Opening Ceremony of OIC Cultural Festival Held in Baku

The opening ceremony of the "OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025" was held in Baku, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Organized by the OIC in member countries since 2019, the festival aims to strengthen cultural and creative ties and foster harmony and friendship among peoples, The Caspian Post reports, citing local media.

Hosted in Azerbaijan for the first time, the 2025 edition highlights the country’s growing international cultural presence and its commitment to multiculturalism, dialogue, and cooperation within the OIC framework.

The festival focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue and Islamic values such as tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity. It also encourages joint projects in economics, education, science, and tourism, builds sustainable partnerships between member states, and advances the integration of creative industries into the global economy.

Over 300 officials and experts in science, culture, and creative industries from 50 countries are participating in the event, which demonstrates the unity and solidarity of the OIC family. Approximately 5,000 guests are expected to attend.

The program includes a high-level meeting of OIC Ministers of Culture, the Cultural and Creative Industries Forum (MYFORUM), the Creative Village cultural and creative industries exhibition (MYEXPO), the Baku Cinema Breeze 2025 international film program, the Eastern Fashion Show featuring both emerging and renowned designers from OIC countries, the International Gaming Summit (G-HUB), as well as various cultural projects in theater, music, dance, and animation.

The festival will continue until December 11.