Baku, Azerbaijan, May 18
By Seymur Aliyev - Trend:
Azerbaijan, situated between Europe and Asia, brings together various races, religions and cultures, said Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, the UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations, May 18 in Baku.
He was addressing the ceremony for opening of the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.
Conveying the greetings of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Al-Nasser said the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is proud of partnership with Azerbaijan's government and other structures as part of the forum.
Al-Nasser noted that the respect for diversity and commitment to common values imply the overall safety for people all around the world.
He also said that the strengthening of peace-loving and inclusive societies means accepting diversity and pluralism, which characterize the modern globalizing world.
UNAOC's high representative also touched upon the cases of intolerance in the world.
He said the world is witnessing the growth of cases of intolerance, extremism, xenophobia and discrimination.
Speaking of the terrorists, committing violent acts, Al-Nasser said those people claim to be acting in the name of religion, but their extremist ideology is contrary to religious values.
"There is a great need for taking collective actions to prevent the acts of extremist and radical circles," he said.
The 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is being held under the patronage of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The forum's partners are UNESCO and the UN Alliance of Civilizations.