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Azerbaijani MES employee elected Secretary-General of International Civil Defenсe Organization -VIDEO

10 July 2025 14:46 (UTC +04:00)

On July 10, the 3rd extraordinary session of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) General Assembly was held in Baku. The event was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov, the Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, and the heads of emergency management agencies from ICDO member countries, the Ministry of Emergency Situations told APA.

First, the anthem of the ICDO was played.

Then, the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the participants of the 3rd extraordinary session of the International Civil Defence Organization General Assembly was delivered. The address was read out by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov.

The address expressed satisfaction with hosting a high-level international event dedicated to issues of vital importance for ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of people. The holding of this session in Azerbaijan is a clear testament to our country’s commitment to global security, disaster risk reduction, and civil defense.

The address noted this session coincides with a time when the number of natural and man-made disasters is increasing, climate crises are intensifying, states face new threats and challenges, and civil defense systems are undergoing significant tests, and in this context, the International Civil Defence Organization, as the only specialized intergovernmental organization promoting multilateral cooperation and ensuring global coordination in civil defense and population protection, plays a leading and unique role.

The head of state's address emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to international cooperation in civil defense, and as a responsible member of the international community, our country actively participates in the development and implementation of global initiatives aimed at protecting human life, the environment, and infrastructure. In this context, it was noted that the numerous significant international events hosted by Azerbaijan, particularly COP29 held last year and the upcoming World Urban Forum next year, contribute to addressing the most pressing global challenges, mitigating their consequences, and strengthening global solidarity.

It was emphasized that mobilizing the efforts of all member states and ensuring coordinated action to enhance the International Civil Defence Organization’s sustainability and global influence as a universal platform for civil defense development is of strategic importance, and in the context of increasing risks in our modern world, a strong International Civil Defence Organization, capable of adapting to contemporary challenges and serving as an effective tool for international solidarity and mutual assistance, is essential. Confidence was expressed that the session would be successful.

Then, the Vice-President of the Organization’s Executive Council, Vinicio Felix Chavarria Baez, and the Acting Secretary-General of the ICDO, Roman Lapin, spoke about the issues facing the session.

Then, the report of the Organization's Credentials Committee was heard, the agenda of the session was approved. After the presentation of the candidates for the position of Secretary-General of the ICDO, a vote was held.

According to the results of the vote, the Head of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel Arguj Kalantarli, was unanimously elected Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization. It should be noted that candidates from four member countries of the organization - Azerbaijan, Serbia, Burkina Faso and Tunisia - competed in the elections for the position of Secretary-General.

After the report on the voting results was heard, the new Secretary-General of the ICDO, Arguj Kalantarli, delivered a speech thanking for the trust placed in him and stated that he would work diligently to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him.

The Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, delivered a closing speech at the event.

The Minister expressed his sincere gratitude to all participants of the 3rd extraordinary session of the ICDO General Assembly for their productive and constructive work. K. Heydarov expressed his deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, for his comprehensive support, strategic vision, and continued attention to international cooperation in the field of civil defense.

The Minister emphasized that the sessions of the ICDO held in Baku once again demonstrated that real and positive results in combating emergencies can only be achieved through joint and coordinated efforts. He stated that as an active and responsible participant in the international cooperation on the prevention of emergencies and elimination of their consequences, our country will continue to support the activities of the ICDO and make a practical contribution to its development.

The 3rd extraordinary session of the International Civil Defence Organization General Assembly held in Baku was concluded with the playing of the ICDO anthem.