The 30th edition of the Baku Energy Forum kicked off on June 3 at the Baku Convention Center, bringing together leading industry figures for strategic dialogue and exchange of ideas.

As an integral part of Baku Energy Week, the Forum marks its 30th anniversary this year. Since its inception, the Baku Energy Forum has evolved into a key platform for strengthening international partnerships, sharing advanced practices, and facilitating the signing of agreements that have contributed not only to the development of Azerbaijan’s energy sector but also to the broader region. By convening energy leaders, business representatives, and government officials, the Forum continues to play a vital role in fostering global cooperation and shaping the future of the energy industry.

The Baku Energy Forum is held with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is the General partner. The event is also supported by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In his welcome letter to the participants of the Baku Energy Forum 2025, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al Ghais highlighted the Forum’s role as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and international cooperation in the global energy sector.

More than 600 delegates attended the forum organized at the Baku Convention Center. Alongside Azerbaijan, companies from Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Switzerland, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States are included in the list of participants. This year’s forum programme features more than 70 speakers.

A plenary session titled “Global Cooperation for a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future”, chaired by Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will be held as part of the Forum. In addition, Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), will deliver a keynote speech during the session “Executive Talks: Path to a Sustainable Energy Ecosystem”.

This year’s Forum is taking place with a broad and multifaceted agenda that addresses the current challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. Key discussion topics include: “Digitalization in Energy: The Power of Data and Technology”, “Exploration & Geology – Innovating for Sustainable Resource Discovery” “Production & Operations – Driving Efficiency Through Innovation and Sustainability,” “ COP29 Energy deliverables — Pathway to a Sustainable Energy Future,” “Unlocking Green Energy Potential and Connectivity in the Caspian Region,” “Gas Markets – A New Structure for Producers, Transporters, and Consumers,” and “Pipelines – Securing Energy Supply Through Robust Infrastructure.”

The discussions held within the framework of the Forum are of great significance in terms of promoting innovation in the energy sector, strengthening regional and global cooperation, and building sustainable and resilient energy systems. The event also serves as a key platform for presenting the strategic priorities of Azerbaijan’s energy policy and showcasing the Caspian region’s green energy potential to the international community.

The Forum offers a unique opportunity to explore forward-looking ideas that shape the future. As part of the 30th Anniversary Baku Energy Forum, world-renowned global business guru, speaker, Swedish economist, futurist, and bestselling author Kjell A. Nordström will deliver a special keynote address on June 4 at the Baku Convention Center.

Regarded as one of the most brilliant thinkers of our time, Nordström will visit Azerbaijan for the first time to share his insights on the future of the global economy, the transformation of energy markets, and game-changing innovations. Known for his exceptional ability to forecast the future, Nordström is among the most sought-after speakers worldwide. As an expert in multinational organisations, he has helped companies—and even entire societies—navigate development and crises since the 1990s.

His professionalism, sharp eye for detail, and extensive experience make his presentations powerful and compelling, leaving no one in the audience indifferent. Nordström’s session at the Baku Energy Forum will be a dynamic discussion on the economy of tomorrow, new approaches, and global trends in the energy sector. More than just a speech, this encounter promises to inspire action and spark new ideas, starting from today.

As in previous years, Baku Energy Forum features bilateral business meetings (B2B and B2G), providing a platform for local and international companies to engage in face-to-face discussions about cooperation and potential partnerships. Dedicated meeting rooms have been arranged for representatives of various government agencies and international companies.

Environmental challenges and the dangers they pose to the planet, as well as solutions to these issues and topics such as green energy, will play an important role in the programme of events held during Baku Energy Week. For several years now, the Forum has been implementing the “Zero Waste” initiative — a set of principles aimed at waste prevention. The aim of the initiative is to promote environmentally responsible practices, including the reduction of carbon footprint and waste during events. As in previous years, the use of printed materials at the Baku Energy Forum has been kept to a minimum, with a focus on digital formats. Supporting the international “Zero Food Waste” initiative, the Forum also follow the principle of optimal food use.

The choice of venue for the Forum is no coincidence. The Baku Congress Center, where the event is taking place, was constructed based on an eco-friendly concept. Solar panels installed on the roof of the center allow for significant energy generation, helping to reduce overall energy consumption costs.

For many years, the organisers of Baku Energy Week have established a tradition of holding special initiatives during milestone anniversaries — and this year is no exception. In celebration of the event’s 30th anniversary, a comprehensive programme has been prepared. Continuing the long-standing tradition of supporting education, two selected graduates of Baku Higher Oil School who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements in the field of energy will be awarded scholarships by the organisers.

Among the key initiatives marking the anniversary is a large-scale tree and flower planting campaign on the grounds of the Baku Expo Center. The initiative, titled “The Power of Nature: Tree Planting Ceremony Dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of Baku Energy Week”, aims to promote sustainable development and environmental protection. In addition to the planting ceremony held on June 2, a series of landscaping efforts were carried out around the exhibition venue. Commemorative benches dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Baku Energy Week were installed, along with shelters for stray animals. These efforts highlight the event’s commitment not only to the energy sector but also to social and environmental responsibility.

To help participants make the most of the exhibition’s opportunities, a business breakfast was also organised by the Baku Energy Week team. During this event, participants received detailed information on the preparation process for the exhibition, key points to focus on, and effective ways to build business connections and maximise their involvement.

Once again this year, Baku Energy Week serves as a strategic platform bringing together global energy leaders to exchange knowledge and experience, forge new partnerships, adopt innovative technologies, and launch forward-looking projects. Over the past 30 years, this prestigious event has significantly contributed to the development of Azerbaijan’s oil, gas, and energy sectors, while strengthening the country’s international standing in the global energy arena.

Among the participants, partners, and sponsors of the event are prominent companies such as ABB, ACWA Power, Azfen, AZEL Systems LLC, Baku Steel Company, bp, Gap İnşaat, HMS Group, HUAWEI, Inpex, INTI, iMotors, Kolin İnşaat, Masdar, MOL Group, MVM, NewMed Energy, Saipem, Pasha Bank, SLB, Türkiye Petrolleri AO, TotalEnergies, Tekfen Inşaat ve Tesisat, Ural Steel, and XRG. In addition, Boston Consulting Group is acting as the Intellectual Partner of the Baku Energy Forum. Deloitte serves as the Forum’s Consulting Partner.

PASHA Bank, the country’s leading corporate financial institution, is acting as the Official Bank of the event. The bank provides comprehensive financial services across a wide range of sectors, including agribusiness, transportation, construction, trade, and more. In 2025, PASHA Bank was named “The Best Bank in Azerbaijan” by International Investor.

The event is organised by Iteca Caspian and its international partners ICA Events and Caspian Event Management. Baku Energy Week holds the quality mark of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI), which confirms the high level of its organisation and the reliability of the statistical data presented. The event is also actively supported by the Azerbaijan Exhibition Organisers Association (ASTA).

Official partners of the event include AzExpoMontage LLC, Caspian Freight Services, Hilton Garden Inn Baku, Ibis Baku City, Radisson Hotel Baku, Gloria Flowers, and Greenwich Travel Club.

Up-to-date information about Baku Energy Week and Baku Energy Forum is available on the official website www.bew.az and www.bakuenergyforum.az, as well as through the event’s social media channels.