Participants of the 2nd International Youth Forum for Multiculturalism and Peace, themed "Youth as ambassadors of peacebuilding in a multicultural environment," co-organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC) and ICESCO, visited the cities of Shusha and Khankendi.
First, the forum participants visited the city of Khankendi to familiarize themselves with the ongoing redevelopment and construction efforts, The Caspian Post reports citing AZERTAC.
Irina Kunina, Head of the Department at BIMC, delivered a lecture titled "Features of the Azerbaijani Multiculturalism Model". She emphasized that the political foundations of Azerbaijani multiculturalism are reflected in the articles of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, legislative acts, decrees and orders. Kunina underlined that the existing environment of national-cultural diversity and ethnic-religious tolerance turned Azerbaijan, as a multinational, multi-confessional country, into a unique place for intercultural dialogue on a global scale. The lecture was highly praised, prompting further discussion among the participants.
As part of the forum, the participants also listened to a lecture by Rizvan Nabiyev, Milli Majlis’s MP, Doctor of Political Sciences, on the topic "Baku's Peace Diplomacy: The Right of Return in International Law and the Context of Azerbaijan." Nabiyev discussed the new realities that emerged after the 44-day Patriotic War, President Ilham Aliyev's peace initiatives, as well as the issues such as - consequences of the occupation, destruction of cities and villages, mine threats, and the right of return of internally displaced persons to their homeland.
The forum participants then held an interactive discussion on the topic "The Role of Religion in Restoring Peace in Contemporary Conflicts."
Furthermore, the participants of the 2nd International Youth Forum for Multiculturalism and Peace, visited the city of Shusha, where they were informed about the geographical location of Shusha, and the social role it has played since ancient times.
They then toured the house of Khurshidbanu Natavan, the museum of Bulbul, the Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque, the Walls of Shusha Fortress, Vagif's Mausoleum, the Jidir Duzu plain, where they were briefed on the city’s history, its nearly 30-year-long Armenian occupation, and the ongoing restoration efforts.
Musical evenings entitled "Present Your People" were also organized as part of the forum. Here, the participants shared details about the culture and traditions of their people.
The Forum brings together about 70 participants from more than 50 countries. Events take place in Baku, Khankendi, and Shusha, featuring panel discussions, interactive sessions, training programs, and cultural visits to Azerbaijan’s liberated historical lands.
The Forum serves as a platform for young people of different nations, religions, and cultures to promote multicultural values, strengthen inter-religious understanding, and encourage tolerance. Its goal is to foster respect for diversity as a source of peace and solidarity, while enabling participants to exchange experiences, propose joint projects, and build partnerships.
