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.

A high-level delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center participated in the Zero Waste Forum 2026 held in Istanbul from June 5–7, organized by the Zero Waste Foundation (Sıfır Atık Vakfı), founded by the First Lady of the Republic of Türkiye, Emine Erdoğan.

Held under the theme "Road to Antalya: Zero Waste as Climate Action," the forum serves as a high-level platform promoting the zero-waste approach as a practical climate action pathway ahead of COP31, which will be hosted in Antalya.

The forum was attended by a high-level delegation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center members, including:

• Ismail Serageldin – Co-Chair, NGIC; Vice President of the World Bank (1992-2000)
• Rebeca Grynspan – UN Secretary General candidate
• Maimunah Mohd Sharif – Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur; former Executive Director, UN-Habitat
• Hakima El-Haite – Former Minister of Environment of Morocco; Founder of EauGlobe; Member of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste
• Ameenah Gurib-Fakim – President of the Republic of Mauritius (2015-2018)
• Zlatko Lagumdzija – Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001-2002); Deputy Prime Minister (2012-2015)
• Salaheddine Mazouar – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Morocco (2013-2017); President of COP22
• Csaba Korosi – President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
• Borut Pahor – President of Slovenia (2012-2022)
• Michal Kurtyka – President of COP24; Minister of Climate and Environment of Poland (2019-2021)
• Patricia Scotland – Former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
• Eka Tkeshelashvili – Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010-2012)
• Melanne Verveer – Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS)
• Jean Baderschneider – Board of Directors, Fortescue Ltd.; Founder and Chair, The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery; Vice President, ExxonMobil (2000-2013)

The forum featured a series of crucial panel discussions shaping the future of global climate delivery:

• “From Marrakech to Antalya: Why Zero Waste Needs Multilateral Leadership”
• “Governing Zero Waste: From Political Commitment to Climate Delivery”
• “Countries Leading the Circular Shift”
• “Trust, Fairness and the Human Side of Transition”
• “From Pledges to Delivery: Why the Climate Action Agenda Matters More Than Ever”
• “Women Leading the Zero Waste Movement”

Throughout the sessions, the delegation engaged in vital discussions regarding the integration of zero-waste initiatives into tangible climate strategies and the critical role of multilateral leadership on the road to COP31.

As part of the forum, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center’s pavilion at the Zero Waste Forum Exhibition Area served as a major highlight.

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we inform Rovshan Muradov’s many friends and admirers around the world that he has passed away unexpectedly in Istanbul.  He was there engaged in the work he so loved—organizing the participation of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) in an important international conference in Türkiye.

Rovshan was one of the founding members of the NGIC and served as its Secretary-General from its first days. Through his vision, dedication, and tireless efforts, he played a central role in building the institution into the internationally respected organization it is today. He recruited, mentored, and inspired the staff, established enduring partnerships across continents, and worked ceaselessly to strengthen the bonds of friendship among the Center’s distinguished members.

More than an able administrator and accomplished international figure, Rovshan possessed a rare gift for bringing people together. Through his warmth, and generosity of spirit, he fostered not only professional collaboration but also a genuine sense of family within the NGIC community. He was deeply respected, greatly admired, and sincerely loved by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him.

His passing leaves an immense void in our hearts and in the life of the institution to which he devoted so much of himself. His legacy will endure in the organization he helped create, in the many friendships he nurtured, and in the countless lives he touched.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his loved ones, and his many friends throughout the world. May they find comfort in the knowledge that Rovshan’s life was one of service, friendship, and lasting achievement, and that his memory will remain with us always.

Further information regarding memorial arrangements and opportunities to honor Rovshan's memory will be communicated in due course.

On May 22, a high-level event titled “Rethinking Global Investment in Housing: Financing Dignity, Resilience and Inclusive Urban Futures” was held in Baku as part of the 13th Session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13).

The event was a Joint Session co-organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, UN-HABITAT, and the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The session aimed to thoroughly examine the global housing crisis through the lens of inequality, development, and social stability. Participants explored innovative financing mechanisms designed to achieve accessible, inclusive, and climate-resilient housing. Discussions also focused significantly on the pivotal role of multilateral institutions, development banks, sovereign funds, and private sector actors in mobilizing critical investments for sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the session highlighted the essential interlinkages between housing, climate resilience, and the comprehensive implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The prestigious panel of speakers featured our members:

Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development;

Benedetto Zacchiroli, Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO; President of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism;

Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center;

Maimunah Mohd Sharif, former Executive Director of UN-Habitat;

Patricia Scotland, Member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth;

Alongside the NGIC members:

Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President and Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues;

Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan;

Nigar Arpadarai, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29;

also delivered speeches during the session.

The announcement ceremony of the 14th Global Baku Forum and the official presentation of the 12th issue of the "Global Policy Analysis" (GPA) magazine have been held in Baku. Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the high-level event gathered prominent global leaders, diplomats, and international officials.

The ceremony commenced with a video screening that highlighted the critical importance of dialogue and cooperation against the backdrop of modern global challenges, conflicts, and instability, emphasizing Baku's established role as a premier global dialogue platform.

Opening the event, Rovshan Muradov, Secretary-General of the NGIC, emphasized that the collaborative environment fostered within the Center plays a vital role in strengthening international dialogue. He noted that Azerbaijan's extensive experience in hosting prestigious international events serves as a successful model and underscored the significance of the Global Baku Forum as a premier platform contributing to global peace and discussion.

Ismail Serageldin, Co-Chair of the NGIC Board of Trustees and former Vice President of the World Bank, described Baku as a crucial historical and modern meeting point connecting East and West, North and South. He highlighted NGIC’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and inclusive dialogue, recognizing the Center as an essential bridge for expanding international cooperation.

