The opening ceremony of the 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), under the overarching theme “UNAOC: Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity — Advancing a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World”, was held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud; UN Secretary-General António Guterres; High Representative for UNAOC and UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia Miguel Ángel Moratinos; Spain’s Minister for Inclusion, Social Security and Migration Elma Saiz Delgado, and former Turkish Prime Minister and former Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Binali Yıldırım.
Azerbaijan was represented at the forum by Minister of Culture Adil Karimli, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations Ramin Mammadov, and Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board (CMB) Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade.
The event also included meetings, plenary sessions, and numerous meetings.
The Committee Chairman Ramin Mammadov participated in the UNAOC Group of Friends High-Level Meeting.
CMB Chairman Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade addressed the plenary session on the theme “Faith in Humanity: Interfaith Dialogue as a Bridge to Peace and #OneHumanity”, moderated by Princess Rym Ali of Jordan.
In his remarks, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade conveyed the greetings of President Ilham Aliyev to the forum participants, describing the UN Alliance of Civilizations as a vital global platform in addressing global challenges. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership in promoting global multiculturalism and tolerance, specifically through the Baku Process and World Intercultural Dialogue forums. He noted Azerbaijan’s hosting of key events like the 7th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), ongoing restoration of Garabagh’s heritage, and the active role of the country in global peace initiatives.
The session was also addressed by ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel (Adamakis) of Chalcedon, KAICIID’s Acting Secretary General António de Almeida-Ribeiro, and others.
As part of the Forum, CMB Chairman Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade held bilateral meetings, including with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Waleed bin Abdulkarim El Khereiji; UN Under-Secretary-General Miguel Ángel Moratinos; ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik; Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel (Adamakis) of Chalcedon; former Prime Minister of Türkiye Binali Yildirim and Director of the Center for Islamic Civilization of Uzbekistan Firdavs Abduhalikov.
During the meetings, the parties hailed the level of cooperation and explored future activities.