BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21. Azerbaijan is
committed to protecting cultural rights, promoting cultural
diversity, preserving historical heritage and strengthening
intercultural dialogue within the framework of the Baku
Process.
This was stated by Shahriyar Hajiyev, First Secretary of the
Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, during an
interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur in the field of
cultural rights at the Third Committee of the 81st session of the
UN General Assembly.
“Cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are
universal, indivisible and interdependent. Promoting and protecting
these rights are essential to preserving diversity within societies
and enabling everyone to participate in cultural life.
Azerbaijan is a multicultural and multiethnic society, committed
to upholding cultural rights without discrimination, as an integral
part of the broader human rights framework. The Constitution and
relevant international agreements provide sustained guarantees for
the realisation of these rights in the country.
The state policy in the field of culture aims to create,
identify, preserve, develop and promote cultural heritage and
cultural assets. Everyone is entitled to protect their national and
cultural distinctiveness, define their cultural identity, and
freely choose their spiritual, aesthetic and other values.
Culture plays an important role in social cohesion. Effective
measures are therefore needed to build and sustain resilient
societies, particularly by promoting and respecting cultural
diversity. As the common heritage of humanity, cultural diversity
should be recognised and upheld for the benefit of present and
future generations.
Situated at the crossroads of diverse cultures and civilisations
for centuries, Azerbaijan consistently promotes cultural diversity
globally as a source of exchange, innovation and creativity.
Notably, the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held as part of
the Baku Process, has been recognised as a key global platform for
promoting intercultural dialogue.
The 7th World Forum will be convened next week, from 27 to 29
October in Baku, Azerbaijan, with 6 overarching objectives:
reaffirming the power of dialogue, identifying and addressing
fractures, promoting bridge-building initiatives, fostering a
shared vision, strengthening partnerships and empowering future
generations.
As a multicultural society, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment
to preserving and developing different cultures, as well as
protecting historical and cultural monuments within its territory,
regardless of their origin or affiliation,” Shahriyar Hajiyev
stated in his remarks.
