Agree to Differ

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ABULFAS GARAYEV, MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN

CHAIR OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF THE WORLD FORUM ON INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE

Placing intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity higher on the international agenda is critical for human

security and a prime responsibility of our time. Despite unprecedented progress in the most recent history

of humankind, there are still many threats placing obstacles in the way of the peaceful coexistence of

nations and between people of different culture, religion or ethnicity.

Because of this reality, in today’s globalized world we need to know more about what builds better

understanding and peaceful togetherness. In this context the International Decade for the Rapprochement

of Cultures (2013-2022), proclaimed by the United Nations, and the Baku Process for the promotion of

intercultural dialogue initiated by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, provide a useful

framework for international and national actors to promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue,

understanding and cooperation for peace and security. The Baku Process has become a key global platform for

dialogue between people, as Azerbaijan is a unique place where different cultures and civilizations meet at the

crossroads between East and West, North and South. At the same time, being a member of both Islamic and

European organizations, Azerbaijan absorbs the values of both civilizations, thus enabling it to assume the role

of a genuine bridge.

With this commitment in the framework of the Baku Process we have organized European (2008) and

Islamic (2009) ministerial conferences dedicated to the intercultural issues, and the 1st and 2nd World Forum

on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku in 2011 and 2013 in partnership with the United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, the United Nations

World Tourism Organization, the Council of Europe and the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization. We have realized remarkable achievements, supporting the inscription of intercultural dialogue

and cultural diversity at the forefront of the international agenda.

To maintain such momentum, the Government of Azerbaijan will host the 3rd World Forum on

Intercultural Dialogue on 18-19 May 2015 in Baku. This forum will focus on the theme, ‘Sharing culture for

shared security’ with a view to marking the celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue

and Development (21 May), while opening discussion on the main projects, programmes and initiatives aimed

at building trust and cooperation among peoples, cultures and civilizations.

We will also be very honoured to host the launch of this book,

Agree to Differ

– a landmark publication on

the International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures in the framework of the 3rd World Forum on

Intercultural Dialogue.

Abulfas Garayev

Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Chair of the Organizing Committee of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue