An international academic conference titled "Islamophobia: Exposing Prejudice and Destroying Stigma" has officially opened in the capital of Azerbaijan, bringing together global scholars, experts, and policymakers to address the rise and consequences of anti-Muslim discrimination.
The two-day event is jointly organized by the Baku International Center of Multiculturalism and the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), in honor of the third anniversary of the United Nations-designated International Day to Combat Islamophobia, observed annually on March 15.
A Platform for Global Dialogue
Participants from various countries, including academics, religious leaders, and government officials, will explore the historical, political, and socio-cultural factors contributing to the spread of Islamophobia across different regions. Panel discussions are expected to highlight policy frameworks, educational initiatives, and interfaith cooperation as tools to combat prejudice.
Organizers say the conference seeks to provide an international platform to challenge stereotypes, support academic research, and propose actionable solutions to reduce anti-Muslim sentiment globally.
“Our aim is to confront Islamophobia at its roots—through education, research, and public awareness,” said a spokesperson from the Baku Center of Multiculturalism. “This conference is part of our ongoing mission to promote tolerance and respect between cultures and faiths.”
A Continued Commitment
This is not the first such initiative in Baku. Over the past two years, the two organizing institutions—in partnership with the G20 Interfaith Forum—have hosted several international gatherings focused on combatting Islamophobia and promoting interreligious understanding.
Azerbaijan, a Muslim-majority country with a longstanding commitment to multiculturalism and religious coexistence, has positioned itself as a regional leader in advancing dialogue on faith-based discrimination and minority rights.
Background: A Global Call for Action
The International Day to Combat Islamophobia was first proposed during the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Niamey, Niger, in November 2020. The United Nations General Assembly formally adopted the resolution in 2022, designating March 15 as a global day of reflection and action.
The date marks the anniversary of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, which claimed 51 lives and galvanized international efforts to confront religious hatred and xenophobia.
Looking Ahead
The event underscores Azerbaijan’s growing role in facilitating global conversations on religious tolerance, diversity, and the defense of human dignity in the face of discrimination.
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed aga...
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump...
Pakistan's political leadership on Monday welcomed a breakthrough agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending more than three months of confli...
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central...
The UK has become the latest country to annouce a social media ban for children under 16. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made the announcement on...
More than 2,000 people gathered in San Diego this week for funeral prayers honouring three men killed while trying to stop an attack at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, in what authorities are investigating as a suspected hate crime.
Investigators have discovered what officials described as “anti-Islamic writings” inside a vehicle connected to the two teenagers accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego, according to a U.S. Department of Justice official familiar with the case.
Australian far-right Senator Pauline Hanson was suspended from the Senate on Tuesday. This was prompted by her entering Parliament wearing a burqa on Monday, as part of her latest push to ban the face-covering Muslim garment in public.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
Iran has said that reaching an agreement with the U.S. to end the war does not mean Tehran will overlook what it describes as war crimes committed against Iranians by Israel and the United States.
Uzbekistan and five partner countries have signed a protocol to further develop the CASCA+ railway corridor, a growing transport route linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Türkiye that provides an alternative connection between Asian and European markets.
An armed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on a Black Sea beach in northern Türkiye on Sunday, prompting a security operation and the controlled detonation of its munitions.
Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict was announced, although uncertainty remained over how the deal would be implemented on the ground.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a lasting settlement.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment