XXXI High-Level Meeting of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center was held in Geneva
Published: 16 January 2025
The 31st High-Level Meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, took place in partnership with the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Covering the dates of January 16-17, the Meeting brought together more than 40 distinguished leaders. It was attended by former heads of state and government, as well as leaders of international organizations, representing over 25 countries.
The opening ceremony featured speeches by the NGIC’s Co-Chair, Ms. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga; the Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya; the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Ms. Doreen Bogdan-Martin; the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan and COP29 President, Mr. Mukhtar Babayev; and the former President of Finland, Ms. Tarja Halonen.
Additionally, the Meeting addressed key global topics such as “Financing SDGs for Developing Countries,” “COP29: From Promise to Progress,” and “Health and Climate Change: Implementing Green Digital Action.” It also served as a preparatory event for the upcoming 12th Global Baku Forum.
This Meeting marked the fourth joint event organized by the Center in collaboration with the UN Office at Geneva.
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NGIC Co-Organized High-Level Event with UNCTAD at FfD4 in Seville
The Nizami Ganjavi International Center, in collaboration with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), co-organized a side event titled “Unlocking the Virtuous Circle: From Financing for Development to Financing from Development”.
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
H.E. Bajram Begaj, President of the Republic of Albania, received a joint delegation from the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in Tirana. The high-level meeting focused on dialogue, peace, and multilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint action in addressing global challenges and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
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.