Pope Francis has appealed to the participants of the 8th Global Baku Forum, News.Az reports. 

The appeal, voiced by the co-chair of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Ismail Serageldin, stresses the importance of such discussions on the world's most critical issues.

The head of the Catholic Church also reminded that this year's forum coincided with the 880th anniversary of the great Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi, noting that the great poet's work celebrates unity and solidarity.

The year 2021 has been declared the Year of Nizami Ganjavi in Azerbaijan as a sign of respect for the poet’s heritage.

Organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center under the patronage of President Ilham Aliyev, the next Global Baku Forum under the motto "The world after COVID-19” has today kicked off.

President Aliyev made a speech at the opening ceremony.

The 8th Global Baku Forum brings together high-level representatives, including former heads of state and government, officials of international and non-governmental organizations from more than 40 countries, as well as other distinguished guests to discuss issues of global importance.

The Forum will feature panel discussions on such topics as "New world order after COVID-19", "New world economy", "In a new era: peace, security and human rights", "Combatting climate change and meeting global energy demand", "Health care and vaccination", "Promoting food security", "Eastern Partnership and its opportunities", including the situation in the EU, the Balkans, and the South Caucasus.

News.Az