Leaders gather at 11th Global Baku Forum to address global challenges PHOTO

The XI Global Baku Forum kicked off on March 14 with esteemed leaders and thinkers converging to deliberate on pressing global issues under the theme "Restoring a Fractured World."

Ismail Serageldin, co-chairman of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, lauded the forum as a unique space of freedom where diverse perspectives converge to tackle challenges and realize promises, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Opportunities are provided to discuss certain issues, demonstrate commitment to universal human values in conversations, show rationality in arguments, and they confirm their knowledge and experience based on their wisdom," remarked Serageldin, emphasizing the significance of the forum in fostering constructive dialogue. He expressed hope that the outcomes of these discussions would enrich future deliberations, including those at COP29 later in the year.

Addressing the prevalence of conflicts in the modern world, former Serbian President Boris Tadic underscored the imperative for the global community to prioritize practical solutions to prevent future conflicts. Tadic highlighted the far-reaching consequences of conflicts in regions like Israel, Ukraine, and Yemen, advocating for a focus on education as a key tool in conflict prevention.

"The consequences of wars in Israel, Ukraine, Yemen are observed practically all over the world. Always during and after conflicts, we think about how to rebuild infrastructure, how to help the victims of war, but we do not think about what we should do to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future. Education, in my opinion, is the key to this issue, not only the education of the younger generation, but also the education of politicians," Tadic emphasized.

Meanwhile, Kerry Kennedy, President of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation for Human Rights, stressed the importance of modelling solutions to current global challenges during her participation in a panel discussion. She underscored the significance of the Global Baku Forum as a platform for engaging in meaningful dialogue and formulating strategies to address global issues.

"During this forum, it is important to model solutions to current global problems," remarked Kennedy, highlighting the forum's role in facilitating constructive discourse and action-oriented initiatives.

The XI Global Baku Forum continues to serve as a vital platform for leaders, intellectuals, and policymakers to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and advance collective efforts towards a more harmonious and resilient global community.

Volkan Bozkir, Chairman of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly and a member of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, underscored France's open support for Armenia through arms sales.

He highlighted the unresolved nature of the Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict, stating, "this conflict lasted for 30 years. Azerbaijan liberated its lands only by military means."

Bozkir expressed concerns over the diminishing role of the UN in conflict resolution, lamenting its isolation and reduced budget. He criticized the policies of powerful nations, suggesting they lead to further global instability and conflict.

In alignment with Bozkir's sentiments, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the high representative of the UN Alliance of Civilizations, called for urgent reforms within the UN system. Al-Nasser emphasized the complexities of the contemporary world, labelling it as a state of chaos.

He stressed the necessity of mediation and dialogue in conflict prevention, highlighting their historical efficacy in achieving lasting solutions.

"The world is in total disarray. Conflicts are erupting everywhere," Al-Nasser remarked, urging for a renewed focus on conflict resolution mechanisms.

Moreover, Egils Levits, former President of Latvia, addressed the imperative need for global action on climate change. Levits commended Baku as an ideal location for hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

He emphasized Baku's historical and geographical significance as a melting pot of cultures, advocating for progress on climate change issues.

Levits highlighted the exacerbation of global divisions by the negative impacts of climate change, further underlining the urgency of concerted international efforts in combating this existential threat.

As the international community grapples with escalating conflicts, institutional reforms, and environmental challenges, voices from the XI Global Baku Forum echo the need for collective action, dialogue, and renewed commitment to global stability and sustainability.