The Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) of SOCAR hosted an international seminar on the role of universities in promoting peace and security.

The event was organized jointly by BHOS, members of the Black Sea Universities Network (BSUN) and the partners of the World Academy of Arts and Science and the Black Sea Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The seminar was held as part of the XII Global Baku Forum organized by the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

Representatives of BSUN member universities from Azerbaijan also participated in the event.

In his opening speech, BHOS Rector Elmar Gasimov emphasized the important role of universities in promoting peace and security. He highlighted the strategic role educational institutions play in ensuring stability and development in the world and noted the importance of strengthening international cooperation.

During the panel discussions, the moderator of which was the Secretary General of BSUN Prof. Eden Mamut, an exchange of views on human security issues existing in the vast Black Sea region, extending from the Caucasus to the Balkans, took place.

The speakers at the included President and CEO of the World Academy of Arts and Science Dr. Garry Jacobs, former President of Romania (1996 – 2000) Emil Constantinescu, CEO of InterAction Council Dr. Joanna Nurse, President of the Global Security Institute and Trustee of the World Academy of Arts and Science Jonathan Granoff, President of the European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists and Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Global Climate Hub Prof. Dr. Phoebe Koundouri, Member of the Board of Directors of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Prof. Dr. Grigoris Zarotiadis, Founding Executive Director of the BRIDGES Sustainability Science Coalition Steven Hartman, Secretary General of the World Academy of Arts and Science Janani Ramanathan, South African publisher, author, and fellow at the World Universities Consortium Grant Schreiber.

During open panel discussions, participants shared their views on the importance of applying systemic and interdisciplinary approaches to promoting peace and security in the region. The main priority topics for future inter-university cooperation were agreed upon.

Established in 1998, BSUN is a platform that strengthens cooperation between universities in the Black Sea region and is a sectoral dialogue partner of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation. It is also a member of the European University Association and a founding member of the UN Academic Impact Initiative harnessing the potential of young people and researchers to find solutions to global challenges.