Fourth Baku Security Forum gets underway to address global challenges

The 4th Baku Security Forum has begun in Baku under the theme “New Challenges in Global Security Architecture and the Formation of Effective Cooperation Mechanisms Against Terrorism.”

The forum is being held at the initiative of the State Security Service (SSS), with the participation of heads and senior representatives of international organisations and security services from more than 100 countries, according to local media.

Following the official opening of the forum, an address by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the participants was read out.

Speaking at the event, SSS Chief Colonel-General Ali Naghiyev said he was pleased to once again welcome participants of the forum, which was initiated by the head of state, noting that its geographical reach expands every year.

At the forum, the participation of around 600 high-ranking delegates was highlighted as providing broad opportunities to compare national experiences, develop professional ties and seek joint solutions. Particular emphasis was placed on the active participation of heads of partner institutions, which was described as a sign of confidence in the Baku platform and as enhancing the prospects of turning discussions into practical cooperation.

The importance of establishing cooperation despite differences in political approaches was also stressed, particularly in maintaining communication channels in the face of common threats. Attention was drawn to transformative processes currently taking place in the international security system, alongside growing threats such as terrorism, transnational crime, illegal migration, drug trafficking and cybercrime.

Against this backdrop, the need for reliable partnerships was emphasised, as cross-border challenges cannot be effectively addressed individually. It was further stressed that security extends beyond the protection of borders and also requires ensuring the resilience of energy, transport, banking, communications and information systems.

At the forum, attention was drawn to the serious impact of rising military spending and intensifying armed conflicts on regional processes, as well as energy and food security, creating favourable conditions for the spread of terrorism. The possibility that crises in individual parts of the world could quickly evolve into global threats was also highlighted.

Against this backdrop, joint assessment of risks and threats within the framework of the Baku Security Forum was presented as contributing to stronger state preparedness to respond to emerging challenges.

By Jeyhun Aghazada