Dear delegates, scholars and colleagues, Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to address you all at the 13th Meeting of the CICA Think Tank Forum, taking place for the very first time in the dynamic city of Baku. I extend my sincere appreciation to the Shanghai Institutes of International Studies (SIIS) and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) for organizing this event, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan for their support.
This year’s Think Tank Forum holds particular significance as it takes place during the first year of Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship of CICA. The Azerbaijani Chairmanship has prioritized advancing and raising the effectiveness of confidence building measures across all dimensions within CICA, including political, economic, and humanitarian dimensions — making this meeting not only timely but aligned with the broader strategic direction of CICA.
It is especially fitting that Baku is hosting this meeting at a moment when Asia is assuming a central role in shaping global developments. The growing influence of our region in science, economy, technology, governance, and diplomacy brings both opportunities and responsibilities that demand thoughtful, collaborative responses.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As we gather here today, we are witnessing not only the ongoing transformation of CICA but also the broad shifts in the global geopolitical landscape. These processes are influenced by the restructuring of the architecture of international relations, emerging challenges, and the growing interdependence of nations.
In this complex environment, CICA's unique value lies in its role as an important platform where frozen and ongoing conflicts across Asia can be discussed. It is a place where representatives of nations, even those in disagreement, can sit down at one table.
The multifaceted problems we face today—from security threats to economic instability—require a forum that cultivates the norms of the UN Charter and promotes dialogue. CICA's institutional development is key to providing precisely this kind of flexible and much-needed response.
Moreover, Asia's growing influence on the world stage amplifies CICA's significance. As the region is an engine of global growth and shapes international peace, CICA's commitment to regional stability becomes paramount. Its engagement in addressing issues such as climate and development underscores its unique role. Ultimately, its core mission is to be a demanded and adaptable organization, providing a unique platform for dialogue aimed at finding pathways to resolve problems. This is what defines its relevance in the emerging world order.
This year’s theme—“Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA”—aptly reflects the moment we are in. CICA is undergoing a critical transition toward becoming a full-fledged international organization, and this process requires not only institutional adjustments but also a deeper understanding of the forces shaping our shared region.
At the most recent Senior Officials Committee meeting held in Astana in July 2025, the CICA Member States reaffirmed their support for the transformation process. In this connection, key developments included the approval of draft regulations for two new advisory bodies—the CICA Finance Summit and the CICA Women Council—both of which aim to expand institutional depth and engagement in economic sphere and women empowerment.
The meeting also featured the annual review of the implementation of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs), with this year’s focus on the environmental dimension. The SOC highlighted the legacy of COP29 hosted by Azerbaijan in Baku and emphasized the relevance of regional climate diplomacy as a pillar of future CICA cooperation. Member States expressed their interest in enhancing collaboration and dialogue in this field and encouraged further discussions in this respect.
These developments demonstrate that CICA is entering a critical phase in its institutional evolution. As the organization moves toward a more structured, multidimensional framework, the Think Tank Forum is uniquely positioned to contribute research, strategic foresight, and policy analysis to support the transformation. It is vital that we, as a community of scholars and policy thinkers, help articulate the intellectual foundation for a stronger, more effective CICA.
Dear participants,
In keeping with the responsibilities of the Think Tank Forum, I would like to highlight a significant initiative — the newly released e-book titled “SME Landscape in Asia: An Interactive Guidebook”. This initiative was first introduced at last year’s Think Tank Forum as a collaborative project with the CICA Business Council and officially launched at the 8th CICA Business Council Meeting in May 2025, here in Baku.
It has since provided invaluable insights and practical tools for understanding and promoting the business environment for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across CICA Member States. The guidebook compiles legal frameworks, incentive models, and national strategies designed to support the growth and development of SMEs.
As we move forward with the next phase of this project, I encourage the members of the Think Tank Forum to contribute further content, including case studies, thematic research, and policy recommendations. Your contributions will enrich the guidebook and ensure it remains a relevant and comprehensive resource for all stakeholders.
In addition to the aforementioned initiatives, I would like to emphasize the importance of funding research through the CICA Fund, especially on various pressing issues of the international agenda. The CICA Fund can play a key role in supporting research related to critical topics such as security, sustainable development, digital transformation, climate diplomacy, and other key challenges facing our region. Such research will deepen our understanding of key issues and improve the quality of decisions made within the framework of CICA, as well as strengthen regional cooperation at all levels.
Distinguished audience,
I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies for their dedicated leadership of the Think Tank Forum since its inception in 2014. Their chairmanship has significantly shaped the TTF’s development. As their biannual term draws to a close, I extend my best wishes to the incoming Chair and look forward to the new perspectives and energy they will bring to this important platform.
As we stand at this pivotal moment in CICA's transformation, the contributions made by each of you, as scholars, policymakers, and experts, will be critical in shaping the future of our cooperation. The insights and ideas that emerge from this Think Tank Forum will not only guide the direction of CICA but will also lay the intellectual and practical foundations for a stronger, more united region.
We must continue to work together in advancing the goals of peace, stability, and prosperity. Our region, with its growing influence on the global stage, requires a response that is both collaborative and forward-thinking. In the coming years, the challenges we face — from security threats to climate change, economic inequality, and digital transformation — will require comprehensive, inclusive solutions. Our ability to address these challenges will depend on our collective will and our ability to work together across borders, cultures, and sectors.
In this context, let us commit ourselves to strengthening the intellectual and practical platforms that we have built here within CICA. Let us continue to innovate, to think critically, and to collaborate openly. The work we do today will have a lasting impact, not only on CICA’s future but also on the future of our entire region.
I invite you all to stay engaged, to actively contribute to the ongoing evolution of CICA, and to ensure that our shared vision of peace, development, and regional solidarity remains at the core of everything we do. Let us take this opportunity to set the stage for the next phase of our collective journey and to work together toward a future defined by mutual understanding, shared progress, and sustained cooperation.
Thank you once again for your participation, and I look forward to our continued collaboration in shaping the future of CICA and our region.
Thank you for your attention!
