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.