Think tanks perform functions such as creating new knowledge, analyzing social problems, and presenting innovative ideas to society. Their main goal also includes preparing recommendations for decision-makers on issues of public significance and raising topics for broad social discussion.
In recent years, the number of think tanks in Azerbaijan and the region has increased both in quantity and in areas of activity. The activities carried out by think tanks operating in Azerbaijan in five main directions play an important role in strategic data management. These directions include conducting various opinion polls and their analysis, big data created by e-government and based on it monitoring of social media, research, technical scientific analysis, and data analysis based on monitoring and assessment of social and economic reforms.
There are more than 6,500 think tanks in the world, many of which conduct research to establish standards for effective communication, define measurement criteria to enhance impact capabilities, and achieve results. Over 30 years, these think tanks have launched a number of global initiatives that help bridge the gap between knowledge and policy in critical areas such as globalization and governance, international economics, environmental issues, international peace and security, poverty reduction, healthcare, and global health. By intensifying efforts for international cooperation, think tanks strengthen civil societies around the world, improve the political decision-making process, and create regional and international networks. Research centers play a significant role, analyzing economic policy in civil society. The world’s leading scientists and specialists work in think tanks, preparing policy papers on important issues.
On September 28, 2022, the first Think Tank Forum was held in Azerbaijan, organized by the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center). The main goal of the Forum was to stimulate the activities of think tanks and organize it in accordance with the requirements of the time, ensuring continuous communication and cooperation between state structures and think tanks. Discussions held during the Forum and analysis of the proposals submitted allowed outlining the directions for further action.
It can be said that organizing international forums and conferences of significant importance in terms of promoting think tanks in society has become a tradition in Azerbaijan. For instance, at an international conference held on April 13, 2021, at ADA University with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev on the theme “A New Look at the South Caucasus: Post-Conflict Development and Cooperation,” participants proposed holding an international conference in Karabakh, and the head of state positively assessed this proposal. A year later, on April 28, 2022, an international conference titled “The South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation” began its work in Shusha and continued in Baku, attended by 40 delegates from 23 countries. It is no coincidence that participants of the international conference held panel discussions in Shusha: “Shusha – the Path to Revival,” dedicated to construction and restoration, and “Cooperation, Opportunities, and Challenges,” concerning the post-conflict period. This important platform provided foreign experts with a favorable opportunity to explore ways to develop ties, open communications between the countries of the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period, and discuss a peaceful agenda to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia as a foundation for progress, security, and prosperity in the region.
On December 6 last year, ADA University, in collaboration with the AIR Center, organized a Forum in Baku titled “Karabakh: Returning Home After 30 Years. Achievements and Challenges.” President Ilham Aliyev also participated in the Forum. The day before the Forum, on December 5, a panel session was held in Zangilan with the participation of 60 foreign experts representing 30 countries. Participants of the Forum witnessed the development of the environmentally friendly “smart village” Agaly in the liberated Zangilan district. The Forum also allowed for discussion of social, economic, infrastructure aspects and security assurance of the return process, issues of applying international experience in the country.
To fulfill their mission, think tanks primarily aim to identify their target audience; if each think tank can clearly define its mission and objectives, the likelihood of success increases. A think tank should precisely determine which audience it wants to influence during its activities.
At the high-level international conference opening today in Baku, attended by about 100 authoritative experts representing 30 countries, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) and Azerbaijan’s policy in the field of green energy will be discussed. This current conference, held in the “Year of Solidarity for a Green World” declared by President Ilham Aliyev in Azerbaijan, will continue its work in Lachin, liberated from 30 years of Armenian occupation, and contribute to the fight against the consequences of climate change.
It should be noted that in the extensive process of restoration and reconstruction carried out on the liberated territories, environmental protection is a priority. Innovative approaches such as “smart city,” “smart village,” and ecosystem restoration are applied in these territories. Representatives of think tanks and academic institutions focused on economic and “green” development should adhere to universality. Their knowledge is considered a “global public good,” so conference participants—representatives of think tanks and other knowledge institutions—need to share their vision of solving problems at national, regional, and global levels.
