Within the framework of the XIII Global Baku Forum, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, in partnership with The Economist, hosted a side event titled “The South-east Europe and Trans-Caspian Business Summit: Expanding Corridors for Partnerships in Energy and Infrastructure” on 15 March 2026.

The summit also addressed the ongoing war in the Middle East and its geopolitical and economic implications for the international community. Particular attention was given to the importance of strengthening strategic partnerships through effective investments during times of crisis, as well as the process of European Union enlargement and the admission of new member states.

Participants further exchanged views on the Middle Corridor, highlighting the role of Central Asia, the security of regional transit projects, potential risks, and measures to mitigate emerging threats. Azerbaijan’s possible contributions to these issues, particularly in enhancing connectivity and ensuring the resilience of regional infrastructure, were also emphasized.

The session featured prominent speakers, including:

• Alasdair Ross, Global Affairs Editor, The Economist
• Amre Moussa, Secretary-General of the Arab League (2001–2011); Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt (1991–2001)
• Yves Leterme, Former Prime Minister of Belgium (2008; 2009–2011)
• Rafael Dezcallar Mazarredo, Former Ambassador of Spain to Ethiopia, Germany, and the People’s Republic of China
• Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia
• Alkis Drakinos, Director and Regional Head for the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia), EBRD
• Ata Koseoglu, Chairman, Rothschild & Co Turkey

The side event served as an important platform for advancing dialogue and fostering strategic partnerships in energy and infrastructure across key regions.

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.

Within the framework of the XXXV High-Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, a coordination meeting of the XIII Global Baku Forum was organized. During the meeting, issues related to cooperation with international partners were discussed.

The meeting also addressed the Forum’s program, key thematic priorities, participation of high-level speakers, and organizational arrangements in detail. It is worth noting that the XIII Global Baku Forum, to be held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on 12–14 March 2026, is expected to welcome more than 400 international participants from over 40 countries.

The XXXV High-Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center has commenced in Geneva, within the framework of partnership with the United Nations Office at Geneva. The meeting is dedicated to the theme “Reshaping Multilateralism in an Era of Divides and Transformation”.

Within the framework of this high-level international platform, broad and comprehensive discussions are being held on the future of global governance; adapting multilateral institutions to the evolving world order; the climate crisis and sustainable development; artificial intelligence and technological transformation; peace and security; humanitarian challenges; migration and global health; inclusive economies; the role of women in leadership; as well as global housing and urban development challenges.

At the same time, particular attention has been given to preparations for the XIII Global Baku Forum, to be held in Baku under the organization of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. In addition, issues related to the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) of the United Nations, scheduled to take place in Baku on 17–22 May, were also discussed.

The meeting brings together more than 50 high-level international participants representing over 30 countries, including former heads of state and government, heads of UN entities, representatives of international organizations, and renowned experts. The opening ceremony featured remarks by Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization; Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of UN Trade and Development; Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union; Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat; Amre Moussa, former Secretary-General of the League of Arab States and former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt; Boris Tadic, former President of Serbia; as well as Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and National Coordinator of WUF13. 

It should be noted that, based on the existing institutional cooperation between the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and the United Nations Office at Geneva, these annual high-level meetings serve as an important international platform for discussing global challenges.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center served as one of the official partners of the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) held under the theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity - Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World”, on December 14-15, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

During the event, the NGIC members addressed the panel discussions focusing on such topics as coexistence, promoting peace through interreligious and intercultural dialogue, terrorism, urban development, challenges posed by disinformation in the era of digitalization, impact of the artificial intelligence.

The NGIC Secretary-General also held bilateral meetings with several officials, namely Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Miguel Angel Moratinos, UNAOC High Representative, as well as Binali Yildirim, former Prime Minister of Türkiye and NGIC member. The discussions focused on the preparations for the upcoming 13th Global Baku Forum to take place in 2026.

The NGIC delegation also met with Prince Turki AlFaisal Al Saud, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

Prince Turki AlFaisal is the Founder and Trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center is an official partner of the 2025 Imperial Springs International Forum.
Held 30 November - 4 December 2025 in Guangzhou, China, the Imperial Springs International Forum brought together world leaders, policymakers, experts, and representatives of international organizations as a high-level platform dedicated to strengthening global cooperation and solidarity.

Former heads of state and government, prominent public figures, and renowned scholars from more than 30 countries participated in the Forum.

Discussions addressed key issues such as multilateralism, global security, economic transformations, climate and low-carbon development, technological innovation, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
As one of the Forum’s principal partners, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center was widely represented across high-level panels.

The Center was represented by:

• Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Co-Chair of the NGIC, former President of Latvia 
• Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly 
• Jean Baderschneider, former Vice President of ExxonMobil 
• Zlatko Lagumdzija, former Prime Minister and Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN
• Mladen Ivanic, former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina 
• Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium 
• Volkan Bozkır, President of the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly 
• Rosen Plevneliev, former President of Bulgaria • Petar Stoyanov, former President of Bulgaria 
• Hedva Ser, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador 
• Sebastian Kurz, Chancellor of Austria (2017–2019 / 2020–2021) 
• Ivo Josipovic, former President of Croatia 
• Valdis Zatlers, former President of Latvia

NGIC representatives contributed to discussions on recalibrating global governance, economic resilience, technological security, green development, and multilateral cooperation.

It should be noted that through its long-standing cooperation with the Imperial Springs International Forum, the Center plays an active role in advancing global dialogue, promoting multilateral platforms for peace and development, and supporting joint engagement among leaders.

Secretary-General of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Mr. Rovshan Muradov, held a series of bilateral meetings in Beijing.

The visit began with a meeting with Ambassador Wu Hongbo, Special Representative of the Chinese Government on European Affairs. This was followed by discussions with Li Daokui, a leading Chinese economist, Mansfield Freeman Professor at Tsinghua University and Director of the Center for China in the World Economy (CCWE), and Dr. David Pan, Executive Dean of Schwarzman College. The meetings focused on cooperation opportunities and global development priorities.

On the second day, the Secretary-General met with Wu Ken, President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, and Yang Tao, Vice-President of the Institute, to discuss humanitarian dialogue, global security, and prospects for multilateral cooperation.

The program continued with a meeting with Justin Yifu Lin, former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, during which regional economic trends and sustainable development strategies were reviewed.

The Beijing meetings contributed to further strengthening NGIC’s strategic cooperation with Chinese partners and expanding its role in fostering global dialogue.