Baku, March 11, AZERTAC The 10th Global Baku Forum on “The World of Today: Challenges and Hopes” featured the tenth panel session on the theme “Geo-strategic importance of Africa: opportunities and challenges”. The session was moderated by former Mauritian President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim.In her remarks, the moderator highlighted the harsh situation and geo-strategic importance of African continent. Addressing the session, former President of Malawi Joyce Banda stressed the impacts of climate change and water shortage, noting the smart village and smart city conceptions as the best option for Africa to overcome the difficult situation.President of the Liberal International, former Minister of Environment of Morocco, former Special Envoy for Climate Change of Morocco Hakima El Haite said Africa is the continent, which suffers the most, becoming a victim of colonialism. She also emphasized Africans’ will to use the opportunity and revive the continent.Former Special Representative of the Secretary-General of West Africa, former United Nations Special Envoy for Somalia Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah expressed his gratitude for hospitality and excellent organization of the event, describing Azerbaijani capital as a clean and safe city.Noting it is for the second time that she joins the Global Baku Forum, former Foreign Minister of Niger, former Joint Special Representative of UN/AU in Dafour, former UN Special Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, Current CEO of IPITI Consulting Aichatou Mindaoudou expressed her gratitude to the Nizami Ganjavi International Center for holding the event. Saying that the topical issues are being discussed at the Forum, Aichatou Mindaoudou stressed the importance of exchanging views on Africa’s current situation.Former Prime Minister of Senegal Aminata Toure expressed her concern over crisis situations in Africa. She noted that the continent, which possesses rich resources is currently suffering water and hunger shortages, urging to form a coalition to overcome the situation and address these issues.The panel session continued with discussions.