Reflecting on recent global milestones, Mukhtar Babayev, the Presidential Representative of Azerbaijan for Climate Change, touched upon the outcomes of COP29 and emphasized Azerbaijan's active, leading role in global climate processes. He noted that both the NGIC and the Global Baku Forum serve as vital platforms for broadening international collaboration on pressing global issues.

The necessity for institutional evolution was a key focus for Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), who stated that the United Nations requires fundamental reforms to meet contemporary global demands. Reminding the audience that the organization has grown to 193 member states since its founding in 1945, she stressed the need for broader representation and flexible multilateral mechanisms, praising NGIC for providing a valuable intellectual space for these critical discussions.

Patricia Scotland, Member of the UK House of Lords and 6th Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, highly praised the collaborative environment established in Baku and NGIC's role in preserving the values of multilateralism. She commended Azerbaijan's excellent organization of COP29, describing the summit as a major milestone in the global climate agenda.

Drawing a parallel with other premier global summits, Mladen Ivanic, former Serb Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, compared the Baku Forum to the Munich Security Conference and the Davos Forum. He noted that Baku stands out for its uniquely sincere, open, and constructive atmosphere, attributing the success of this distinct environment to the strategic vision of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

The discussions also heavily integrated sustainable development and urbanization. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Former Executive Director of UN-Habitat and current Advisor to the Malaysian Government on Sustainable Urbanization, highlighted that housing has transcended being a mere sectoral issue to become a fundamental indicator of social stability, economic resilience, and inclusive development. She noted that the Baku discussions contribute significantly to a shared understanding of the global housing crisis.

Following this theme, Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), commended the high-level organization of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) recently hosted in Baku. She emphasized that the strategic partnership with NGIC strengthens global dialogue on urbanization and provides a powerful impulse for the implementation of the landmark "Baku Call for Action" document.

The event concluded with the official launch of the 12th issue of the "Global Policy Analysis" magazine, with speakers collectively underscoring the vital importance of the deepening institutional cooperation between the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and various United Nations structures.

A joint session titled “Advancing Housing through Multilateralism: From Global Commitments to Local Impact” was held at the Azerbaijan Pavilion during the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku.

The event, co-organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, UN-Habitat, and the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SCUPA), focused on global challenges and solutions in housing policy. Speakers highlighted that while cities remain key centers of economic development and innovation, they are also at the forefront of addressing housing shortages, limited land resources, climate risks, and social inclusion. It was emphasized that local authorities often face significant financial and institutional constraints in implementing large-scale and sustainable solutions.

The session featured remarks by the following members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center:

Benedetto Zacchiroli – Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO and President of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism;

Mladen Ivanic – Former President of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2014–2018);

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

Maimunah Mohd Sharif – Former Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and former Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

Alongside the NGIC members, Anaclaudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, and Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator, also delivered speeches during the session.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center, in partnership with the Friends of the Western Balkans, held its 36th High-Level Meeting titled “The Western Balkans in the Vortex of the New Security Geopolitics” from April 27–28 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The meeting reaffirmed its role as a leading international forum dedicated to the Western Balkans, bringing together former heads of state and government, representatives of international organizations, special envoys, politicians, and prominent experts.

President of Slovenia Natasa Pirc Musar participated in the meeting, where she shared her views on the current situation in the Western Balkans and the future of the region.

The opening ceremony of the event was addressed by former President of Slovenia, founder of the “Friends of Western Balkans” Institute, and member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center Borut Pahor, as well as other members of the Center - former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic and former President of Serbia Boris Tadic - who highlighted the importance of political stability, security, and the European perspective for the Western Balkans.

The event was also attended by representatives for the Western Balkans from Austria, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In addition, the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament participated in the meeting.

The sessions addressed the impact of new security geopolitics on the EU’s future and enlargement, the regional political, economic, and security situation, as well as the role of NATO and EU expansion in stability, and the influence of external actors including the US, Russia, China, and Türkiye in the Western Balkans.

For the first time, the event included country-specific discussions on each Western Balkan state, providing a deeper analysis of their EU accession progress and current challenges.

On the sidelines of the event, the Center’s Secretary-General held bilateral meetings with the President of Slovenia, the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Slovakia, and Borut Pahor.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center participated as a partner in the 11th Delphi Economic Forum, held in Delphi from April 22 to 25.

The Forum served as a global platform bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and experts to strengthen international cooperation amid geopolitical fragmentation, climate risks, and the new realities shaped by the digital era.

The Center was represented by its members, including Volkan Bozkır, President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly; Maria Fernanda Espinosa, President of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly; Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium; Tzipi Livni, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel; Charles Michel, former President of the European Council; Amr Moussa, former Secretary-General of the Arab League; and Kiril Petkov, former Prime Minister of Bulgaria.

NGIC members actively contributed to high-level panels and discussions, exchanging views on key global issues. These included the future of Europe and new models of cooperation, international security and geopolitical balance, ongoing developments in the Middle East, the role of multilateral institutions—particularly the United Nations—in the emerging world order, global economic transformations, and the position of states in the digital age.

In addition, during special sessions held within the Forum, NGIC members contributed to discussions on Europe’s strategic resilience, the future of international relations in an increasingly fragmented world, as well as peace and security issues.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the Secretary General of the Center held a number of high-level bilateral meetings. These included discussions with Zeljka Cvijanovic, Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Alexandra Papadopoulou, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece; Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; and Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy and former European Commissioner.

The meetings focused on global challenges, opportunities for cooperation, and the Center’s future areas of activity.