The 13th session of the CICA Think Tank Forum, themed “Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA,” was jointly organized by the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS).

At the opening ceremony, Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), read out the address of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the participants. ( https://president.az/en/articles/view/70055 )

Secretary General of CICA, Kairat Sarybay, emphasized the particular significance of this forum in the first year of Azerbaijan’s CICA Chairmanship. He noted the growing role of CICA in promoting regional cooperation, enhancing security, fostering economic development, and advancing climate diplomacy. He also underscored the importance of transforming CICA into a full-fledged international organization. Within the framework of the forum, Kairat Sarybay highlighted the significance of the e-book titled “SME Strategy in Asia: An Interactive Guidebook”, calling on participants to contribute to this valuable resource. He also emphasized the importance of funding research through the CICA Fund and underlined the relevance of COP29 and other regional initiatives.

Ambassador Yan Wenbin of the Department of European-Central Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, emphasized the unique and constructive role that CICA has played in enhancing dialogue, fostering mutual trust, and promoting cooperation among regional states. He stated that by genuinely implementing a common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable approach to security, CICA has the potential to contribute significantly to the development of a security architecture that reflects the contemporary realities of Asia. Referring to Azerbaijan’s CICA chairmanship, the Ambassador said that the country has put forward several important initiatives, which China will fully support.

President of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) emphasized that CICA represents an important platform for multilateral cooperation and mutual understanding. He noted that CICA has extensive experience in the areas of security and development within the Asian region, and that this knowledge can offer valuable contributions at both regional and global levels. According to him, conflicts rooted in fundamental differences are difficult to resolve through dialogue alone, thereby necessitating a shift in political thinking. Chen Dongxiao also highlighted Asia’s growing role in the emerging multipolar world order and underscored the importance of CICA’s active engagement in this transformative process.

The first day of the CICA Think Tank Forum featured sessions on key topics such as, “Promoting Security Through Development —Exploring New Approaches to Asian Security Governance”, “Supply Chain Cooperation Amid Green and Digital Transformation”, “Strengthening Eurasian Connectivity: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Middle Corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and other projects”.

In the first session, participants discussed the possibilities for strengthening security in Asia through sustainable and inclusive development.

The second session focused on the importance of strengthening cooperation in the development of sustainable and technologically advanced supply chains in Asia. The discussions concentrated on critical issues such as the resilience of supply chains in the face of geopolitical pressures, the digitalization of trade, and the advancement of environmental sustainability.

The third session addressed the development of strategic transport corridors such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Middle Corridor, and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), as well as the transformative impacts these corridors have on trade, infrastructure, and regional cooperation across the Asian continent.

The session titled “CICA as an International Organization—Transformation and Capacity Building,” held on September 10, focused on the transition of CICA from a dialogue platform to a fully-fledged international organization. Experts emphasized the need for strategic institutional reforms, capacity building, and innovative diplomacy.

At the conclusion of the forum, it was emphasized that the perspectives presented during the sessions are expected to contribute positively to shaping the organization’s future development trajectory.

Additionally, a side event on “The Shaping of a New Asian Order” was organized. The discussions centered on the role of women and youth in advancing peace, inclusivity, and equitable development. The event underscored the importance of involving women and young people in peacebuilding, sustainability, and innovation, as well as expanding the regional engagement of non-governmental organizations, youth networks, and technology startups. Moreover, the panel emphasized the need to foster synergy between traditional mechanisms and emerging voices.