2018

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center held its XIV High-Level Meeting on 27 September 2018, entitled “Sustaining Peace & Development in the Changing World”. The event gathered 28 serving Heads of State and Government, experts, and members of the NGIC Young Leaders network. The Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation presented an award to the Center, received by Rovshan Muradov and Ismail Serageldin, in recognition of the Center’s continuous work in promoting global cooperation and understanding among peoples.

Opening remarks were delivered by Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, President of Croatia, and Viorica Dancila, Prime Minister of Romania (presented by Deputy Prime Minister Ana Birchall). President Grabar-Kitarovic emphasized that countries, especially smaller ones, should adopt a proactive and innovative approach to foreign policy. She argued that the region should be called “South East Europe” rather than “Western Balkans”, as the latter carries negative connotations and hinders integration. She highlighted the EU’s role in driving reform, development, and peace, noting that migration and populism remain key challenges and that solutions must address root causes such as poverty and conflict.

The President also noted that EU membership does not prevent the pursuit of national or regional interests, pointing to Croatia’s support for the 3 C initiative and efforts toward interconnection, transportation, digital, and energy reforms.