global climate action, including:

• “From Baku to COP31: Sustainable Momentum in a Fragmented World”
• “Advancing the Urban Dimensions of Climate Action: From WUF13 to COP31”
• “Climate Leadership Beyond COP31: Delivering Implementation Through Partnership”

The discussions featured NGIC Co-Chairs, members including: 

• Ismail Serageldin – Co-Chair of NGIC; Vice-President of the World Bank 1992–2000
• Vaira Vīke-Freiberga – Co-Chair of NGIC; President of Latvia 1999–2007
• Yves Leterme – Prime Minister of Belgium 2008, 2009–2011
• Boris Tadic – President of Serbia 2004–2012
• Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – President of Mauritius 2015–2018
• Ivo Josipovic – President of Croatia 2010–2015
• Amre Moussa – Secretary-General of the Arab League 2001–2011; Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt 1991–2001
• Eka Tkeshelashvili – Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia 2010–2012
• Benita Ferrero-Waldner – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria 2000–2004
• Patricia Scotland – Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
• Benedetto Zacchiroli – President of the European Coalition of Cities Against Racism (ECCAR)
• Jean Baderschneider –Board of Directors of Fortescue, former Vice President of ExxonMobil, and Founder of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery
• Zlatko Lagumdzija – Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina 2001–2002
• Antonio Zanardi Landi – Former Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Italy; Ambassador of the Sovereign Millitary Order of Malta

Through these high-level engagements, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center reaffirms its unwavering commitment to strengthening global partnerships and driving sustainable climate strategies from the Baku platform toward COP31.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center organized a high-level roundtable during the London Climate Action Week 2026 on “Closing the Climate Investment Gap: The Critical Role of the Private Sector” in partnership with COP29 and COP31 presidencies and the Zero Waste Foundation.

The discussions focused on increasing private sector investments in the energy transition, closing the global climate finance gap, and formulating specific initiatives in this direction ahead of COP31.

The event was attended by Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues; Samed Ağırbaş, Türkiye's Climate High-Level Champion for COP31; Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29; representatives of the international finance and energy sectors, as well as members of the NGIC.

The roundtable served as a significant platform for strengthening the private sector's role in climate finance and accelerating the clean energy transition.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center organized a roundtable titled “From Baku to Belém and Türkiye: Keeping Climate Cooperation Alive in an Era of Global Fragmentation” within the framework of the London Climate Action Week 2026.

The event was dedicated to ensuring the continuity of global climate cooperation during the transition from the outcomes achieved at COP29 in Baku to the agenda of COP30 in Belém and preparations for COP31.

The roundtable was held in an interactive discussion format. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the legacy and contributions of COP29 to global climate action, the transformation of climate commitments into practical implementation mechanisms, and the preservation of political momentum between COP conferences. Participants emphasized that climate cooperation is not only of ecological importance but also holds critical significance for the future of multilateral cooperation, global governance, and international trust.

The event featured speeches by Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Presidential Representative on Climate Issues and COP29 President; Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion and Member of the Milli Majlis; Kristian Mensah, Chief Advisor to the COP31 High-Level Climate Champions; Ana Palacio, former Foreign Minister of Spain; Ana Birchall, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Justice of Romania; Patricia Scotland, Member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and Benedetto Zacchiroli, Chair of UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and President of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism. The roundtable was moderated by Eka Tkeshelashvili, former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia.

The roundtable served as an important platform for building bridges between the priorities of COP29, COP30, and COP31, as well as for strengthening continuity and long-term ambition in the global climate agenda.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center successfully participated with a high-level delegation in the London Climate Action Week (LCAW 2026) global forum held in the London from June 22–24, 2026.

Throughout the forum, members of the Center engaged in vital official meetings and panel discussions focused on global climate goals, the green transition, and multilateral cooperation.

