Category: Azer News

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published its next Global Risks Report (GRPS), assessing the most significant global threats in the short, medium, and long term.

According to Azernews, the report identifies geoeconomic conflict as the most serious global risk in the short term, placing it at the top of the 2026 risk outlook. Economic-related threats also recorded the sharpest rise across all risk categories.

Based on a global survey, the WEF compiled a list of 34 major risks expected to shape the period from 2026 to 2036. In the 2026 outlook, geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges dominate. Around one-third of respondents cited either geoeconomic conflict or armed conflicts between states as the primary global threat. Geoeconomic conflict ranked first, moving up two positions compared to last year, while interstate conflict dropped from first to second place. Extreme weather events ranked third.

Looking ahead to the medium term, the 2028 assessment shows geoeconomic conflict retaining its position as the leading global risk, while also demonstrating one of the steepest increases in perceived severity. For the first time since 2023, disinformation and false information rose to second place, followed by social polarization and extreme weather events. Armed conflicts between states fell to fifth place, reflecting a shift in global instability from military confrontation toward economic and technological pressures.

In the long-term outlook for 2036, the structure of global risks changes fundamentally. Extreme weather events are expected to become the dominant global threat, with environmental risks accounting for half of the top concerns. Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse rank second, followed by critical changes in Earth systems.

The report highlights a clear evolution of global risks: geoeconomic and geopolitical dominance in 2026, a more complex and intertwined risk landscape by 2028, and a pronounced shift toward environmental and technological threats by 2036 amid accelerating structural changes in the global system.

The WEF also identified country-specific risks. For Azerbaijan, the main risks in 2026 include cybersecurity threats, environmental pollution, disinformation and false information, inflation, and non-weather-related natural disasters.

For Armenia, the key risks this year include insufficient public services and social protection, armed conflicts involving states, disinformation and false information, lack of economic opportunities or unemployment, and economic decline. These risks were identified based on a survey conducted by the CIVITTA Institutional Research Center and are believed to take into account Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections in June.

Georgia’s top risks include cybersecurity threats, lack of economic opportunities or unemployment, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, negative impacts of artificial intelligence technologies, and cyberwarfare.

The report is based on a global survey of more than eleven thousand respondents conducted between March and June 2025.

Leyla Aliyeva visited the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva was welcomed by Fitsum Assefa Adela, Minister of Planning and Development of Ethiopia.

A traditional coffee ceremony highlighting Ethiopia’s ancient and rich culture was organized in honor of Leyla Aliyeva. During the ceremony, the guests were briefed on the details of this ancient ritual. Afterwards, the guests were served freshly brewed Ethiopian coffee, distinguished by its mysterious aroma and unique taste.

Then, Leyla Aliyeva visited the Ethiopian Science Museum, where she was welcomed by Alemtsehay Paulos, Head of the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Cabinet Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Science Museum, spanning seven hectares, opened its doors to visitors in October 2022. The museum features two grand buildings surrounded by 80 percent greenery. The huge museum complex is designed to function as a scientific research center, preserve both ancient and modern technological advancements in various fields, passing them down to future generations.

The complex, an initiative of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, showcases modern interactive science and technology exhibits, incorporating sustainable design features like solar panels and a planetarium.

The museum fosters creative innovation and equips young people with vital digital expertise by serving as a premier venue for significant technological events and conferences.

Having attracted significant interest from younger audiences, the museum has welcomed 7 million children since its opening. The complex serves as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s path toward digital transformation, successfully showcasing the synergy between cutting-edge technology and the country’s traditional heritage.

Iranian officials have accused the United States and Europe of seeking to impose new sanctions on Iran under the pretext of cooperation with Israel, which Tehran describes as a ‘notorious agent,’ Iranian diplomat Kazem Jalali said, Azernews reports.

‘In exchange for further services from this notorious agent, the United States and Europe are seeking to impose new sanctions against the Iranian people,’ Jalali stated, criticizing what he described as collective punishment and political pressure targeting ordinary Iranians.

Jalali recalled remarks made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during Israel’s military operation against Iran in June 2025, when Merz said that Israel was doing Europe’s ‘dirty work.’ According to the Iranian diplomat, these comments reveal the moral and political logic behind Western support for Israeli actions.

‘From a moral perspective, German Chancellor Merz’s words, describing the actions of the unilateralist coalition last summer, when the Israeli regime bombed homes and businesses in Iran, could prove quite instructive,’ Jalali emphasized.

