Baku, September 10, 2025 – The Europe Today: The 13th meeting of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Think Tank Forum, themed “Resonance of Development and Security: Regional Cooperation and Governance in the Institutional Transformation of CICA,” continued its work in Baku.
The session, moderated by Zhao Long, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Institute for International Studies, focused on “Supply Chain Cooperation Amid Green and Digital Transformation.”
Addressing the meeting online, Chheng Kimlong, President of the Asian Vision Institute of Cambodia, underscored the importance of addressing geopolitical risks and bridging existing gaps across Asia. He noted that rapid economic growth, innovation, and the adoption of digital technology and green policies have positioned Asian countries as regional leaders.
“Asia’s population is aging significantly, but some countries still have large, young populations that can drive growth through a demographic dividend. The key to fully realizing this dividend lies in equipping the younger generation with skills and education to effectively leverage digital technologies,” he stressed.
Also speaking online, Y.N. Jayarathna, a member of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies, emphasized the role of maritime cooperation and ship safety. He pointed out that secure, efficient ports, stable supply chains, and reliable maritime and land infrastructure are crucial to strengthening Asia’s economic standing.
In his remarks, Shahmar Hajiyev, Head of Department at the Center of Analysis of International Relations, highlighted renewable energy development as one of Azerbaijan’s top priorities. He noted that hosting the COP29 climate conference in Baku has accelerated the country’s transition to a green economy, stressing the dual benefits of renewable energy for economic growth and environmental protection.
Other speakers at the session underlined that multilateral partnerships are essential for advancing green development, digital transformation, and sustainable regional cooperation.
The forum continued with in-depth discussions on these issues.
