In the present era when different parts of world are facing extremism and multidimensional cultural differences, intercultural dialogue and peace promoting activities are the need of hour. Such initiatives bring harmony and unity among the people of different religions and cultures. There are certain public figures, organizations and institutions that are currently working on raising the quality of arguments, favouring intercultural harmony and achieving the same purpose. In this regard, efforts of Azerbaijan are also worth mentioning. In recent days, State Committee for Religious Affairs of Azerbaijan, in its official capacity, held an international conference to promote religious and intercultural dialogue titled “International Conference on Promoting Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue for a Safer World” which took place in Brussels. It fostered cooperation by allowing participants to share their ideas on interreligious dialogue and exchange experiences.
The “Baku Process,” started by the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, continued during the conference by promoting the growth of interfaith communication. Global issues like the rise in intolerance today represent a severe threat to social cohesion, security, and peace. In order to promote cultural diversity, interfaith and intercivilizational dialogue, mutual understanding between different religions, and strengthening tolerance, such calls are required more than ever to consolidate and strengthen efforts at the international level to build a robust dialogue between religions and cultures.
It would not be out of context to mention that Europe, in particular, is grappling with issues of religious intolerance, hate crimes and Islamophobia. “The role of religion in today’s world,” “Interreligious harmony as an important element in sustainable development,” and how the interfaith dialogue can contribute to peace are the subjects which needs to be focused by the scholars.
President of Azerbaijan has clearly recognized today’s challenges and called for their prevention. Clerics who visit Azerbaijan speak about the coexistence model they encountered in their respective countries. It is true that instances of discrimination remain a problem for many societies and sometimes take violent forms, from hate speech to armed conflict. Religious and intercultural dialogue is an important approach to countering and breaking down prejudices. It also recognizes the importance of eliminating all forms of intolerance and discrimination based on religion and belief and promoting a culture of peace and non-violence at the global level, which is reflected in relevant resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly. Azerbaijan’s position in favour of multiculturalism makes great efforts to actively promote these values. Multiculturalism has been the Azerbaijani way of life for centuries and is an important part of national politics.
This aforementioned conference is not only seen as a hallmark of bridging the gaps of difference, but also is seen as a great step towards making this world a better place to live in. A world where differences will not be despised rather will be appreciated.
A world where tolerance and understanding others perspectives will be prime virtues. Not only Azerbaijan should pace its robust efforts, but also the observer states should bring new initiatives to play their role in this sincere direction.
Many international events such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Global Forum, World Religious Leaders Summit, World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue, and Baku International Humanitarian Forum are held in Baku to promote interreligious and intercultural dialogue in Azerbaijan.
Author: Asif Tanveer Awan
Advocate Islamabad High Court
