The Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On 27–28 October this year, the 7th World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue was held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, under the theme “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity.”

The prestigious international event was attended by a delegation of Uzbekistan led by Muzaffar Kamilov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Religious and Educational Affairs.

The forum brought together prominent figures, including President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev; Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik; UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Miguel Ángel Moratinos; Chairman of the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Religious Organizations Ramin Mammadov; Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazadeh; Pakistan’s Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Sardar Muhammad Yousaf; Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders Mohammed Abdelsalam; Director of IRCICA, Professor Erol Kılıç; as well as representatives of other international organizations, diplomatic missions, and religious communities.

The forum addressed a range of issues, including intercultural and interfaith dialogue, strengthening peace and tolerance, and promoting mutual understanding among peoples, with the participation of representatives from various countries and international organizations.

On 28 October, Muzaffar Kamilov, Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Religious and Educational Affairs, also participated in the plenary session entitled “Interfaith Dialogue: A Roadmap Towards a Shared Future,” organized jointly by the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Religious Organizations and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), where he shared his views.

In his address, he emphasized that the forum serves as an important international platform for dialogue aimed at strengthening peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding.

He also highlighted the shared historical roots, cultural heritage, and bonds of friendship connecting the peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The works of Alisher Navoi and Nizami Ganjavi were noted as a vivid reflection of this spiritual affinity.

Muzaffar Kamilov stressed that amid contemporary geopolitical tensions and the growing challenges of xenophobia and Islamophobia, interfaith dialogue should contribute to protecting human dignity and promoting peace. He also underscored the importance of international cooperation in strengthening religious tolerance through education, engagement with young people, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the digital age.

The forum concluded as an important international platform for promoting mutual respect, cooperation, and dialogue among representatives of different cultures and religions.

Information Service
Committee on Religious Affairs