The World Intercultural Dialogue Forum

Baku / 05.05.17 / Turan: Over 800 participants gathered at the Fourth World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku. High-ranking state and government delegations, heads of international organizations, scientists, ambassadors, public figures took part in the forum held in the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stated at the opening of the forum, the world can face greater threats without intercultural dialogue. Extremism and radicalism are often caused not by education. Illiterate youth are involved in committing terrorist acts. "We must first eliminate the causes of radicalism - social inequality," he said.

"NGOs also have a high responsibility. They often know or do not know, take part in the financing of terrorism," Aliyev said without giving examples. "There is also a big role for the media. Sometimes such actions come from erroneous information," he added.

UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova noted the important role of enlightenment in the prevention of terrorism, radicalism, nationalism, genocides, conflict prevention.

The representative of the UN Secretary General for the Alliance of Civilizations, Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, noted the importance of protecting human rights. "We must use intercultural dialogue to prevent conflicts, as a means of peace," he said.

OIC Secretary-General Yousif ibn Ahmed Al-Otaim said his organization will continue to maintain a dialogue between religions and peoples.

Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai said that in 2016, 245 million people in the world made tourist trips. "Every 10 jobs in the world are connected with tourism. In the coming years, the share of tourism will increase even more. Today there is a lack of tolerance and understanding. People must unite and overcome stereotypes, "he said.

ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz ibn Osman al-Tuvejri noted that peace on the planet is impossible in an environment of phobias and injustice. In his view, the struggle of the superpowers for their own interests hinders the achievement of peace.

"This is shown by the Karabakh conflict. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has been violated, UN Security Council resolutions have not been implemented. Today, cultural heritage is being destroyed in Syria, and the UN Security Council can not fulfill its tasks," Tuvejri said.

Gabriella Battiani-Dragoni, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, recalled her organization's commitment to democratic security. "In Europe, particular attention is paid to several factors. The existence of an independent court is important. Secondly, there should be freedom of expression. Third, freedom of assembly must be ensured. At the same time, there must be an inclusive society. Joint living has become a big problem.

People fleeing from conflict also become the cause of a split in societies. Can we overcome the split? But the reality is that there is no quick solution," she said.

The CE countries must adopt laws against discrimination and they must be properly implemented. The state must also protect social rights. "Many are deprived of access to quality education, health care, deprived of a decent life. Importantly managed cultural diversity is important. It is necessary to include knowledge on intercultural dialogue in primary school classes," the CE representative added.

The program of the forum includes 40 sessions and other thematic events.-03C06-