UN Forum in Baku to focus on pressing issues

By Amina Nazarli

Baku is going to host one of the significant forums in the world -- United Nations Alliance of Civilizations 7th Global Forum next week.

The event is expected to become landmark meeting involving many heads of states and official figures to discuss important global issues.

Latvian Ambassador Juris Maklakov believes that the forum will contribute to the solution of many issues.

“The UN is a reputable international organization, whose agenda includes the most pressing issues of our time,” he said.

The Ambassador emphasized such meetings provide an opportunity for participants from different countries to find a more appropriate solution to a particular issue.

Latvia will be represented at the forum by Parliamentary Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Zanda Kalnina-Lukashevich.

The U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta, in turn, underlined that Azerbaijan is known for its long-standing tradition of respect for multiculturalism and acceptance of different religious and ethnic groups.

"We welcome efforts to raise the issue of tolerance for diversity, including in international venues, and think Azerbaijanis' experience is particularly important in helping all of us meet the challenges we see in today's world," said the ambassador.

Azerbaijan’s Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfaz Garayev believes that the forum will become an important international event aimed to study new ways of inter-cultural dialogue and understanding, promotion of new partnerships and cooperation.

He noted that Azerbaijan as a hosting country is a model of the inclusive government, where people belonging to different cultures and religions coexisted for centuries.

“Azerbaijan, as a member of both Islamic and European institutions, accepts the cultural and spiritual values of both civilizations and plays the role of a "bridge" between civilizations, contributing to the convergence of civilization, to create a global atmosphere of mutual understanding,” Garayev emphasized.

The minister added that that the forum will be preceded by Youth Event, where 250 young people, selected from 7,000 applicants from around the world will participate.

The Forum scheduled for April 25-27 will discuss issues such as the fight against extremism and terrorism, global migration, non-proliferation of hate rhetoric, the role of education, religion, sports and youth, building of inclusive societies, multiculturalism and many more.

The three-day event will also offer an additional opportunity for existing and potential partners to explore collaborations to enhance the Forum’s objectives. The participants will also convene in plenary and breakout sessions, take part in partners’ exhibitions and award ceremonies.