Global leaders focus on new technologies and global diplomacy on final day of Baku forum

The final day of the XII Global Baku Forum, which runs under the theme “Rethinking the World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” has begun in Azerbaijan’s capital.

The forum, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, continues to attract global leaders and experts to discuss the most pressing international issues.

The first panel of the day focuses on the theme “New Technologies for a New World.” The session is moderated by Susan Ness, former commissioner of the US Federal Communications Commission, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Key speakers include Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Director General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Sam Dows, Senior Advisor to the Oxford Martin Artificial Intelligence Management Initiative and founder of Multilateral AI, George Papandreou, former Prime Minister of Greece (2009-2011), Bernardo Mariano, Director of Information Technology at the UN, Rosen Plevneliev, President of Bulgaria (2012-2017), Milica Pejanovic-Durisic, former Minister of Defense of Montenegro, and several others.

The forum, which started on March 13, has once again gathered a diverse group of influential figures from across the globe, including presidents, prime ministers, ministers, parliamentarians, former heads of state, and representatives from international organizations. As with previous editions, this year’s forum addresses the critical need to navigate contemporary challenges and to rethink the global order.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, which organizes the event, was founded by an order from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in 2012, commemorating the 870th anniversary of the birth of the renowned poet and philosopher Nizami Ganjavi. Over the years, the Centre has grown into an influential international institution dedicated to tackling global challenges and promoting dialogue between nations. This increasing interest in its activities reflects Azerbaijan’s expanding role on the international stage and growing diplomatic influence, alongside widespread global support for President Aliyev’s leadership.

This year’s forum, as anticipated, welcomed around 400 influential participants, including at least 50 current and former heads of state, prime ministers, heads of UN organizations, Nobel laureates, scientists, and experts. The forum’s discussions have covered key topics such as multilateral diplomacy, the evolving multipolar world order, post-conflict reconstruction, and the role of middle powers in global governance.

In addition to the discussions, the forum has hosted sessions on critical global issues like “Geopolitical Change: Responsible Partnership vs. Competition,” “Revisiting Multilateralism for a Multipolar World,” and “The UN Pact for the Future: Building a New Global Consensus.” As part of the forum’s celebrations, the prestigious Nizami Ganjavi International Prize for 2025 will be awarded to a distinguished public figure for their significant contributions to peace and harmony.

Further enriching the forum’s agenda, sessions on “The Road to Peace,” “Middle Powers in the New World Order,” and “Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Regional Stability” have also sparked deep discussions among global leaders.

By bringing together policymakers, thought leaders, and diplomats, the XII Global Baku Forum remains an essential platform for shaping the future of global governance and promoting solutions to the most urgent international challenges. The event continues to highlight Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and contributing to global peace and stability.

By Tamilla Hasanova