Caspian Week is an annual international discussion forum that focuses on promoting business, trade, logistics, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Greater Caspian region. The main goal of the forum is to connect the Greater Caspian Region to the World by promoting innovation and collaboration, advancing knowledge, fostering business and cultural relations. The forum is organized by the Greater Caspian Association since 2017 . It serves as a platform for government officials, business leaders, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss key issues related to the Greater Caspian region. Caspian Week is known for its commitment to fostering economic development, trade, investment, and cultural relations in the Greater Caspian region.
History
Caspian Week was first organized in 2017 in Davos, Switzerland, and it has since evolved into an event on the international stage. Between 2017-2020, the event was held as a part of World Economic Forum, acting as a regional discussion panel forum. It takes place over couple of days and includes a series of seminars, panels, and discussions covering a wide range of topics relevant to the Caspian region. 17-21 January 2017, Davos, Switzerland 22-27 January 2018, Davos, Switzerland 21-25 January 2019, Davos, Switzerland 20-24 January 2020, Davos, Switzerland 15-17 November 2023, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (forthcoming)
In 2018, Caspian Week was held as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland where in total 11 panels took place, 48 speakers participated including Formula-1 Champion Jean Alesi, and 1200 guests attended Caspian Week. That year's motto was 'The end depends upon the beginning' with a focus on new technologies and how they can impact value chains. In 2020, the Caspian Week was held as part of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where prominent figures in politics and economics were speakers such as Former Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia, Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza, Former President of the Swiss Parliament Filippo Lombardi (politician), former Minister of Economy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Mustafa Mastoor, former Russian Ambassador to Germany Vladimir Kotenev, advisor to the President of A+A Group of Companies for Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Andreas Baumgartner, former FIATA President Baber Badat.
In 2021, Caspian Week was one of co-organizers of Horasis Asia Meeting. In 2022 and 2023, Caspian Week partnered for co-organization of Horasis Global Meetings in Japan and Turkey respectively. In 2023, Caspian Week will be held in Dubai with partnership of DP World in Global Freight Summit.
Format
Caspian Week typically features a diverse range of sessions, including: Plenary Sessions: High-level discussions featuring prominent leaders, experts and scientists in technological, economic, environmental, and social fields, including energy, digitalization, climate change, logistics and trade, among others. Panel Discussions: In-depth conversations that delve into specific issues affecting the Greater Caspian region, often featuring experts from various fields. Networking Opportunities: Participants can engage in bilateral discussions, forming connections that often lead to collaborative initiatives and partnerships. During Covid-19 pandemic, Caspian Week events were held as online sessions discussions including scientific publications.
Notable speakers
Caspian Week has hosted a variety of distinguished speakers over the years, including heads of state, government officials, business magnates, and thought leaders. Notable past speakers have included Giorgi Gakharia, Matthew Bryza, Filippo Lombardi (politician), Mohammad Mustafa Mastoor, Jean Alesi, Vladimir Kotenev, Andreas Baumgartner, Baber Badat, Don Harkleroad, Prof. Vesselin Popovski, Dr. Raj Kumar, Amer Hammour, Ketevan Bochorishvili, Stuard Detmer, Giulio Haas, Ernst Hafen, Steve Johanns, Marten Roed, Simona Scarpaleggia, Kairat Kelimbetov, David L.Shrier, Anna Gincherman, Michael Huttman, Jeffery Wernick, Prof. Walter Weder, Prof. Xavier Oberson, Dr. Mamuka Bakhtadze, Leon Shpilsky, Arancha Gonzales, Sardor Umurzakov, and Yasmine Fouad.