Azerbaijani President Meets with Mormon Church Leaders to Discuss Upcoming World Forum

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with representatives of the Mormon Church of the United States on Sunday to discuss the upcoming World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, scheduled to take place in Baku on April 30, 2024. The Mormon delegation included David Bednar, Jack Gerard, Miles Hansen, and Edward Rowe.

During the meeting, the participants expressed confidence that the forum would contribute to the expansion of intercultural dialogue on an international scale. The conversation also touched on Azerbaijan's historical contributions to intercultural and interfaith dialogue, noting that representatives from different cultures and religions have coexisted harmoniously in the country.

Why this matters: The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue serves as a platform for international organizations, leaders, and practitioners to engage in discussions on global issues such as cultural heritage preservation, interfaith dialogue, and climate change. Azerbaijan's hosting of the event highlights its commitment to promoting understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures and faiths.

The 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will have the overarching theme of "Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Engagement." Professor Fethi Mansouri, a speaker at the forum, will be part of a plenary discussion on the role of education and youth engagement in combating xenophobia and discrimination. The plenary will also feature other experts, including Dr. Fanta Aw, Mr. Joaquim Llimona Balcells, Professor Feng Peng, Dr. Fariz Ismayilzada, and H.E. Mr. Hamed Al Hamami, and will be moderated by Professor Alpaslan Özerdem.

President Aliyev has given an order to hold the forum, and the Head of the Presidential Administration has approved an Action Plan for the event. During the three-day forum, participants will have the opportunity to take part in high-level panel discussions and establish connections with international colleagues.

The meeting between President Aliyev and the Mormon Church leaders underscores the importance of the upcoming World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures and faiths. As Azerbaijan prepares to host the event, the country's commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and harmony continues to be recognized on the international stage.

Key Takeaways

• Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Mormon Church representatives.
• They discussed the upcoming World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku.
• The forum aims to promote understanding and cooperation among diverse cultures.
• Experts will discuss topics like combating xenophobia and engaging youth.
• The meeting underscores Azerbaijan's commitment to intercultural dialogue.