Security issues must occupy the first place on the agenda of any country, President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 13th Global Baku Forum.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the head of state emphasized the growing prestige of the event, noting its role as a premier platform for international dialogue. "I would say that it stands on a par with the main international forums at the global level. Participants with great experience—presidents, prime ministers, speakers of parliaments, well-known public figures, diplomats, representatives of the business community, civil society, and various fields of our life—gather here to exchange views and experience, as well as to develop ideas on how to make people's lives better, safer, and more secure," President Ilham Aliyev stated.
The head of state further noted that while the forum's agenda is extensive, the primary focus remains on the current geopolitical situation. "Now more than ever, it is clear that security, stability, and defense issues must be at the top of any country's agenda. Without this, everything else loses its meaning. Countries that have invested in their development for many years and decades are facing risks today. Therefore, security and stability should be the main factor where we must unite our efforts," President Ilham Aliyev added.
The Global Baku Forum, organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, has become a significant tradition in Azerbaijan's capital, attracting hundreds of world leaders and experts annually. Since its inception, the forum has served as a vital bridge for discussing complex global challenges, ranging from climate change and public health to regional conflicts and economic resilience. By hosting such high-level gatherings, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its role as a central hub for international diplomacy and a key mediator in regional stability within the South Caucasus and beyond.