Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus could become one of the world’s key strategic connectors in an emerging multipolar order.
Speaking to AnewZ in Baku during the World Urban Forum (WUF), Sachs described the region as a natural bridge linking East and West, as well as North and South.
He said initiatives such as Europe’s Global Gateway and China’s Belt and Road Initiative could converge in Baku, strengthening the region’s role as a connectivity hub.
“In the new order that I would like to see - a peaceful, multipolar, and cooperative world - Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus would be natural key connectors,” Sachs said.
He stressed that Eurasia should become an integrated and peaceful economic region stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific, arguing that cooperation, trade, investment, and tourism are more beneficial than geopolitical confrontation.
Sachs also highlighted Azerbaijan’s growing role in connectivity through energy and transport routes, but warned against turning energy and trade into geopolitical weapons.
While describing Azerbaijan as an important hydrocarbon power, he said the region also has major renewable energy potential, particularly in solar energy.
Discussing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Sachs said neighbouring countries naturally benefit from economic cooperation and infrastructure development once conflict ends.
He argued that countries in the South Caucasus share a common interest in preserving their sovereignty and avoiding becoming battlegrounds for major power rivalries.
“The worst thing for countries is to become the site of a proxy war between major powers,” he said.
On global politics, Sachs described the United States and China as “roughly co-equal powers,” saying China had strengthened its position through investment, manufacturing, technology, and by staying out of wars.
He said the recent Trump-Xi summit in Beijing showed that both sides were interested in maintaining responsible competition rather than escalating into a new Cold War.
Sachs also criticised the increasing use of sanctions, tariffs, and financial systems as geopolitical tools, arguing that countries are rapidly developing alternatives to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar and Western-controlled systems.
“The idea of economics as a weapon is very strong in American rhetoric, but to my mind, it is already outdated,” he said.
Speaking about tensions involving Iran, Sachs strongly opposed further escalation, describing conflict in the region as dangerous for stability, trade, and energy security.
He warned that a wider confrontation could have serious consequences for neighbouring regions, including the South Caucasus and the Caspian area.
He also addressed the issue of rapid urbanisation, saying housing has become not only a social challenge but also an issue of political and economic stability. Sachs noted that more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities, with the figure expected to rise to around 70% by 2050.
“These cities should be decent places to live. They should be healthful. They should be productive. They should have jobs,” he said.
According to Sachs, future cities should focus on sustainable infrastructure, public transport, walkability, digital innovation, and reduced dependence on private car ownership.
During the World Urban Forum in Baku, Sachs said the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and UN-Habitat would launch a new advisory council focused on the future of cities and sustainable urban development worldwide.
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump...
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed aga...
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of confli...
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central...
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Türkiye that provides an alternative connection between Asian and European markets.
An armed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on a Black Sea beach in northern Türkiye on Sunday, prompting a security operation and the controlled detonation of its munitions.
Spain has received around 900,000 applications from undocumented migrants seeking legal status under a government regularisation programme. The influx has far exceeded initial expectations, the Migration Ministry said on Monday.
A Ukrainian man has been found guilty of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after being recruited by a mystery figure known only as "EL Money".
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed against Iranians by Israel and the United States.
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Türkiye that provides an alternative connection between Asian and European markets.
An armed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on a Black Sea beach in northern Türkiye on Sunday, prompting a security operation and the controlled detonation of its munitions.
Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict was announced, although uncertainty remained over how the deal would be implemented on the ground.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a lasting settlement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment