On October 21, the presentation of the Think Tanks Platform and its online portal (think-tanks.az) was held in Azerbaijan. The Think Tanks Platform is a network of think tanks in Azerbaijan specializing in political, economic, domestic, environmental, and other critical areas. The main purpose of establishing the platform is to encourage the activities of think tanks, foster regular communication and cooperation between state institutions and think tanks, as well as raise public awareness about their activities. 

Prior to the speeches, a broad presentation about the online portal of the Think Tanks Platform was made.

Head of the strategic research sector of the Presidential Administration, Fuad Akhundov, pointed out to President Ilham Aliyev’s special attention and care to the development of scientific and analytical institutions in our country. F. Akhundov said that currently more than 400 projects are being financed through the State Agency for the Support of NGOs.

Touching on the current global crises and the challenges emanating from the development of artificial intelligence and digitalization, the head of sector expressed his confidence that the Think Tanks Platform will play an important role in increasing Azerbaijan’s access to the world, raising awareness about Azerbaijan in the world, and will certainly contribute to the preparation of joint projects, foster new partnerships, as well as the exchange of ideas.

Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations, Farid Shafiyev, noted that together with the 7 founding members, a total of 27 think tanks comprise the platform. According to him, the activities are based on consensus. Speaking about the history of the think tanks, the F.Shafiyev pointed out that the activity of the AIR Center primarily focuses on the topical and practical issues. Thus, according to him, despite the end of the Second Karabakh War, the threats are on the ground; they have even expanded and have become more complex in nature.

Touching on the increasing importance of think tanks in the changing world order, director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies E. Namazov stated that holding annual meetings and preparing joint scientific publications within the framework of the platform will contribute to increasing efficiency.

Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Center for Social Research, Zahid Oruj, highlighted the importance of creating a single platform of think tanks in the light of current global risks. Speaking about Armenia’s and its patrons’ disinformation policy, Z. Oruj drew attention to the fact that the members of the Armenian diaspora, through the international think tanks, carry out anti-Azerbaijani propaganda. He also drew attention to the importance of forming an alliance of think tanks within the Organization of Turkic States. 

Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms, Vusal Gasimli, assessed the launch of the platform as a timely initiative in the light of current global trends. Speaking about the importance of collaborative institutions in the development of states and societies, V. Gasimli drew attention to the decisive role of think tanks in certain critical situations. He also made a comprehensive presentation about the activities of the Center for Analysis and Communication of Economic Reforms and its international relations. He underscored the significance of involving representatives of Azerbaijani think tanks in the "Think20" and "Think7."

Executive director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Ravan Hasanov spoke about the need to increase the number of think tanks. He touched on the importance of intensifying relations between think tanks and the public, especially taking practical steps to promote this work in the regions of Azerbaijan. R. Hasanov also stated that it is necessary to coordinate relations between think tanks and the media.

Director of the Center for Studies of the South Caucasus Farhad Mammadov noted that in the last 3-4 years special attention has been paid to the study of the South Caucasus at the global level, while he touched upon the importance of our country's active organisation of these studies. He also highlighted the role of the Think Tanks Forum in increasing the efficiency of coordination.

Later, discussions were held on the role of think tanks in society, their cooperation with international think tanks, and topics related to political and economic issues.

To recap, the Think Tank Platform includes 27 think tanks.