First day of XII Global Baku Forum delivers strong consensus on reshaping world order UPDATED / PHOTO

The first day of the XII Global Baku Forum, titled "Rethinking World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities," concluded on March 13.

Held under the patronage of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, the forum gathered high-level international figures to discuss key global challenges and cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

The final panel session of the day focused on "The UN Pact for the Future: Building a New Global Consensus." The discussion was moderated by Zlatko Lagumdzija, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, former Prime Minister, and former Deputy Prime Minister of the country. The session featured a speech by Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, President of North Macedonia.

Several prominent figures delivered remarks during the session, including Akif Çagatay Kılıç, Chief Advisor to the President of Türkiye on National Security and Foreign Policy; Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Director General of the International Telecommunication Union; Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications; Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th UN General Assembly; Asad M. Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization; Katalin Novák, former President of Hungary; Hafez Ghanem, former Vice President of the World Bank; and Borut Pahor, former President of Slovenia. Additionally, Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, participated via video link.

Key discussions and remarks

Guy Ryder, UN Under-Secretary-General for Policy, emphasized the significance of the UN Pact for the Future, calling it an essential international document. “This document, as well as the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations contained within it, opens the way to new horizons and untapped opportunities,” he noted. Ryder expressed confidence that the pact would serve as a foundation for a sustainable, fair, and peaceful global order.

Thomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Director General of the International Telecommunication Union, highlighted concerns over artificial intelligence and energy consumption. “We must promote clean energy solutions because data centres linked to artificial intelligence are already creating some tension on our planet,” he stated. He also pointed out a common perception that “the UN and a number of other organizations cannot work together in areas such as artificial intelligence, financing, and security.” However, he emphasized that “the progress made by Azerbaijan in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and its financial activities within COP29 demonstrate that the UN, member states and organizations can reach agreements through joint efforts.”

Akif Çagatay Kılıç, Chief Advisor to the Turkish President on National Security and Foreign Policy, spoke about Türkiye’s geopolitical challenges. “Due to its geographical location, Türkiye has become the center of all conflicts. Today, the stability in our neighbouring Gaza Strip, Ukraine, and other conflict zones is very volatile. The thirty-year conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan could not find a solution. Thousands of people have died in such conflicts. This is due to the fact that the parties to the conflict do not trust each other. We must solve our problems now so that future generations do not fall into this trap,” he stated.

Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the IAEA and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, clarified the role of the agency in nuclear energy. “The International Atomic Energy Agency has nothing to do with bombs; we ensure the use of nuclear energy for peace. And this is where science and technology play an important role,” she stressed. She also suggested that “it would be right for scientists and politicians to come to the negotiating table.”

Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th UN General Assembly, addressed the need for institutional change in tackling global challenges. “To deal with geopolitical challenges, we as institutions usually take a zero-sum game approach. But to solve crises related to global economic growth, we need cooperation. Because only together we can change the reality and the current situation by finding a better solution,” he said.

Asad M. Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, described the UN Pact for the Future as a crucial achievement in the face of ongoing challenges and the current paralysis of the UN Security Council. “New horizons must be created for its realization,” he emphasized.

Call for global cooperation

Throughout the session, speakers underlined the importance of strengthening international cooperation and fostering constructive dialogue. They stressed that closer ties between nations are essential for improving the effectiveness of the UN and addressing current global challenges.

The first day of the XII Global Baku Forum concluded with thought-provoking discussions, reinforcing the urgent need for enhanced global collaboration to shape a more resilient and inclusive world order.

12: 27 (March 13)

On March 13, the prestigious XII Global Baku Forum kicked off at the iconic Gulustan Palace in Baku, bringing together global leaders, thinkers, and policymakers under the theme “Rethinking World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities.”

President Ilham Aliyev took the stage at the grand opening ceremony, setting the tone for insightful discussions that could shape the future of global governance, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, the forum aims to foster dialogue on pressing international issues.

10:30

The XII Global Baku Forum, themed “Rethinking World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities,” is underway at the Gulustan Palace in Baku, under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and the auspices of the Nizami Ganjavi International Cenre.

President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of the forum, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Set to bring together over 400 distinguished participants, including current and former heads of state and government, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, and key representatives from international organizations and civil society, the event is poised to become a significant platform for open dialogue and global cooperation.

The forum’s purpose is clear: to foster a space for reflection, discussion, and innovation, drawing lessons from the past, understanding present challenges, and predicting future pathways. Over the past 11 years, the forum has convened more than 100 heads of state and government, 4,000 senior leaders, and notable figures, all united in their efforts to address the world’s most pressing issues.

This year, discussions will delve into a wide array of critical topics, including:

1. Geopolitical Shifts: Responsible Partnerships versus Rivalry. 

2. Reimagining Multilateralism for a Multipolar World. 

3. The UN Pact for the Future: Building a New Global Consensus Path to Peace. 

4. Middle Powers in the New World Order. 

5. Reconstruction: Regional Stability. 

6. COP29: Breakthrough to Belem - Accelerating Transformation. 

7. New Technologies for New World. 

8. From Resolution to Revolution: Marking 25 Years of Women, Peace and Security Framework. 

9. Global Health in Crisis: New Frontiers in Preparedness and Equity. 

10. Youth Speak, We Listen

By Tamilla Hasanova