Unlocking Global Connectivity
We are at a moment of retreat from the openness that defined the last generation. Countries are turning inward, supply chains are fragmenting, and the once seamless flow of talent, capital and ideas is interrupted by new barriers.
But entrepreneurship is the greatest common denominator, and entrepreneurs are the new diplomats of our era. In a fractious world, reaching across divides to solve problems is the calling of our time.
The data is clear: ecosystems that connect outperform those that isolate. That is why global collaboration is a renewed cornerstone of GEN's strategy - not just as a value, but as a deliberate and scalable practice. GEC+Baku is where we put it to work.
October 25-26, 2026 | Baku, Azerbaijan
GEC+Baku: Creative Industries is an official side event of the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan in partnership with UNESCO, ICESCO, UNAO and UN Tourism under the theme "Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World". It is convened in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Economy, Yaradici, and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA).
The Forum and GEC+Baku pursue the same thing by different routes: common ground between peoples that no government negotiated. The Forum pursues it through culture, creative industries, heritage and tourism. We pursue it through enterprise. Creative and cultural entrepreneurs are where the two become the same people — businesses with the same problems of capital, market access and talent as any other, and the means by which a country becomes legible to the world.
Attendance is by invitation and limited to 150 delegates. There is no registration fee, and every delegate receives full accreditation for the World Forum.
Why Attend
Connections made in the room
Sessions are balanced between panels and group discussion, and most end with something agreed rather than something concluded. You will map your ecosystem against those of your counterparts, make introductions in the room rather than promise to follow up afterwards, and leave with programs you can run at home.
Invitation-only, and small on purpose
150 delegates rather than several thousand. Founders, investors, ecosystem leaders, policymakers, and the cultural and tourism institutions working alongside them, from across the region and beyond. Each arrives with something to contribute and leaves connected to counterparts elsewhere.
Creative industries as the connector
Two days on what it takes to turn creative talent and cultural assets into businesses that reach international markets, partners, investment and audiences — and on the cities and ecosystems learning to host the world.
Your findings reach the main stage
What the room agrees does not stay in it. On October 27, the Business Dialogue on the Forum's main program at the Heydar Aliyev Center — "Entrepreneurs as the Underrated Diplomats of a Fractured World" — carries our recommendations to ministers, delegations and a UN TV livestream audience.
Full access to the World Forum
Every GEC+Baku delegate is accredited for the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, October 27–29, alongside government, UN and cultural leaders from around the world.
Secure Your Place
Places are limited to 150 and allocated by invitation. If you have not received one, you can apply to attend below.
There is no registration fee. Attendance includes both days of GEC+Baku: Creative Entrepreneurship, an ecosystem tour and dinner, lunches and refreshments, and full accreditation for the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. Travel and accommodation are not included.
Have questions? Contact Matt Smith at matt@genglobal.org.