13th CICA Think Tank Forum in Azerbaijan Focuses on Transformation and Strengthening Capacity

The second day of the 13th CICA Think Tank Forum, co-organized by the Azerbaijani Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), continued with a series of focused sessions under the theme “Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA.”

Moderated by Madina Igibayeva, military-political analyst at the CICA Secretariat, the sessions featured a key discussion on “CICA as an International Organization-Transformation and Capacity Building”, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

Mohammad Ashique Rahman, Senior Research Fellow at the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIIS), highlighted the forum’s importance amid global challenges and conflicts, noting that some regions face the risk of becoming active conflict zones. He emphasized the vital role of engaging young people in CICA initiatives, stating: “Our primary goal is to develop a robust work plan grounded in international values and to establish sustainable cooperation mechanisms. For research centers, forums like this provide invaluable insights. Ultimately, our task is to foster cooperation that ensures sustainable development.”

Wang Zhen, Deputy Director at the China Institute of International Relations Studies, called for a gradual, consensus-driven transformation of CICA into a fully-fledged international organization. He stressed that the process should be structured, inclusive, and transparent, strengthening result-oriented multilateral cooperation and extending collaboration to other states and organizations with shared goals. Wang also noted the increasing influence of rapidly developing nations in an evolving multipolar world.

Nutan Kapoor Mahawar, Acting Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs, highlighted CICA’s role in tackling regional challenges such as terrorism, environmental issues, and poverty. She noted that Indian research centers actively contribute to the forum’s discussions, fostering enhanced cooperation among member states.

Other speakers described CICA’s development from a dialogue platform to a full international organization as a “historic transformation,” supported by a detailed roadmap agreed upon by member states.

The forum continued with in-depth discussions on institutional development and strategies for future regional cooperation within CICA.