The Center was represented at this influential event by prominent figures from global politics and business:

• Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic — President of Croatia (2015–2020)
• Csaba Korosi — President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
• Ana Palacio — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain (2002–2004)
• Baroness Patricia Scotland — Former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
• Ana Birchall — Deputy Prime Minister of Romania (2018–2019); Minister of Justice (2019)
• Zlatko Lagumdzija — Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Former Prime Minister
• Eka Tkeshelashvili — Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010–2012)
• Jean Baderschneider — Board of Directors, Fortescue Ltd.; Former Vice President, ExxonMobil (2000–2013)
• Benedetto Zacchiroli — Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO

During the forum, the delegation took part in three core panel discussions shaping the global climate agenda:

Bridging the COP Agendas: An interactive roundtable focused on maintaining political momentum and structural continuity between the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, the upcoming COP30 agenda in Belém (Brazil), and preparations for COP31. Speakers emphasized that preserving international trust and establishing practical implementation mechanisms are critical shielding tools against global fragmentation.

Technology & Energy Transition: This dedicated roundtable analyzed the intersection of innovation and sustainability, evaluating the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving green technology versus its expanding energy consumption footprint.

Corporate Climate Leadership: This high-level panel focused on private sector mobilization, exploring corporate strategies and financial frameworks required to deliver on the global climate action roadmap.

Parallel to the thematic sessions, the NGIC delegation engaged in exclusive strategic luncheons and bilateral dialogues with prominent UK statesmen to align international policy:

Strategic Dialogue with Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma: A high-level session focusing on international climate delivery with the UK Member of Parliament and President of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

High-Level Working Lunch with Baroness Theresa May: An exclusive diplomatic exchange with the Rt. Hon. Baroness Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016–2019), addressing long-term global ambitions and multilateral climate frameworks.

The outcomes of the forum reaffirm that the Nizami Ganjavi International Center continues to serve as a leading global think tank in climate diplomacy, facilitating critical cross-platform strategic transitions following COP29.

Within the framework of the Zero Waste Forum 2026, a strategic coordination meeting was held between members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and Samed Ağırbaş, COP31 Climate High-Level Champion and CEO of the Zero Waste Foundation.

The high-level discussions focused on the NGIC’s active role in the formal preparations for the upcoming COP31 summit, immediate opportunities for joint collaboration during the upcoming London Climate Action Week, and the Center’s long-term engagement and institutional contribution to global COP31 activities.

During the session, NGIC member Zlatko Lagumdzija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations and former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, officially presented a special gift to Samed Ağırbaş.

On behalf of the Center, Lagumdzija presented the book “Lennon”, authored by fellow NGIC member Ivo Josipovic, the former President of Croatia. The gesture underscored the unique intersection of cultural diplomacy and global leadership that defines the Center's international missions.

As part of its extensive engagement at the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, the high-level delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center actively participated in two pivotal climate diplomacy sessions focused on accelerating practical frameworks ahead of COP31 in Antalya.

High-Level Ministerial Session: From Istanbul to COP31 Antalya

The NGIC delegation took part in the High-Level Ministerial Session on Environment and Climate, held under the theme "Advancing Climate Mitigation through Zero Waste Solutions: From Istanbul to COP31 Antalya."

This ministerial session served as a key political anchor for the forum, bridging the circular economy initiatives showcased in Istanbul with the upcoming formal negotiations under the Turkish COP31 Presidency. Discussions among ministers, global leaders, and NGIC members highlighted how national zero-waste frameworks can be integrated directly into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to achieve rapid climate mitigation.

Private Sector Engagement During COP31

Recognizing that public policy must be matched by market delivery, the delegation also participated in high-level discussions centered around “Private Sector Engagement during COP31.”

Organized in close collaboration with the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEİK) and held with the valued support of COP31 Climate High-Level Champion Samed Ağırbaş, the session mapped out concrete mechanisms to mobilize green investments.

Members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center delivered keynote speeches during the high-level sessions of the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul.

Our members shared their insights and perspectives on driving sustainable policy and climate action on the "Road to Antalya":

Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair, NGIC; Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000) addressed the forum on the global development and economic aspects of the zero-waste transition.

Rebeca Grynspan, UN Secretary-General candidate focused her speech on the intersection of multilateral trade, development, and the circular economy.

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; former Executive Director, UN-Habitat highlighted sustainable urban governance and the local implementation of zero-waste strategies.

The keynote addresses by the NGIC members contributed to the forum's high-level dialogue ahead of the upcoming COP31.