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The Baku Process – the power of

intercultural dialogue in a diverse world

Professor Sevda Mammadaliyeva and Vasif Eyvazzade, Ministry of Culture and Tourism,

Republic of Azerbaijan and World Forum Organizing Committee

he ultimate goal for each nation state is to build

a safer, more secure and prosperous environment

where its people will live in peace and harmony

with each other and with other nation states. This has not

always been a happy story; throughout history, progress

towards this goal has been challenged by clashes, conflicts

and sometimes wars, ignited by negative ideologies, intol-

erance and even hatred.

Often this is made the more difficult because of a lack of

mutual understanding of each other’s cultures, histories and

traditions; a lack of understanding that weakens all attempts

to accommodate ideological differences and avert animosity

and intolerance. Despite the unprecedented progress achieved

in the most recent history of humankind, the same threats are

still presenting obstacles to the peaceful coexistence of nations

and between people of different cultures, religion or ethnicity.

This is why we need to know more about what builds

better understanding in the world and the role of intercultural

dialogue. In this context Azerbaijan is an example of a country

very much committed to the promotion of intercultural

dialogue, both at home and around the world. It has already

proved by concrete acts its intention to play an active role in

building bridges and trust among civilizations and cultures

using its multicultural experience and historical heritage.

Azerbaijan is a special and unique place where different

cultures and civilizations meet at a crossroad between east and

west, north and south. With a foot in both Asia and Europe,

and concurrent membership of both Islamic and European

international organizations, Azerbaijan absorbs the values of

the different civilizations, thus enabling it to assume a role as a

genuine bridge. The peculiarities of Azerbaijan’s historical devel-

opment, its geographical position and the national composition

of the population have created favourable conditions for the

spread of different religions and cultures in the country. Islam,

Judaism, Christianity and other religious beliefs have spread over

the country over different periods, interacted with one another

and established the specific religious and cultural life in the

country. Through this experience, Azerbaijan has built a culture

of acceptance, tolerance, trust and confidence where people of

Image: Min. of Culture & Tourism, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country committed to the promotion of intercultural dialogue, both at home and around the world

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