Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Multiculturalism should be preserved in the world as a very important model, former Serbian President Boris Tadic said on November 1.

He made the remarks in a roundtable on "Multiculturalism and Identity: in Search of Value Consensus in Society", organized in the framework of the Third Baku International Humanitarian Forum held on October 31-November 1.

"I am concerned that sometimes the model's function is questioned. I would like to insist on preserving multiculturalism, which may help prevent violence, instability, and war," Tadic said.

Speaking at the event, ISESCO Director General Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri called for a halt in military actions all over the world.

"We have to stop military actions in the world - being in power is a temporary position, and we should not prefer power over truth," he said.

Altwaijri also noted that in today's world many people were killed, lost their home, and became refugees.

"If it does not stop, the world may turn into a jungle, and this forum may provide an opportunity to discuss these issues," Altwaijri said.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Elshad Iskandarov said that a bright future for multiculturalism hinges on its progress.

"Today we all expect that an optimistic future of multiculturalism will be based on its progress, and of course where there's no such thing, we see the negative effects of conflicts," Iskandarov said.

Iskandarov also said that the recent developments in the world, especially the Europe, shed light on the seriousness of the dilemma of the diversity of religions.

"Our public institutions must be ready to demonstrate moral sensitivity in this regard," Iskandarov said.

"The concept of tolerance as a way of avoiding violence is also unacceptable for us," Iskandarov said. "The concept of respect and mutual respect is a part of what is happening in Azerbaijan."

Baku International Humanitarian Forum is a high-profile scientific and political platform for tackling the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, holding discussions, and exchanging views on a wide range of issues regarding humanitarian cooperation.

It is an annual event that brings together prominent representatives of the political, scientific and cultural elites of the world, including well-known statesmen, Nobel Prize winners in various fields of science, and heads of influential international organizations.