The head of Baku International Multiculturalism Center held important meetings in the framework of the "G20 VIII Interfaith Forum"
Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), participated in the Interreligious Dialogue Forum of the G20 Summit held in Bologna, Italy, on September 11-15. Heads of state and government, religious leaders, ministers of foreign affairs, education, culture and religious affairs, heads of international organizations, prominent scientists and public figures of different countries of the world participated in the Forum held under the slogan "Peace between cultures, understanding between religions". The issues of COVID-19 and climate change, providing necessary support to refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants, protecting freedom of religion and belief, women and children's rights, combating extortion, terrorism, human trafficking, hate speech and global threats to the modern world will be discussed in the Interfaith Forum. Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of BBMM, held a number of meetings within the framework of the Forum. Prof. Col. Durham, the Vice-president of the Interreligious Dialogue Forum of the G20 Summit, Edward Rowe, Executive Director of the US-based Stirling Foundation, Nasreddin Mofarj, Minister of Religious Affairs of Sudan, Tiquan Tagay, Counselor of Religious Affairs of Ethiopia, as well as Elizabeta Kitanovich, human rights defender of the European Conference of Churches have discussed the international projects implemented by the BBMM, Azerbaijan's experience in interreligious dialogue platforms, promotion of multiculturalism traditions of our country, and issues of mutual cooperation. At the same time, a mutual agreement was reached regarding the implementation of many joint projects in the direction of researching the Christian heritage of Azerbaijan and conveying the truths of Azerbaijan to Europe. During the meeting with the leadership team of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints of the United States together with Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims’ Board a wide discussion was held concerning the destroyed or falsified cultural heritage in Karabakh, and they were invited to our country to witness that.
The participation of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center in the Interfaith Dialogue Forum of the G20 Summit was of great importance in terms of establishing new relations, forming future projects and continuing regular cooperation within the Forum.