The first day of the seventh World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue wrapped up in Baku on Tuesday (27 October), with President Ilham Aliyev highlighting Azerbaijan’s role in promoting peace and multiculturalism as global leaders explored the impact of AI and cultural cooperation.
Held under the theme “Dialogue for a Shared Future,” the forum attracted more than 2,000 registered participants, including over 500 international guests from more than 100 countries.
Opening the forum, Aliyev described Azerbaijan as a historical bridge between Europe and Asia, pointing to its long-standing traditions of religious tolerance and multiculturalism.
He also highlighted progress towards peace with Armenia, referring to the agreement initialled in Washington in August 2025 in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Aliyev said Azerbaijan's experience in ending decades of confrontation could offer lessons for other countries seeking to resolve long-running conflicts.
The president also criticised what he described as double standards in international politics, calling for stronger mechanisms to enforce UN Security Council resolutions.
Artificial intelligence and digital inclusion were among the main topics of discussion, with a key session organised in partnership with UNESCO and Azerbaijani ministries exploring the digital skills needed to navigate an increasingly AI-driven world.
Participants examined the challenges posed by misinformation, online hate speech, algorithmic bias and polarisation, stressing the need for digital transformation to be inclusive and human-centred.
Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Hasanov, outlined national efforts to improve digital literacy, develop Azerbaijani-language AI tools and strengthen online protections for minors.
Beyond technology, sessions explored how entrepreneurship, creative industries and tourism can bring societies closer together beyond traditional diplomatic channels.
Participants examined how business and innovation can build trust, while discussions on cultural heritage recovery and youth leadership highlighted their role in fostering resilience and lasting peace.
The final plenaries focused on diplomacy across civilisations, exploring how cultural, religious, scientific and educational institutions can help spot emerging tensions and prevent conflicts.
The opening day ended with a call to turn dialogue into action, strengthening cooperation across technology, business, culture and diplomacy.
The forum will continue in Baku, with international delegates set to explore further ways to build trust, deepen cooperation and strengthen mutual understanding.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occu...
Iran says a “new and positive atmosphere” has emerged following rare security talks in Tehran with senior officials from Pakistan, Saud...
The first day of the seventh World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue wrapped up in Baku on Tuesday (27 October), with President Ilham Aliyev highligh...
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
Serbia's Aleksandar Vučić has conceded defeat after a student-led protest movement took the majority of seats in Sunday's parliamentary elections.
Russian strikes hit several parts of Ukraine overnight, injuring at least six people and targeting energy and port infrastructure, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said U.S. warnings about imminent Russian ballistic missile attacks had resumed.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council says senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye will travel to Tehran to discuss regional security.
Nearly two years after the 20 October 2024 parliamentary elections, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region remains without a cabinet. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) won 39 of 100 seats and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) 23, leaving neither able to govern alone.
Iran says a “new and positive atmosphere” has emerged following rare security talks in Tehran with senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
Uzbekistan has launched Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing customers at several local banks to make contactless payments using their smartphones and other compatible devices.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has dismissed European criticism of a maritime agreement between Türkiye and Libya, arguing that objections to the deal have no legal basis.
Kyrgyzstan doubled its petrol and diesel production in the first nine months of 2026, as disruptions at Russian oil refineries strained fuel supplies across Central Asia, highlighting the region’s reliance on Russian energy.
Jordan said its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in strikes on southern Syria on Monday night.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment