Global Times reports: Editor's Note: In an era of profound global shifts and increasingly complex regional dynamics, a proper understanding of the world must be rooted in "grounded experience" and localized insights. As the first article in the column, a Chinese think tank scholar shares her experience at the Baku Global Forum, highlighting the international community's longing for multilateralism and expectations for China's participation in global governance. The 13th Baku Global Forum held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from March 11 to 14, 2026 Photo: Courtesy of MiaoBefore I left for Baku, Azerbaijan, I was not sure what kind of conference I was heading into.Having worked in Track II diplomacy through the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) for several years, I have attended many international forums.
Usually, even before departure, one can sense the likely mood of a meeting: who will come, what the tone will be, and whether the gathering will produce anything meaningful. This time, however, everything felt different.The 13th Baku Global Forum, held from March 11 to 14, under the theme "Bridging Divides in a Transforming World," was taking place at an unusually dangerous moment. The escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran had pushed regional tensions to a new level.
Background
Baku, in the South Caucasus, lies close to several geopolitical fault lines. Russia-Ukraine conflict still casts its shadow across the wider region, while tensions surrounding Iran and the Middle East were intensifying. As the forum was approaching, the question was no longer simply whether it would matter, but whether people would even go.
Key facts
- Usually, even before departure, one can sense the likely mood of a meeting: who will come, what the tone will be, and whether the gathering will produce anything meaningful.
- The escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran had pushed regional tensions to a new level.
- Baku, in the South Caucasus, lies close to several geopolitical fault lines.
- Russia-Ukraine conflict still casts its shadow across the wider region, while tensions surrounding Iran and the Middle East were intensifying.
What this means
Many around us were pessimistic. At one point, I was too. Under normal circumstances, a gathering of current and former presidents, prime ministers, ministers, senior United Nations officials and leading think tank figures would attract strong attendance.
But these were not normal times. Just one week before the forum opened, on March 5 local time, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry strongly condemned drone attacks on its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic launched from Iranian territory. War was no longer a distant headline.
Originally reported by Global Times. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
