The Nizami Ganjavi International Center organized a high-level roundtable during the London Climate Action Week 2026 on “Closing the Climate Investment Gap: The Critical Role of the Private Sector” in partnership with COP29 and COP31 presidencies and the Zero Waste Foundation.

The discussions focused on increasing private sector investments in the energy transition, closing the global climate finance gap, and formulating specific initiatives in this direction ahead of COP31.

The event was attended by Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues; Samed Ağırbaş, Türkiye's Climate High-Level Champion for COP31; Nigar Arpadarai, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP29; representatives of the international finance and energy sectors, as well as members of the NGIC.

The roundtable served as a significant platform for strengthening the private sector's role in climate finance and accelerating the clean energy transition.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center organized a roundtable titled “From Baku to Belém and Türkiye: Keeping Climate Cooperation Alive in an Era of Global Fragmentation” within the framework of the London Climate Action Week 2026.

The event was dedicated to ensuring the continuity of global climate cooperation during the transition from the outcomes achieved at COP29 in Baku to the agenda of COP30 in Belém and preparations for COP31.

The roundtable was held in an interactive discussion format. During the discussions, special attention was paid to the legacy and contributions of COP29 to global climate action, the transformation of climate commitments into practical implementation mechanisms, and the preservation of political momentum between COP conferences. Participants emphasized that climate cooperation is not only of ecological importance but also holds critical significance for the future of multilateral cooperation, global governance, and international trust.

The event featured speeches by Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Presidential Representative on Climate Issues and COP29 President; Nigar Arpadarai, COP29 High-Level Climate Champion and Member of the Milli Majlis; Kristian Mensah, Chief Advisor to the COP31 High-Level Climate Champions; Ana Palacio, former Foreign Minister of Spain; Ana Birchall, former Deputy Prime Minister and former Minister of Justice of Romania; Patricia Scotland, Member of the UK House of Lords and former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; and Benedetto Zacchiroli, Chair of UNESCO’s International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and President of the European Coalition of Cities against Racism. The roundtable was moderated by Eka Tkeshelashvili, former Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia.

The roundtable served as an important platform for building bridges between the priorities of COP29, COP30, and COP31, as well as for strengthening continuity and long-term ambition in the global climate agenda.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center successfully participated with a high-level delegation in the London Climate Action Week (LCAW 2026) global forum held in the London from June 22–24, 2026.

Throughout the forum, members of the Center engaged in vital official meetings and panel discussions focused on global climate goals, the green transition, and multilateral cooperation.

The Center was represented at this influential event by prominent figures from global politics and business:

• Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic — President of Croatia (2015–2020)
• Csaba Korosi — President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
• Ana Palacio — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain (2002–2004)
• Baroness Patricia Scotland — Former Commonwealth Secretary-General; Member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom
• Ana Birchall — Deputy Prime Minister of Romania (2018–2019); Minister of Justice (2019)
• Zlatko Lagumdzija — Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN; Former Prime Minister
• Eka Tkeshelashvili — Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia (2010–2012)
• Jean Baderschneider — Board of Directors, Fortescue Ltd.; Former Vice President, ExxonMobil (2000–2013)
• Benedetto Zacchiroli — Chair of the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities of UNESCO

During the forum, the delegation took part in three core panel discussions shaping the global climate agenda:

Bridging the COP Agendas: An interactive roundtable focused on maintaining political momentum and structural continuity between the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, the upcoming COP30 agenda in Belém (Brazil), and preparations for COP31. Speakers emphasized that preserving international trust and establishing practical implementation mechanisms are critical shielding tools against global fragmentation.

Technology & Energy Transition: This dedicated roundtable analyzed the intersection of innovation and sustainability, evaluating the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) in driving green technology versus its expanding energy consumption footprint.

Corporate Climate Leadership: This high-level panel focused on private sector mobilization, exploring corporate strategies and financial frameworks required to deliver on the global climate action roadmap.

Parallel to the thematic sessions, the NGIC delegation engaged in exclusive strategic luncheons and bilateral dialogues with prominent UK statesmen to align international policy:

Strategic Dialogue with Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma: A high-level session focusing on international climate delivery with the UK Member of Parliament and President of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).

High-Level Working Lunch with Baroness Theresa May: An exclusive diplomatic exchange with the Rt. Hon. Baroness Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016–2019), addressing long-term global ambitions and multilateral climate frameworks.

The outcomes of the forum reaffirm that the Nizami Ganjavi International Center continues to serve as a leading global think tank in climate diplomacy, facilitating critical cross-platform strategic transitions following COP29.

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.