The statements also drew a reaction from Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Chancellor Merz had made a number of remarks that, in Moscow’s view, constituted an ‘absolute manifestation of Nazism and racism,’ sharply condemning both the rhetoric and the broader Western approach to the conflict.

The exchange of accusations comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries following Israel’s military actions and ongoing debates in Europe and the United States over additional sanctions and political pressure on Tehran.

The leadership and staff of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, along with representatives from cultural institutions, agencies, and creative organizations, has visited the Martyrs’ Alley on the eve of January 20th – the National Mourning Day, Azernews reports.

Flowers were laid at the graves of the heroes who gave their lives in the struggle for the nation’s independence, and heartfelt tributes were paid to their immortal souls.

On the night of January 19, 1990, the Soviet army opened massive fires from all available weapons at civil protesters in Baku, who were calling for an end to the negative developments in Garabagh.

As a result of the crime, 147 people were killed, 800 people were wounded and five people went missing. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed and citizens suffered huge material losses along with psychological trauma.

Astronomers from the international Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project plan to capture the first-ever video of a black hole this March and April. The target is a colossal space object the size of our Solar System, with a mass equivalent to six billion Suns, Azernews reports.

The EHT will focus on the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy M87, aiming to record video footage of the swirling accretion disk that marks the edge of the event horizon-the boundary beyond which neither light nor matter can escape.

The Event Horizon Telescope is not a single instrument but a global network of 12 radio telescopes, spanning locations from Antarctica to Spain and South Korea. In 2019, this same collaboration made history by producing the first-ever image of a black hole’s shadow, a breakthrough that captured worldwide attention.

‘We may be able to learn more about the rotation rate of a black hole and how these cosmic giants launch relativistic jets. Both are among the biggest mysteries in our field,’ said Sera Markoff, professor of astronomy and experimental philosophy at the University of Cambridge.

Understanding the spin rate of a black hole could provide crucial insights into how such enormous objects grow and evolve, and potentially reveal new details about the extreme physics at the edge of space and time. Some scientists also hope the video might shed light on the mysterious mechanisms behind the jets that shoot out at nearly the speed of light, shaping their host galaxies in dramatic ways.

This upcoming video could also allow the public to ‘see’ the dynamic nature of a black hole in motion for the very first time, offering a glimpse of one of the universe’s most enigmatic phenomena in action.

On January 18, the animated film Zootopia 2 reached a remarkable milestone, grossing $1.7 billion worldwide. Nearly two months after its release, the film is gradually winding down its theatrical run, but its box office performance has been nothing short of spectacular, Azernews reports.

Not only did Zootopia 2 achieve outstanding results in cinemas around the globe, but it also became the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history. The previous record was held for a year and a half by Pixar’s Puzzle 2, which, like Zootopia 2, is part of Bob Iger’s media empire.

However, the all-time global leader among animated films remains the Chinese blockbuster Nezha Defeats the Dragon King, which earned approximately $2.2 billion at the box office-almost entirely from the domestic market. This highlights the growing strength of China’s animation industry and its potential to compete with Hollywood on a global scale.

Top 5 highest-grossing animated films in history:

Nezha Defeats the Dragon King – $2.2 billion

Zootopia 2 – $1.7 billion

Puzzle 2 – $1.68 billion

Frozen 2 – $1.451 billion

The Super Mario Bros. Movie – $1.361 billion

Analysts note that Zootopia 2’s success was driven not only by strong storytelling and beloved characters but also by strategic international marketing campaigns, including collaborations with major brands and immersive fan experiences. This trend suggests that future animated hits will increasingly rely on global fan engagement, not just domestic box office performance.

Another snowfall of the season has been recorded in the city of Shusha, located in Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region, Azernews reports.

Snow began falling across the city and surrounding areas, covering streets, buildings, and nearby mountainous terrain. The snowfall is continuing, and visibility has been reduced in higher elevations.

Shusha is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,400-1,600 meters above sea level and is known for its cold winters and frequent snowfall.

The city holds historical, cultural, and strategic significance in the region and has been undergoing restoration and infrastructure development in recent years.

Azerbaijan’s cultural capital is home to a wide range of historical and cultural landmarks. Among the most notable are the Govhar Agha Mosque, the historic Jidir Duzu Plain, and the mausoleum of the prominent poet and statesman Molla Panah Vagif.

