The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Finland together with the Caucasian Muslim Boards and the Aleksanteri Institute of the University of Helsinki co-organized a conference, “Multiculturalism and Inter-Religious Tolerance: The Experience of Azerbaijan and its Significance for Europe”.
The conference saw a delegation of high-ranking dignitaries from Azerbaijan discussing their experience of multiculturalism and inter-religious tolerance in the country. The delegation led by State Adviser on Inter-ethnic, Multicultural and Religious Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kamal Abdullayev, included Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations Mubariz Gurbanli, the chairman of the Caucasian Muslim Boards Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the Archbishop of the Baku and Azerbaijan Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexander Ishein, the Ordinary of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Roman Catholic Church in Azerbaijan Vladimir Fekete, the leader of the Mountain Jews Religious Community Milix Yevdayev, Member of Azerbaijani Parliament Javanshir Pashazade and the executive director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center Azad Mammadov.
In discussions and panels the speakers noted that in the complicated geopolitical situation and escalating sectarian conflicts the Republic of Azerbaijan stands as a rather unique case as it witnesses a great consensus on the idea of a civic nation, which is shared by the political leadership, religious representatives, and civil society at large.
The delegation representatives shared their experience of multiculturalism and inter-religious tolerance in the country.
They highlighted the government’s efforts in establishing a nurturing environment conducive to tolerance, mutual understanding, and dialogue between cultures, and they shared their personal experiences on solidarity and friendship among all religious confessions in Azerbaijan. The panelists also praised the role of President Ilham Aliyev, who implemented multiculturalism as a state policy as well as a way of life, thus ensuring that all ethnic and religious groups feel at home in Azerbaijan.
The conference ended with a banquet organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan.
AZERTAC