International security top of the agenda at 13th Global Baku Forum

International security and climate change are top of the agenda as leaders and policymakers from around the world meet at the 13th Global Baku Forum in the Azerbaijani capital this week.

Global experts are discussing digital governance, sustainable development and housing at the event, organised by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, which brings together figures from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society.

The future of international systems, China’s role in global governance initiatives and Africa’s development outlook are also key topics at the conference, which provides a platform for dialogue on the major challenges facing the international system.

Former President of the United Nations General Assembly, Dennis Francis, who was among the attendees, said the gathering played a significant role in promoting communication at a time of escalating conflict.

He said: “The Forum is a very important platform for dialogue, to build understanding and to seek solutions at a time when they are urgently required.

“We’ve seen what’s happening in this region and its wider impact on the entire global community in terms of the risks to inflation, growth, jobs, stability and, of course, sustainable peace.”

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Benita Ferrero-Waldner, former European Commissioner for Trade, said issues discussed at the event would feed into conversations at the UN and other international institutions.

She added: “There are people who are not living in good housing, so the question of slums and better housing in the future is also there, but particularly how we can help poor people.”

The 13th Global Baku Forum runs from 12 to 14 March.

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