Shusha Castle stands out as one of the city’s most significant architectural symbols. The city’s historic center was originally known as the Panahabad fortress. In 1753, Panah Ali Khan ordered the reconstruction of Shusha Castle due to the unfavorable geographical conditions of the Bayat and Shahbulag castles. As a result, the administrative center of the Garabagh Khanate was relocated to Shusha.

In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Azerbaijan declared 2022 the Year of Shusha. Numerous projects and initiatives were implemented both domestically and internationally as part of this designation.

In 2023, Shusha was named the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) held in Bursa, Trkiye. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, and the Shusha State Reserve were tasked with organizing and overseeing related events.

Throughout 2023, Shusha hosted many major cultural events, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic Peoples, Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children’s Creativity, and the Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp.

By unanimous decision, Shusha was also designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024. Widely recognized for its rich and diverse heritage, the city represents an important center of Islamic history and culture. Numerous historic mosques and mausoleums across Shusha reflect the architectural sophistication and artistic traditions of Islamic civilization.

The Yukhari Govhar Agha and Ashaghi Govhar Agha mosques are among the most prominent examples of the city’s religious heritage and are regarded as masterpieces of Eastern architecture.

The Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque was designed by the renowned architect Karbalayi Safikhan Garabaghi and constructed between 1763 and 1769 by order of Garabagh ruler Ibrahim Khalil Khan.

As part of her visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Leyla Aliyeva visited the “MESOB” Public Service Center located in the capital, Addis Ababa, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva was welcomed by Mekuria Haile, Ethiopia’s Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Civil Service.

It was noted that MESOB, established based on the ASAN Service model, is a modern “one-stop”platform designed to facilitate citizens’ access to important public services. Combining over 140 services from federal agencies in a single digital and physical center, “MESOB” ensures that public services are delivered more quickly, conveniently, and reliably.

In May 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the relevant Ethiopian institution regarding the implementation of the ASAN Service experience in Ethiopia.

During a meeting within the framework of COP29 on November 14, 2024, between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, the Ethiopian side expressed interest in adopting the ASAN Service model in their country and requested Azerbaijan’s support in this regard.

Over the past period, specialists from the State Agency have conducted training for Ethiopian civil servants, prepared legal and other necessary documents for the implementation of the ASAN Service experience in Ethiopia, and developed recommendation documents based on the technological solutions used in ASAN Service centers, establishing a unified standard for service delivery.

In 2025, China’s population declined by 3.39 million people, bringing the total to 1,404,890,000, Azernews reports.

According to official statistics, there were 7.92 million births and 11.31 million deaths during the year. This corresponds to a birth rate of 5.63 per thousand and a death rate of 8.04 per thousand.

The male population fell by 0.3% to 716.85 million, while the female population decreased by 0.1% to 688.04 million. Meanwhile, the number of people aged 65 and older continued to rise, increasing by 1.5% to 223.65 million, highlighting the ongoing challenge of an aging society.

In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced a series of socio-economic policies designed to boost the birth rate and encourage greater economic participation among older citizens, including incentives for families and expanded retirement programs.

This decline continues a trend that began in 2022, when China’s population shrank by 850,000 for the first time in six decades. The downward trend persisted in 2023 and 2024, with population decreases of 2.08 million and 1.39 million people, respectively, marking a significant demographic shift that could have long-term social and economic implications.

Interestingly, some demographers suggest that these changes could eventually lead to a transformation in China’s labor market, urban planning, and healthcare system, as the country adapts to a smaller, older population.

On January 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Andre Esteves, Chairman of BTG Pactual, one of Brazil’s leading investment banks and asset management companies on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

President Ilham Aliyev touched upon Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline, as well as its long-term development strategy. He emphasized that the policies implemented in this direction have positively contributed to strengthening the country’s position as a reliable partner in international financial markets.

The head of state highlighted that leading international credit rating agencies have further upgraded Azerbaijan’s credit rating, elevating it to investment grade with a positive outlook.

Andre Esteves spoke about the global geographical scope of his company’s operations and its experience working with institutional investors. He provided information on the investment approaches BTG Pactual applies across various regions.

It was noted that preliminary discussions have recently been held between the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan and BTG Pactual regarding potential areas of cooperation and strategic priorities, with dialogue continuing on matters of mutual interest.

During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on global economic processes, the current situation in international financial markets, institutional investors’ approaches to different regions, the investment climate in emerging markets, long-term investment strategies, and mutual investment projects.

BTG Pactual, established in 1983, manages assets exceeding nearly half a trillion US dollars.