As part of the broader mission in China, NGIC Secretary- General Rovshan Muradov traveled to Guangzhou, where he met with Chau Chak Wing, a prominent philanthropist and businessman. Dr. Chau expressed his strong support for NGIC’s mission and values and affirmed his personal commitment to advancing the Center’s work globally. The meeting marked a significant step in expanding NGIC’s outreach in China, particularly in the area s of education, cultural diplomacy, and leadership development. 

From Beijing to Guangzhou, the delegation built meaningful partnerships, across academia, government, and civil society.
The engagement with Chau Chak Wing added an important philanthropic dimension to the trip, further anchoring NGIC’s presence and partnerships within China.

The visit underscored NGIC’s role as a trusted global platform for East-West dialogue and multilateral cooperation, and its continuing mission to support peace, leadership, and international understanding. 

The delegation of NGIC actively participated in the 11th Annual China and Globalization Forum, hosted by the Center for China and Globalization (CCG). NGIC members contributed to high-level panel discussions addressing global governance, multipolarity, and the evolving role of multilateral institutions. Their participation reflected NGIC’s commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue on pressing global issues.

The NGIC delegation included globally recognized leaders:

• Boris Tadic, Former President of Serbia
• Borut Pahor, Former President of Slovenia
• Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Former President of Croatia
• Dumitru Braghis, Former Prime Minister of Moldova
• Ana Palacio, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain
• Milica Pejanovic-Durisic, Former Minister of Defense of Montenegro
• Vladimir Norov, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan
• Rovshan Muradov, Secretary-General, NGIC

In the framework of the NGIC delegation’s visit to China, the delegation held a meeting with Wang Chao, President of the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA). Discussions centered on the importance of institutional partnerships and the shared objective of promoting international dialogue. Both sides expressed strong interest in exploring future avenues for cooperation.

In the framework of the NGIC delegation’s visit to China, a meeting took place with Nurlan Yermekbayev, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The conversation provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on regional and global stability, the evolving role of multilateral organizations, and potential areas of collaboration on joint initiatives.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center in partnership with the Friends of the Western Balkans held its XXXII High-Level Meeting under the title “The New Geopolitics and The Western Balkans” from 24–25 April 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The gathering came at a pivotal moment, as the Western Balkans region faces growing political and security challenges amid waning confidence in the European Union’s enlargement process.

The meeting reaffirmed its role as the foremost international forum dedicated to the Western Balkans, bringing together 34 distinguished speakers from 18 countries. Among them were 7 former Presidents, 4 former Prime Ministers, and 3 former Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly. The conference aimed to generate concrete strategies to enhance peace, stability, and a renewed European vision for the region.

The two-day conference featured the following thematic sessions:

- The New Global Geopolitics – In Which Direction is the World Changing and the Impact on the Western Balkans?

- How Do the New U.S. Administration of Donald Trump and the New European Commission under Ursula von der Leyen Influence the Western Balkans?

- Assessing the EU Enlargement Strategy and Its Effectiveness under the New European Commission 

- Spheres of Interest and the Western Balkans – What is the Impact of the Russian Federation, China, and Türkiye?

During the conference, distinguished speakers provided frank assessments of the European Union’s enlargement process and its implications for the Western Balkans.

The XXXII High-Level Meeting underscored the urgent need for a renewed, united, and pragmatic approach to the Western Balkans, grounded in shared responsibility and a clear European vision for the future.

As part of the meeting, the NGIC presented its special publication"The Magic of the Pen: Selected Miniatures from the Khamsa of Nizami Ganjavi” to Tanja Fajon, celebrating the enduring cultural heritage of the region and the values of dialogue and inclusion. In addition, Minister Fajon was presented with a gold coin featuring illustrations inspired by Khamsa— Nizami’s five legendary epic poems—each representing the enduring ideals of wisdom, love, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Secretary-General of NGIC, Rovshan Muradov, met with Dimitris Avramopoulos, Representative of the Prime Minister of Greece; European Commissioner for Migration; Former Home Affairs and Citizenship Commissioner; Former Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Former Minister of National Defence.
During the meeting, Rovshan Muradov presented the special publication on the legacy of Nizami Ganjavi, The Magic of the Pen: Selected Miniatures from the Khamsa of Nizami Ganjavi.
The discussion covered the outcomes of the XII Global Baku Forum and the future activities of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center in the region and on the global stage.

Co-Chair of the NGIC, Madame Vaira Vike-Freiberga, visited UN-Habitat and met with Michal Mlynár, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director.
The discussion focused on the XIII Global Baku Forum, the World Urban Forum, COP29, and joint initiatives between both organizations.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center Co-Chair, Madame Vaira Vike-Freiberga, met with Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, and Senator Hamida Kibwana during her visit to Nairobi.
They discussed the hosting of the #XIIGlobalBakuForum High-Level Meeting in Kenya, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and understanding. The meeting also included the welcoming of members of the Secretariat of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center: Rovshan Muradov, Rza Aliyev, Ilahe Ibrahimli, and Asim Shahsuvarli.

Co-Chair of the #NGIC, Madame Vaira Vike-Freiberga, met with H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kenya.
They discussed strengthening ties between Kenya and the NGIC, an organization that brings together eminent leaders to address global challenges. Additionally, the outcomes of COP29 and the XIII Global Baku Forum High-Level Meeting in Kenya were discussed.
H.E. Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora of Kenya, also welcomed Members of the Secretariat of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center: Rovshan Muradov, Rza Aliyev, Ilahe Ibrahimli, and Asim Shahsuvarli.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center Secretary-General Rovshan Muradov and Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer Rza Aliyev meet with the Secretary-General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, H.E. Nurlan Yermekbayev.