Remarks by Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos
High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations
and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia,
at the XIII Global Baku Forum – “Bridging Divides in a World of Uncertainty”
Your Excellency, Mr. Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Distinguished guests, colleagues, and friends,
It is a profound honor to be joining you once again at the XIII Global Baku Forum—an indispensable platform for reflection, dialogue, and collective action in a time of profound global uncertainty.
I thank the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for providing the opportunity, especially the co-chairs H.E. President Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Dr. Ismail Serageldin.
Excellencies,
We gather at a moment when the international landscape is darker and more fragile than it has been in decades.
Humanity is facing an unprecedented convergence of crises: the existential implications of artificial intelligence for the future of homo sapiens; the escalating emergency of climate change; the persistence of famine and poverty; and, above all, the proliferation of wars and violent conflicts that now seem to unfold as if they were routine. In such a turbulent moment, one fundamental question demands to be asked: Where is diplomacy?
Our presence here is a reminder that even amidst war, dialogue conducted mainly through diplomatic channels remains our strongest instrument for preventing further regional contagion and rebuilding trust.
Over the past 80 years, whenever tensions escalated, political leaders ultimately sought diplomatic and political solutions. We remember, perhaps with nostalgia, the era in which leaders consistently affirmed: “There is no military solution—only a political one.”
And despite challenges, humanity has shown—again and again—that crisis can awaken courage, and division can be overcome by dialogue. That is why we are here: to reaffirm that bridging divides is not only necessary, but possible.
Today, the world appears divided between what some describe as a “peace camp” and a “war camp.” But I believe this dichotomy masks a deeper truth:
There is only one camp — the camp of our shared humanity.
And this is itself is a reason to remain optimistic.
Our world is fractured indeed but it is not broken yet.
Excellencies,
Here in the South Caucasus, recent positive developments offer a powerful reminder that even entrenched conflicts can move toward peace.
For more than thirty years, the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia affected generations across the region. The situation evolved significantly in recent years, including the restoration of Azerbaijani control over territories long recognized by the United Nations as part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory, in accordance with the relevant Security Council resolutions. These resolutions reaffirmed the principles of territorial integrity and the integrity of internationally recognized borders — principles that remain central to the UN Charter.
The period that followed has not been without complexity. Constitutional questions, humanitarian considerations, geopolitical dynamics, and the need to rebuild trust continue to shape the environment. Yet the fact that both countries have continued to engage — even after decades of deep mistrust and human suffering — offers a compelling reminder that progress is possible.
This region is showing the world that reconciliation is not a distant dream— nor an abstraction. It is a realistic and attainable path when guided by leadership, dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law — the bedrock of sustainable peace.
The Azerbaijan–Armenia process also reinforces a core principle: international law is the bedrock of peace.
We are reminded that all governance—whether of borders or of emerging technologies—must be grounded in international law, human rights, and effective oversight.
International law is not a mere framework of rules.
It is the guardian of human dignity and the foundation of international stability.
Therefore, it is and will always be our moral and legal compass.
Distinguished guests,
Over the years, multilateralism continued to be a central issue at Baku Global Forums.
In a moment when many questions are raised about the relevance of multilateralism in today’s world , when international law is being violated over and over again, we must be clear-eyed.
It is not the idea of multilateralism that has failed us. It is our collective inability — or unwillingness — to empower and modernize it.
We face a deficit not of structure, but of solidarity and political solidarity. We need a reinvigorated multilateralism — one that is inclusive, representative, and effective. One that is anchored not in power politics, but in shared principles and mutual accountability.
Reviving multilateralism means creating space where geopolitical competition does not entirely eclipse cooperation. It means safeguarding the institutions and agreements that have prevented large-scale war for decades. It means returning to the idea that our fates are intertwined — that in an interconnected world, the insecurity of one is the insecurity of all.
The case for multilateralism today is not merely aspirational; it is existential.
Distinguished guests, shall we keep this?
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping our world faster than any technology in human history.
As one expert puts it, “Our world now is led by mathematicians.”
The future of AI governance—and of peace—depends on human collective wisdom.
We have to ensure that Artificial Intelligence is A Force for Peace, or for Division.
Before I conclude, let me speak of those who carry our greatest hopes — young people.
Across continents, youth are stepping forward as peacebuilders, innovators, human rights defenders, and bridge builders. They challenge hateful narratives, drive social change, and create new platforms for dialogue and understanding. They are digital natives who know how to harness technology not for division but for connection.
Within UNAOC, we have seen young leaders transform suspicion into solidarity and break down walls that politics alone could not.
And here in the South Caucasus, as Azerbaijan and Armenia would move closer toward peace, it will be young people who inherit this moment. That’s why it was thrilling for everyone to see 2 young women, one from Azerbaijan and one from Armenia join forces in our Young Peace Builders program funded by the Government of Azerbaijan. Both women took the stage of our 11th Global forum in Riyadh and proved that peace and reconciliation is always attainable when given the space to breathe and thrive.
So Let us not only speak for youth — let us listen to them, support them, and partner with them. Because the story of peace is ultimately theirs to write.
Excellencies,
Friends,
The world does not need more despair; it needs more determination.
It does not need more speeches; it needs more leadership.
As we begin the dialogues in this forum, let us carry with us the knowledge that:
Peace can emerge even from decades of conflict, as we have seen in this region.
Multilateralism can still deliver breakthroughs.
International law remains our moral and legal compass.
Technology can serve humanity if guided by wisdom.
And youth will light the path forward…for all of us
Let us choose cooperation over confrontation.
Let us choose dialogue over division.
Let us choose peace — not as an aspiration, but as our shared responsibility.
This is precisely why diplomacy must reclaim its rightful place.
As Georges Clemenceau famously said, “War is too serious a matter to entrust to military men.” If we continue down a purely militaristic path, the outcome is not speculation—it is certainty. And it is fatal.
Humanity still has a choice. But choosing wisely requires the courage to return to dialogue, negotiation, and the rule of law. Only diplomacy—patient, principled, and persistent—can steer us away from the abyss.
Thank you.