First Lady opens ‘Tree of Peace’ (UPDATE)
By Nigar Orujova
First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and Director General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova attended the opening ceremony of the ‘Tree of Peace’.
The event was held in Baku on the sidelines of the third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue on May 17.
Mrs. Aliyeva, the president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, Bokova and author of the ‘Tree of Peace’, UNESCO Artist for Peace, Hedva Ser addressed the event.
UNESCO’s head was on visit to Azerbaijan as part of the third World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
The ‘Tree of Peace’ is UNESCO’s emblem, the symbol of tolerance and peace. Placed in public places, this monument invites people to think about peace. The monument is recognized as a symbol of mutual understanding between nations, and advocates for solution of conflicts and dissemination of peace around the world.
“Azerbaijan, which is located at the crossroads of civilizations and cultures, has always been a space where representatives of different religions, ethnic groups and cultures lived together in peace, harmony and tolerance,” Mrs. Aliyeva said addressing the ceremony.
She went on to add that these relations are based on mutual respect and understanding. “For centuries, a multi-ethnic society has strived here, and today we feel a sense of pride because we have such a valuable tradition of tolerance.”
Modern Azerbaijan is making a huge contribution to the promotion of intercultural dialogue at an international level, Aliyeva said. To facilitate this important process, the country has initiated many steps. Azerbaijan organizes high-level events such as the International Humanitarian Forum, the World Summit of Religious Leaders. Last year, the first International Center for Multiculturalism was created in Azerbaijan.
“Dear friends, like the monument ‘Tree of Peace’, which has a symbolic meaning, we all have the same roots. I am absolutely convinced that we will do everything possible to protect our common planet, as well as such values as peace and friendship,” the first lady said.
She also invited all participants to visit the first ever European Games, a historic event for Azerbaijan, which will unite the whole of Europe in the name of peace and friendship.
Then, Irina Bokova and UNESCO World Artist for Peace, Hedva Ser took the floor.
Director General of UNESCO spoke of the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan and read a string of poetry of Mahsati Ganjavi. She noted that the ‘Tree of Peace’ also reflects the spirit of the works of Mahsati Ganjavi.
Saying that such monuments are open in many countries, Bokova stressed that such events are a moment of peace, dialogue and reconciliation.
Hedva Ser stressed that creating a better world has always been the most important basis in her works and creativity. “That was the main idea in the creation of the monument the ‘Tree of Peace’. The concept of the universal promotion of peace in the last few years, its development through art inspired us to create this monument. The creation of the ‘Tree of Peace’ was a very important impetus to promote many humanistic values, build bridges between religions and peoples.”
The author of the monument discussed the idea of her work. She noted that the ‘Tree of Peace’ represents a call for peoples for peace.
Stressing that Azerbaijan has a rich culture, Ser highlighted the atmosphere of tolerance in this country.
Made of bronze, the monument has been erected in the New Boulevard, near State Flag Square.
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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar
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