Azerbaijan's leadership of CICA: Shaping Asia’s future through connectivity and innovation Article in Korean media

Korean edition Korea IT Times has published an article, dedicated to Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA). Caliber.Az reprints this material.  

Many international organizations play a vital role in promoting peace and security worldwide. In this context, Azerbaijan’s recent assumption of the chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA) for the 2024-2026 period marks a pivotal moment for the organization. 

Azerbaijan’s leadership presents a unique opportunity to enhance regional cooperation, foster mutual trust, and address key challenges facing Asia. With a strategic vision, Azerbaijan aims to reshape the geopolitical, economic, and social landscape of the region, bringing nations closer together.

The Role of CICA

Founded in 1999, CICA is a multinational forum dedicated to fostering peace, security, and stability across Asia through dialogue and multilateral cooperation. It comprises 28 member states and 10 observers, focusing on critical areas such as economic, environmental, human, military-political, and security issues.

Member states reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter, working together to build confidence and create a secure and prosperous Asia. CICA’s decisions are shaped by the Summit of Heads of State, while the Ministerial Council meets biennially. Currently undergoing reforms to become a fully-fledged international organization, CICA is addressing both regional and global challenges. The Secretariat is based in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Korea’s Contribution to CICA

Since joining in 2006, Korea has played a significant role in CICA’s development. It has contributed to the organization’s budget, supported initiatives in energy security and information technology, and backed its transformation into a fully-fledged international organization. Korea’s experience and expertise remain crucial as CICA tackles pressing issues such as North Korea’s nuclear advancements and the prevention of further nuclear tests.

Azerbaijan’s Strategic Vision

Azerbaijan’s leadership comes at a time when Asia is emerging as a hub of global growth, innovation, and political influence. With a focus on "Strengthening CICA, Connectivity, Digitalization, and Sustainable Growth," Azerbaijan has outlined a clear roadmap for a more interconnected and secure continent.

A key priority is enhancing economic cooperation and digital transformation. Initiatives such as the CICA Port Leaders Conference and the Digital Transformation and Innovation Forum aim to improve infrastructure, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advance the digital economy to drive innovation and growth across Asia. Azerbaijan’s emphasis on digitalization is particularly timely. By integrating digital technologies across sectors—from agriculture to education—CICA member states can enhance their competitiveness and ensure sustainable development.

Environmental Sustainability and Cultural Cooperation

Recognizing the urgency of climate change, Azerbaijan has prioritized environmental sustainability. Projects like Circular Green Tourism and the International Summit on Agricultural Practices align with global efforts to combat climate change and address food security.

These initiatives promote sustainable agriculture and eco-tourism, ensuring that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental preservation. Cultural exchange also plays a central role in Azerbaijan’s vision for CICA.

Programs such as the Cultural Heritage Protection Conference and the Artificial Intelligence in Art Competition emphasize preserving shared values while embracing technological innovation. 

These initiatives encourage dialogue between civilizations and integrate creative practices with emerging technologies.

Security and Humanitarian Focus

In today’s volatile security environment, Azerbaijan’s CICA leadership is addressing pressing threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and landmines. Cybersecurity training programs and joint action plans for data protection are critical measures to safeguard digital infrastructures.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s proposal to include humanitarian demining as a confidence-building measure provides practical solutions to a pressing humanitarian crisis. Social and humanitarian initiatives are also central to Azerbaijan’s leadership.

Efforts to empower women, engage youth, and promote educational cooperation highlight the importance of improving the quality of life across member states. The creation of a Partner Network of leading universities and the promotion of volunteerism reflect Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration in education, science, and social development.

A Transformative Future for CICA

Building on Kazakhstan’s previous leadership, Azerbaijan is focused on finalizing CICA’s Charter, strengthening its institutional frameworks, and ensuring financial autonomy. These efforts aim to transform CICA from a platform for dialogue into a mechanism for coordinated action and tangible results.

Azerbaijan’s priorities—connectivity, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and security—are well-suited to address Asia’s most pressing challenges. Through innovative initiatives and a commitment to multilateralism, Azerbaijan is positioning CICA as a vital player in fostering regional cooperation.

By leading CICA, Azerbaijan should not only strengthen regional cooperation but also advance the broader goals of global peace, democracy, and security—much like the United Nations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev