BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. Baku hosted public
hearings on the topic “Engaging Women's and Youth Organizations in
the Peace Process in Azerbaijan: Within the Framework of the
‘Bridge of Peace’ Initiative,” with the participation of members of
women's and youth organizations within the Bridge of Peace
Initiative, Trend
reports.


This public discussion, attended by representatives of the
National NGO Forum, several NGOs, and women’s and youth
organizations, was aimed at sharing the results of the dialogue
between representatives of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society
with Azerbaijani civil society, holding an open discussion on the
current situation, and developing practical mechanisms for engaging
women and youth in the future, and to gather proposals.


Farhad Mammadov, the initiative’s chief coordinator, spoke about
the meetings and discussions held between members of civil society
in Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the challenges they face, and
emphasized the importance of involving women and young people in
the peace process.


He noted that, according to survey results, the desire for peace
within Armenian society is not particularly strong. Supporters of
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan are taking a more active
stance in the peace process.


According to Farhad Mammadov, the main focus of the process
revolves around two questions:


What should the approach to peace be, and what practical steps
can be taken?


The next meeting is scheduled for the near future, with a visit
by the Armenian side to Azerbaijan expected. During the meeting,
the position of Azerbaijani civil society will be presented to the
other side, and potential areas of cooperation will be
discussed.


Meanwhile, as part of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative, members
of Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society are holding reciprocal
meetings. One meeting was organized in Armenia and another in
Azerbaijan as part of this initiative. During the meetings, both
existing processes were discussed, and an exchange of views took
place on the role of civil society in the peace agenda.


Both the Azerbaijani and Armenian groups hold extensive meetings
with representatives of civil society in their respective
countries, exchanging views on various issues.


The Azerbaijani group of the “Bridge of Peace” initiative has
already held meetings with organizations that are members of the
Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations.


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