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J
ust
, P
e aceful
and
I
nclusi v e
S
ocieties
MEHRIBAN ALIYEVA, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN,
UNESCO AND ISESCO GOODWILL AMBASSADOR
Each of us cherishes the hope to see a world that would bring a better life for all. The world needs to
safeguard and promote those values that should coexist in harmony – respect for diversity and the desire to
enrich and support one another.
Tremendous responsibilities fall on the shoulders of governments, politicians and international
organizations. Such responsibilities have long surpassed national boundaries, and have become elevated to
the level of universal obligation. This state of affairs abounds with numerous difficulties and misconceptions
when considered against the backdrop of current developments. In some cases, one can see a lack of respect
of the norms of international law as well as the sacrifice of those norms to double standards. The issues
underpinning the right to a safe life for everybody should be upheld as a supreme principle. Dialogue and
cooperation between cultures and religions, as well as the principles of understanding and respect, stand as
the core of civil development.
In the period of such turbulence for the international community, our country, Azerbaijan, has sought to
become a successful model of intercultural and interreligious dialogue, demonstrated at national, regional
and global levels by its way of life. The people of Azerbaijan, as guardians of an ancient civilization and rich
culture, have played a significant role in enriching universal values over many centuries. Although this light
emanates from our long history of national tolerance, it is also kindled by the current environment formed by
our multicultural communities and state policies.
As a consequence of its geography, Azerbaijan, lying between East and West, North and South, has assumed
the responsibility of promoting its specific quality of tolerance and the stability of its multicultural lifestyle
during a period of deepening national and religious discord. Communities of different national and religious
groups, together with the representatives of various minorities, have, in our country, historically lived and
continue to live in conditions of mutual cooperation and friendship. Although these values comprise our
historical identity, we organize events at an international level in order to share them with the world.
We understand that it is necessary to globalize security values to fight globalizing threats. These values
provide the inspiration for making our internal and foreign policies stronger and sustainable.
Finally, I wish once again to state that there is no alternative to understanding and friendly coexistence
between cultures and religions, and only this can guarantee the security of mankind and stability in the world.
I believe that this book will deliver a strong and effective message in celebrating the solidarity of people who
represent various cultures and religions, for the sake of a safe and sustainable future of humanity.
Mehriban Aliyeva
First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador