BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. The issues being
discussed in Azerbaijan today are significantly different from
those on the agenda 34 years ago, ADA University Rector Hafiz
Pashayev said at the CAMCA 2026 Regional Forum in Baku, Trend's correspondent reports
from the event.


“I believe that my country’s future is now set. The real future
we are currently working toward was determined in 2020, when
Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation, and we became a
truly sovereign state. As you can imagine, during my nearly 14
years of work in Washington, I dreamed of this. It was the main
issue for me,” H. Pashayev said.


According to him, the issues being discussed in Azerbaijan today
are significantly different from those the participants dealt with
about 34 years ago.


“The future is bright. Especially when looking at the conference
speakers and listening to them, I think the issues they are now
trying to advance are completely different from the ones we began
addressing about 34 years ago,” H. Pashayev noted.


The annual CAMCA (Central Asia, Mongolia, Caucasus, and
Afghanistan) Regional Forum, dedicated to promoting dialogue,
cooperation, and sustainable economic development in Central Asia,
Mongolia, the South Caucasus, and Afghanistan, is being held in
Baku for the first time.


The forum brought together representatives from the private and
public sectors, high-ranking officials, investors, entrepreneurs,
and experts.







During the two-day event, participants will discuss ways to
expand cooperation in the region and promote economic growth and
social development.


The program includes panel discussions and sessions on topics
relevant to the region, including entrepreneurship and investment,
trade and transportation, green finance, artificial intelligence,
fintech, education, tourism, and media.


Founded in 2014, the CAMCA Regional Forum has been held 12
times. During this time, it has brought together more than 2,000
participants and over 560 speakers from more than 40 countries.


The forum in Baku in 2026 is seen as another regional platform
that will contribute to the development of dialogue, the exchange
of experiences, and cooperation among the countries of the
region.