BAKU, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The 7th Global Baku Forum kicked off here on Thursday, bringing together more than 500 delegates from 55 countries, including incumbent and former leaders of state and government, heads of international organizations, academics and scientists, according to the state-run news agency AZERTAC.
The three-day forum will feature 10 sessions focusing on a wide range of issues, including the role of superpowers in changing global politics, sustainable development challenges, Middle East partnership for security, and the role of culture and science in decision-making.
Dignitaries at the event include Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, Albanian President Ilir Meta, Moldovan President Igor Dodon, Montenegrin President Milo Dukanovic, and Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov.
In his key speech at the forum, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the forum had grown into an important platform for discussing issues of global concern.
The Global Baku Forum started in 2013 and is an annual event organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center in partnership with other non-government organizations. The forum provides an opportunity for leaders and thinkers to discuss ways and recommendations to overcome some of the world's most pressing challenges.
