The international conference "Islamophobia as a Specific Form of Racism and Discrimination: New Global and Transnational Challenges" is being held jointly organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), the Center for the Analysis of International Relations, and the G20 Interfaith Dialogue Forum on the occasion of the first anniversary of the UN General Assembly's declaration of March 15 as the International Day for Fighting Islamophobia. 
The main goal of the conference is to create an academic platform to discuss alarming trends targeting Muslims and Muslim-majority countries at the international and national levels. In particular, discussions will be held on the intersectional approach to fighting Islamophobia, manifestations of Islamophobia in some European countries, and Islamophobia in the world media in the conference. 
The international community observes sharp differences in the treatment of refugees from Muslim and non-Muslim countries, and there are reports of such trends in conflict and post-conflict zones with mixed religious populations. The deepest concern is related to continued increase in manifestations of Islamophobia, which has reached its peak with a sharp jump. Such stereotypes have arisen, especially in some European countries, from the presentation of Muslims as foreigners, and this, as opposed to European culture and values, leads to an exacerbation of stigmatization and isolation policies.
In recent years, despite calls from international organizations and the adoption of a number of resolutions on fighting Islamophobia, there are contradictory processes taking place regarding the introduction or adoption of anti-Islamic laws, as well as the blatant violation of freedom of religion under the guise of protecting and strengthening democratic values based on national interests and values and these laws form the basis for the growth of Islamophobia and other forms of racism and discrimination. Besides that, hate speech has become more widespread and dangerous in the media, and the identification of Islam with terrorism or its comparative presentation to society leads to the foundations of inclusive societies.
Сonsequently, the lack of a definitive action plan for fighting Islamophobia in various countries necessitates the establishment of a regular and continuous international conference platform and the involvement of scholars, experts from international organizations, religious figures, and non-governmental organizations in this work.
The conference sessions will surround the topics of "The Importance of an Intersectional Approach in Fighting Islamophobia and New Perspectives", "Islamophobia: European and National Legislation", "Islamophobia in France", "Conspiracy Theories about Muslims in Western Cultures", "Colonialism, New Imperialism and Islamophobia", "Islamophobia and Hate Speech in the Media", "Joint Cooperation and the Role of International Organizations in Fighting Islamophobia", "Building Harmonious Societies by Promoting Religious Diversity and Interfaith Respect".