During the organization of the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), a meeting was held between the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism (BBMM) and a delegation from the island of Mayotte, part of the French-administered Gamar Islands. The delegation included social and political figures, diplomats, scholars, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and members of political parties from the Gamar Islands, including Mayotte.
In his opening remarks, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, Abbas Abbasov, emphasized that the primary mission of BIG is to highlight the global impacts of colonialism and neo-colonialism while supporting nations enduring colonial rule in their just struggle within the framework of international law. He clarified that their fight is not against any specific country or government, but against a colonial system that deprives people of their right to self-determination and freedom. Abbasov expressed belief in the possibility of international relations based on mutual respect and cooperation, free from exploitation and oppression.
Welcoming the guests, Executive Director of the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, Ravan Hasanov, provided an overview of the Center’s activities. He noted that BBMM has been operating for over a decade, holds international status, and implements crucial projects aimed at preserving the culture, language, and beliefs of minority communities. He mentioned that the Center plays a significant role in promoting “Azerbaijani multiculturalism,” a subject taught at prestigious universities worldwide. BBMM also maintains representative offices in various countries and places a strong emphasis on fostering international cooperation. It collaborates with esteemed international organizations such as the UN, OSCE, and the Council of Europe and initiates numerous international platforms.
Hasanov also highlighted an international conference organized by the Center on the occasion of the “International Day against Islamophobia.” The primary goal of this annual conference is to establish an academic platform to discuss trends affecting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries on both international and national levels. The event draws participation from scholars, experts from international organizations, religious leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations.
He further spoke about the tolerant and multicultural environment in Azerbaijan, where more than 30 nationalities and all religions coexist peacefully. Hasanov assured that the rights of these communities are protected by the state.
“We are prepared to raise issues concerning the Gamar Islands and the island of Mayotte on the platforms with which the Center collaborates. We are also open to cooperating with the international organizations recommended by the delegation. Our Center works closely with international organizations dedicated to the protection of human rights, and I believe our activities align in this regard, allowing us to support each other,” said Ravan Hasanov.
The meeting also involved discussions on potential mutual cooperation, with proposals from the delegation representing the French-administered Gamar Islands and Mayotte being considered.
It is worth noting that the decision to establish the Baku Initiative Group was made on July 6, 2023, during a round table in Baku as part of the ministerial meeting of the Coordination Office of the Non-Aligned Movement. The group aims to support the struggle for the freedom of colonized peoples in various regions worldwide. The Baku Initiative Group advocates for the decolonization of territories including New Caledonia, French Polynesia, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Bonaire, Martinique, Corsica, Gamara, Wallis and Futuna, and cooperates with representatives from these regions.