On September 11th, a distinguished delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by representatives from related institutions, visited Baku International Multiculturalism Centre (BIMC).
Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Center, warmly welcomed the guests and provided a comprehensive overview of Azerbaijani multiculturalism and the nation’s unwavering commitment to its preservation. He emphasized the longstanding importance of multicultural values in Azerbaijan, where diverse ethnicities and cultures have coexisted peacefully for centuries, free from discrimination.
Mr. Hasanov further highlighted the crucial role of national leadership in solidifying these values. While acknowledging the historical roots of Azerbaijani multiculturalism, he credited the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, with establishing its firm political foundation. Under his guidance, multiculturalism was elevated to the status of a central state policy, a legacy that President Ilham Aliyev continues to uphold with unwavering dedication.
The visit also explored the extensive activities of the BIMC. Established in 2014 by a presidential decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev, the Centre boasts international recognition for its impactful projects dedicated to safeguarding the cultural heritage, languages, and beliefs of minority groups within Azerbaijan.
A noteworthy initiative is the inclusion of “Azerbaijani Multiculturalism” as a curriculum subject at prestigious universities across the globe. Building upon this success, the Centre has launched winter and summer schools specifically designed for students enrolled in this program, both internationally and within Azerbaijan.
Mr. Hasanov elaborated on the Center’s role as a platform for fostering intercultural and interreligious dialogue through the organization of international conferences.
The delegation was further briefed on the recently concluded Patriotic War, emphasizing that the conflict over Karabakh was often misconstrued as a religious or ethnic struggle. This narrative, Mr. Hasanov asserted, is entirely inaccurate. The conflict arose solely from Armenia’s illegal occupation of Azerbaijani sovereign territory. The ultimate victory achieved by Azerbaijan resulted from the unified spirit of its people, who stood resolutely behind President Ilham Aliyev in the pursuit of territorial integrity.
To enrich their understanding, the delegation was presented with a film showcasing the vibrant tapestry of Azerbaijani multiculturalism.
The meeting concluded with a productive discussion exploring avenues for mutual cooperation in the realm of multiculturalism exchange programs. The delegation’s inquiries were addressed comprehensively, fostering a deeper understanding and potential for future collaboration.
As a token of appreciation, BIMC presented the delegation with a commemorative gift and a selection of its informative publications.
