World needs dialogue to develop multicultural society
By Aynur Jafarova
The world needs a meaningful dialogue to develop a multicultural society.
This remark was made by former Latvian President Valdis Zatlers
at a roundtable on 'Comparative research into multiculturalism:
From theory to humanitarian practice', held as part of the fourth
Baku International Humanitarian Forum on October 3.
"If we talk about culture, then each of us has definitely different
visions of culture in particular sets," he said. "We have conducted
studies returning to the definition of the concept of culture."
Zatlers said 85 percent of the respondents called family one of
the important elements of multiculturalism. Family is the
foundation of a multicultural society.
"Dialogue and peace in the society are also important aspects of
improving the multicultural society," he added.
In his remarks, Azerbaijan's state adviser on Multinational,
Multicultural and Religious Affairs Kamal Abdulla said
multiculturalism has been included in Azerbaijan's state
policy.
"Azerbaijan established the state adviser's service on
multinational, multicultural and religious affairs on February 28,
2014," he said. "President Aliyev signed a decree on the
establishment of Baku International Center of Multiculturalism on
May 15, 2014."
Abdulla went on to add that Azerbaijan has created all necessary
political and social conditions for developing and strengthening
the traditions of multiculturalism.
"Azerbaijan created all necessary conditions for representatives of
different nationalities, religions and cultures to exist freely,"
he said. "Nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev played a special role in
strengthening and preserving multiculturalism in modern Azerbaijan,
and President Ilham Aliyev sucessfully continues this policy."
Abdulla also said Heydar Aliyev, the political founder of
multiculturalism in the country, considered this issue as an
integral part of democracy in Azerbaijan.
"Azerbaijan ensured observing the rights and freedoms of
representatives of national minorities," he said.
He said that the country's leadership closely cooperates with
international organizations, including the UN, OSCE, OIC and the EU
to maintain an atmosphere of multiculturalism in Azerbaijan.
"Azerbaijan has a systematic approach to ensure the multicultural
security," he said. "Special attention is paid to this issue. This
forum is one of the intellectual indices of multicultural
security."
Speaking at the event Executive Director of the Baku
International Multiculturalism Center, Azad Mammadov said choosing
Baku as a venue for establishing an International Multiculturalism
Center is natural.
"Azerbaijan is a country with centuries-old traditions of
multiculturalism and tolerance," he said. "This is why the
establishment of the International Multiculturalism Center in Baku
was expected."
He noted multiculturalism is one of the directions of the state
policy of Azerbaijan and the country pays special attention to
it.
Mammadov also noted the Heydar Aliyev Foundation greatly
supports the activity of the Baku International Multiculturalism
Center, as the fund implements projects aimed at promoting
intercultural dialogue.
"Azerbaijan is open and ready for cooperating in the field of an
intercultural dialogue with other countries," he said.
Baku International Humanitarian Forum, initiated in 2010 by
President Aliyev and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, is a
high-profile global scientific and political platform for tackling
the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, holding
dialogue, discussions and exchange of views on a wide range of
issues of humanitarian cooperation.
Well-known politicians, representatives of the socio-political circles, scholars and figures of culture are attending the two-day forum. Within the framework of the forum, the participants will make tours to Azerbaijan's regions, particularly to Nakhchivan, Lankaran, Guba and Gabala on October 4-5.