Global Young Leaders Forum kicks off in Baku [UPDATE]

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku hosts Global Young Leaders Forum organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

The Global Young Leaders Forum is a new platform connecting young leaders with former and current heads of states and exploring many criteria of leadership, Azertac reported.

Co-chair of Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Director of the Library of Alexandria, Egypt, Ismail Serageldin announced the forum open, Azertac reported.

He stressed the importance of the forum from the point of view of engaging young leaders in addressing problems facing humanity.

Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov`s letter of greetings was read out.

Later, Former President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliyev hailed the forum as a brilliant opportunity for strengthening cooperation with young leaders.

Former first lady of Ukraine, member of Nizami Ganjavi International Center Kateryna Yushchenko noted the role of young leaders in applying innovations in order to ensure a more rapid and sustainable development.

Former Latvian President, member of Nizami Ganjavi International Center Valdis Zatlers highlighted the significance of the Baku forum, saying it provides a good opportunity for young leaders to exchange views with experienced statesmen and politicians.

Zatlers hailed Azerbaijan`s experience in hosting high-profile international events. “This event is a new idea that involves young people. Using this opportunity young leaders can benefit from experience of well-known political figures and statesmen,” the former Latvian leader added.

Nearly 20 former heads of government, influential public figures as well as heads of major corporations also joined the forum.

Topics related to individual assessment of leadership, forms of leadership that are necessary in modern times, differences between male and female leadership will be discussed, as well as debates will be organized during the forum.

Nizami Ganjavi International Center was created with the multiple aims of preserving the reach cultural heritage of the past as well as encouraging and fostering current scholarship, research, cultural activity, and social outreach.

The Center moves forward to build, an institution worthy of bearing the great name of Nizami Ganjavi with a hope it will become “a source of pride for Azerbaijan and the world”.