The 1st Forum of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors, co-organized by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, began on November 3 in Antalya, Türkiye.
The event began with the performance of the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs, The Caspian Post reports citing local media.
Adil Karimli, Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, in his opening remarks, described the 1st Forum of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors as an important stage in evolving the country's cultural diplomacy, noting that this initiative serves as a logical continuation of a strategic policy focused on promoting and preserving culture and national identity.
The minister highlighted the purpose of the forum - to promote culture globally through a network of cultural ambassadors, support cultural figures living abroad, and foster the development of art and creative industries. The main goal of the forum is to foster stronger cooperation between Azerbaijani Cultural Centers and Houses of Azerbaijan abroad.
Fuad Muradov, Chairperson of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Work with Diaspora, emphasized that over the past year over 800 cultural events, projects and initiatives were implemented by Azerbaijani compatriots in various countries. He highlighted a strong commitment by all state agencies, including the Ministry to support initiatives related to it.
In his remarks, Rashad Mammadov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Türkiye, described the Forum as a crucial platform for strengthening cultural connections between Azerbaijan and the compatriots living abroad.
Other notable speakers emphasized the importance of the Forum in promoting Azerbaijani culture at the international level, solidifying Azerbaijan’s diaspora, and uniting compatriots living abroad. They highlighted the importance of sharing Azerbaijan's rich culture, history, and art with the world, noting that the First Forum of Azerbaijani Cultural Ambassadors allows cultural ambassadors to promote Azerbaijani culture abroad, share their ideas and implement new projects.
Then, the event featured the screening of a video titled "Revival of Culture in Karabakh".
Azerbaijani cultural figures have been awarded for their contributions to the promotion of Azerbaijani culture internationally.
The forum will also feature a presentation of the "Culture Ambassadors" digital portal and the "Milli dilli" project.
The event includes three panel discussions, as well as reporting sessions of Azerbaijani Cultural Centers and Azerbaijani Houses abroad.
A concert program, with the participation of Azerbaijani art representatives, is planned at the "Culture Road" Festival held in Antalya as part of the Forum.
The Forum will continue until November 5.
