Baku, Azerbaijan – The 12th Global Baku Forum, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) under the patronage of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, officially commenced on March 13 at the Gulustan Palace. The forum, themed "Rethinking the World Order: Turning Challenges into Opportunities," gathered nearly 400 influential political figures from various regions, including over 50 current and former presidents, prime ministers, heads of UN structures, renowned scientists, and experts.

President Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony and delivered a pivotal speech, welcoming the distinguished guests and commending the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for its excellent work in transforming the forum into a leading international platform for addressing critical global issues.

President Aliyev's Address Highlights Azerbaijan's Global Role

In his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's growing role on the international stage, particularly its successful hosting of COP29. He emphasized that Azerbaijan was unanimously chosen by nearly 200 countries, a testament to the respect and trust placed in the nation, as well as a recognition of its commitment to green transition despite its rich fossil fuel resources. President Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan's ambitious renewable energy agenda, projecting that renewable energy capacity will nearly double by 2030, enabling the export of green energy alongside oil and gas, thus contributing to the energy security of numerous countries, particularly in Europe.

He also addressed Azerbaijan's increasing importance as a transport and connectivity hub, especially in light of recent geopolitical shifts, noting the substantial increase in cargo transit through the country.

President Aliyev reflected on the outcomes of COP29, particularly the consensus reached on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement after more than a decade of impasse, and the tripling of climate finance from $100 billion to $300 billion, which he referred to as the "Baku Breakthrough."

Critically, President Aliyev touched upon the "campaign" orchestrated by certain Western media outlets and political centers, primarily the US State Department and the French President's office, to discredit Azerbaijan and boycott COP29. He refuted accusations of Azerbaijan being a significant emitter, highlighting the country's minimal contribution to global gas emissions. He also condemned France's policy of arming Armenia and its efforts to destabilize the region, reiterating Azerbaijan's unwavering commitment to peace and its demands for Armenia to remove territorial claims from its Constitution and dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's struggle was for justice and international law, executing UN Security Council resolutions that remained on paper for 27 years through its own strength.

International Leaders Praise Forum and Azerbaijan's Initiatives

The forum featured an array of esteemed speakers who praised the Global Baku Forum as a vital platform for dialogue in an uncertain world.

• President of Albania, H.E. Mr. Bajram Begaj, expressed gratitude for the invitation and hospitality, emphasizing the forum's role in creating hope amidst global uncertainties, conflicts, and economic downturns. He highlighted the need for peace, border protection, and international cooperation against cyber threats and illegal migration.

• Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, H.E. Ms. Željka Cvijanović, spoke about her country's constitutional and political challenges, criticizing external interference in internal affairs and advocating for internal dialogue and respect for democratic principles.

• President of North Macedonia, H.E. Ms. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, highlighted the shared values and historical parallels between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia as multicultural and multi-religious societies that regained independence in 1991. She underscored the forum's role in fostering wisdom and deep ideas on regional and international issues.

• Former President of Latvia, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, an NGIC Co-Chair, thanked President Aliyev for his vision and support in creating a neutral and friendly environment for diverse voices to discuss global challenges.

• WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, congratulated President Aliyev on successfully hosting COP29 and achieving significant results in climate finance and adaptation, calling it a prime example of multilateralism.

• UN Alliance of Civilizations High Representative, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, lauded the forum as a crucial platform for discussing and resolving problems threatening the world order.

• UNCTAD Secretary-General, Rebeca Grynspan, appreciated the Azerbaijani government's support for dialogue on issues like the unequal distribution of new innovations and artificial intelligence.

• UN Office at Geneva Director-General, Tatiana Valovaya, stressed the forum's importance for ensuring international peace and security.

• IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, recognized Azerbaijan as a reliable and trustworthy partner in resolving energy crises for many countries, expressing hope for increased gas exports to Europe and the success of the Black Sea Green Energy Cable project.

Forum's Scope and Future Outlook

NGIC Co-Chair Ismail Serageldin concluded the opening remarks by emphasizing the forum's role in bringing together world leaders, international organization representatives, and scientists for open and substantive discussions, known for its diversity of opinions and rational arguments.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center has become a crucial international platform for exploring solutions to global problems and informing the world community, leading to increasing interest in its events.

The 12th Global Baku Forum, which continues until March 15, features panels on "Geopolitical Changes: Responsible Partnership vs. Competition," "Revisiting Multilateralism for a Multi-Polar World," and "UN Pact for the Future: Creating a New Global Consensus." The 2025 Nizami Ganjavi International Award will be presented to a public figure contributing to peace and reconciliation.

Additional panels and dinner sessions will cover "The Path to Peace," "Middle Powers in a New World Order," "Peace - Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Regional Stability Restoration," Middle East issues, and Ukraine-EU relations. Evening sessions will discuss "COP29: Leap for Belem – Accelerating Transformation" and "The Future of Europe." New technologies, gender and security, climate change impact, and global health crises will also be central, with a dedicated youth panel titled "Let Youth Speak, We Listen."