Azerbaijan is committed to preserving cultural diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue — Shahriyar Hajiyev

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.