On 24th April 2022, a Webinar on “Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace: Discussing Azerbaijan's Role and Contribution in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)”. The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan and the Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad.

The webinar aimed at highlighting the proactive role of Azerbaijan in NAM and discussing prospects of cooperation under NAM. The webinar integrated experts and scholars from Azerbaijan and Pakistan to explain the areas where contributions can be made to global peace and inclusive development. 

The webinar commenced with the opening remarks by Chief Guest, His Excellency Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Pakistan. He briefly discussed Azerbaijan's role in the Non-Aligned Movement and stated that the last 60 years of the Non-Aligned Movement have proven significant as justice, equality, international norms, and principles of International Law have been highlighted and promoted globally. He discussed the foreign policy of Azerbaijan as it depicts respect, sovereignty, integrity, non-interference, and the promotion of NAM principles. He discussed Azerbaijan’s strong concern for the fight against terrorism, global security and development, and the efforts by the country to combat the COVID19 Pandemic. He shared his views on the recognition of territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also mentioned the four resolutions of the UN Security Council and stated that NAM and OIC are also working in this regard.

Mr Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS) mentioned NAM as a key player in promoting international cooperation. He highlighted the key achievements of NAM and mentioned that it has been proven successful in initiating an active struggle for global peace, playing a significant role in promoting multilateralism, preventing bipolarism and colonialism, and dismantling imperialism. He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in NAM and explained that the country has taken important steps to promote and strengthen the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement and has taken significant actions towards tackling global pandemics, and taken measures for global cooperation. He also stated that Azerbaijan and Pakistan, are now known as the Iron Brothers across the globe. Thus, collaborating with each other in multiple areas.

Ms Mehreen Gul, Director, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad stated that for peace and security, the world needs multilateralism. She discussed the primary agenda of NAM to counter emerging threats and challenges to international peace. She highlighted the role of NAM in promoting multilateralism, positive globalization, solidarity, unity, and cooperation among the countries. Ms Mehreen stressed regional integration, coordination, and peace while highlighting the role of youth as a primary priority. She discussed that in Azerbaijan, youth is being involved in international affairs and University students have been actively working and conducting Round Table meetings and conferences to work on the agenda of NAM. She also discussed the significance of cultural diplomacy and mentioned that the Youth Network has presented the fundamentals of Human Rights.

Ms Jeyla Aliyeva, Journalist, Baku, Azerbaijan mentioned Azerbaijan’s role in NAM and discussed the BAKU summit. She stated that Azerbaijan has always remained true to United Nations’ Peace Keeping operations and has hugely contributed to combating the COVID 19 Pandemic and has become World’s leading country to fight the Pandemic. She highlighted Azerbaijan’s chairmanship in NAM that has been extended as the country is solely committed to the principles of the Non-Aligned Movement. The motion of Azerbaijan was supported by more than 150 Countries for Covid Vaccines. Azerbaijan’s effective chairmanship has promoted the Youth Network and provided Humanitarian support to more than 30 countries. Ms Jeyla discussed the NAM principles as they are viewed and valued highly in International Relations. She stated that the positive impact of Azerbaijan can bring a positive impact on NAM and the World.

Dr. Syed Nouman Ali Shah, Head, Department of International Relations, National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Multan quoted the words of the founder of NAM and stated that NAM pursues the agenda of collaboration, friendship, and peace. He discussed that the president of Azerbaijan has drawn the attention of the World to assist in the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr Nouman stated the role of NAM in global financial problems and discussed that the President has drawn attention to multilateralism, diplomacy, and peace. He also mentioned that it is through a global response that the International Community has been able to mitigate the Global Pandemic. He shared his analysis that NAM is a keystone for global multilateralism. He talked about the Climate action, prosperity, and the 2030 UN SDG goals.

Mr Qaiser Nawab, Alumnus, NAM Youth Summit (2019), Islamabad highlighted the significant role NAM to promote multilateralism and ending bipolarism. He stated that each member of NAM together represents a powerful third bloc and the principles of NAM highlight the respect for Human Rights, territorial integrity, peaceful solutions, and non-interference and it reaffirms the strengthening of International Cooperation. NAM regards the growing trends of multilateralism and has deep faith in it. He shared his views on Azerbaijan’s effective contributions toward NAM and stated that it is a rapidly developing country which promotes Sustainable development, south-south cooperation and boosts sovereignty. He also mentioned that Azerbaijan has provided Technical and Humanitarian Support to more than 90 countries and the country is determined to promote the active role of its youth to overcome the common challenges.

Mr Kamran Gasimov, Anchor/Journalist, Real Tv Baku, Azerbaijan discussed NAM’s principles and stated that Azerbaijan pursues a Foreign Policy that supports Cooperation and Development. He said that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has been recognized by most countries as it is deeply focused on promoting multilateralism. Financial assistance has been provided to more than 30 countries. He also discussed the role of NAM while stating that in the past two years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a new model of diplomatic relations. In the end, he stated that it was the result of Azerbaijan’s great contributions that the world appreciated its efforts toward global peace.

Dr Zarmina Baloch, Assistant Professor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar discussed the achievements of NAM. She stated that the initiation of active struggle for global peace and movement towards multilateralism has been of core importance in NAM as it prevented polarization and ended colonialism, and imperialism and demanded self-determination. She discussed that Pakistan has also contributed to NAM principles and Azerbaijan has respect for sovereignty and integrity as the country prefers peaceful cooperation with other states and pursues multidimensional foreign policy. She discussed that Azerbaijan avoids political interdependence and that the country’s policies synchronize with the Non-Aligned Movement.

The webinar was moderated by Ms Maryam Raza, Research Executive, Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS). The event was viewed live on various social media platforms and was attended by 50 participants from Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

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