Belinda Davis, a professor at Rutgers University and the director of the European Studies Center, put forward the candidacy of Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a senior research fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE), who is under house arrest in Baku. The official statement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee confirms that Gubad Ibadoghlu has been officially registered as a nominee for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize.

In a statement to the US media, Professor Belinda Davis highlighted that Dr. İbadoghlu, a renowned economist, academic, and human rights advocate, has dedicated his life to justice, transparency, and defending those whose rights have been violated, both in Azerbaijan and beyond. Over the last two years, there has been consistent international support from political and academic circles, as well as from prominent civil society organizations. Three days ago, during an international conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, Dr. İbadoghlu's colleagues demonstrated their solidarity with him: at the general assembly of the international civil society coalition "Publish What You Pay" (PWYP), a vacant seat was left in protest of his illegal imprisonment.

It is important to note that Gubad Ibadoghlu is the first Azerbaijani to be officially registered as a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.