Baku: A panel session on "Africa Today and Tomorrow" was held as part of the 13th Global Baku Forum. The session was moderated by Hafez Ghanem, Regional Vice President of the World Bank for Eastern and Southern Africa.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Charles Michel, former Prime Minister of Belgium, described Africa as a strategic partner for the EU, emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation and economic ties amid global armed conflicts and militarization. Joseph Muscat, former Prime Minister of Malta, noted that Africa's greatest opportunities lie within the continent and that success depends on leveraging internal resources rather than following external agendas.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, former European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, remarked that by 2026, Africa will become a central player in global affairs. He highlighted the need for Africa to be regarded as an equal partner, particularly as China and other powers are already engaging with the region.

Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of West Africa for 2003-2007 and United Nations Special Envoy for Somalia for 2007-2010, provided insights into Africa's geographical significance and population metrics. He noted that despite being the world's second-largest continent in terms of size and population, Africa contains 34 of the world's 48 least developed countries.

Hakima El-Haite, President of Liberal International, Special Envoy for Climate Change of the Kingdom of Morocco for 2015-2017, and High-Level Climate Champion of COP22, underscored Africa's potential. She stressed the importance of regional partnerships, sustainable resource use, renewable energy cooperation, and climate action.