BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. On October 28,
the presentation of the 3rd edition of the “Book of Peace” titled
“Weaving the Carpet of Harmony: Peace and Multiculturalism in
Azerbaijan through the Eyes of the Youth,” prepared by the Islamic
World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO),
was held as part of 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
Addressing the event, Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik,
Director-General of ICESCO, emphasized that Azerbaijan, with its
rich culture, longstanding traditions of peaceful coexistence, and
unwavering commitment to intercultural dialogue, serves as an
inspiring example for the entire world. He described this
publication both as an expression of respect for Azerbaijan's
culture of dialogue and a call to action. The “Book of Peace”
carries a vital message for today’s fragmented world. Through the
observations and impressions of the authors, Azerbaijan's
multiculturalism traditions revive on the pages of this book.
The ICESCO Director-General underlined that the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation makes invaluable contributions to peacebuilding in
Azerbaijan and worldwide. Through its humanitarian initiatives and
support for intercultural dialogue, the Foundation builds bridges
between communities.
Speaking at the event, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, underscored that at a time when
conflicts, division, and intolerance continue to divide the world,
peace and mutual understanding are more important than ever before.
ICESCO has always been a meeting point of diverse cultures,
religions, and civilizations. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been
promoting for almost over 20 years noble values through projects in
culture, education, environmental protection, and humanitarian
spheres. Over the years, the Foundation had restored numerous
historical and cultural monuments, built hundreds of schools and
kindergartens, contributed to the preservation of national parks
and wildlife, and implemented various other projects both in
Azerbaijan and globally.
Leyla Aliyeva mentioned that the “Book of Peace” conveys a
meaningful message - to live in peace, to be respected, understood,
and to be surrounded by care.
In his remarks, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, United Nations
Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United
Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), and UN Special Envoy to
Combat Islamophobia, said that in the recent history of diplomacy
and international relations, there have been only two pieces of
good news for him: "The first was the end of the apartheid in South
Africa. The second is the peace agreement between Armenia and
Azerbaijan, which was initiated and mentioned yesterday by
President Ilham Aliyev." The Director-General noted that the 21st
century must be the last century of wars and conflicts, and that
the mankind must put an end to wars.
Following the speeches, a video highlighting the concept of the
“Book of Peace” was screened.
ICESCO Youth Peace Ambassadors from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and
Morocco also delivered remarks at the event.
The event was concluded with a musical program featuring
10-year-old mugham singer Rasul Baghirov. Additionally, ICESCO
Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik was presented with the
painting "Welcome to Garabagh" by artist Mir Azar Abdullayev.
The 3rd edition of the “Book of Peace” highlights Azerbaijan's
role in promoting peace and strengthening interfaith and
intercultural solidarity, as well as the international significance
of the country's multiculturalism model.
The book features articles written by 29 young leaders from
various countries across the Islamic world. Each of these young
people has visited Azerbaijan and shared their personal impressions
and experiences regarding the country's model of peace,
multiculturalism, and peaceful coexistence.
