International Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue”

June 10, 2008


Two-day International Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue” started on June 10 at the Gulustan Palace in Baku.


Over 300 delegates including ISESCO Director General, UNESCO goodwill ambassadors and first ladies of a number of countries are participating in the Forum initiated by Heydar Aliyev Foundation due to support of UNESCO and ISESCO.


High-ranking participants of the Forum arrived at Gulustan Palace.


Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP, sincerely welcomed ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz bin Othman Altwaijri, Mrs. Maria Kaczynski, First Lady of Poland, Mrs. Zanele Mbeki, First Lady of the South African Republic, Mrs. Ana Paula Dos Santos, First Lady of Angola, Mrs. Emine Erdogan, Turkish Prime-Minister`s spouse, Mrs. Lilita Zatler, First Lady of Latvia, Mrs. Anita Perry, First Lady of State of Texas of USA, Mrs. Svetlana Orlova, Deputy Chairperson of the Russian Federation Council, Mrs. Marta Christina Cherutti de Kobos, spouse of Vice-President of Argentina, Mrs. Sheikha Veysel, spouse of Foreign Minister of Bahrain.


President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva was photographed with each of guests.


Ceremony was held then to officially start the Forum.


Expressing delight of greeting visitors in Baku MRS MEHRIBAN ALIYEVA said the Forum is being held due to joint efforts by Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO. ‘I want to express my deep gratitude to those organizations and their leadership – Director General of UNESCO Mr Koichiro Matsuura and Director General of ISESCO Mr. Abdulaziz bin Othman Altwaijri’ M.Aliyeva said.


Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva said over last 15 years scholars and writers, religious figures and politicians are looking for reply to a question sounded very simply: Dialog or confrontation? This problem has become the major subject to a number of international forums and conferences. I think every such meeting is of huge importance by bringing together representatives of different countries and cultures. As result of such meetings people know each other deeper, exchange views and experiences at least.


Today we should approach the dialog of cultures and civilizations from the standpoint of women, dwell on the woman vision. Where there is woman there is sincerity and love and no place for hostility, confrontation and hatred. I think, women have always supported the dialog from the very first day. Just because of this woman potential may play big role in strengthening of dialog. I hope our conference will be fruitful, various visions and proposals will be sounded during 2 days and results of our conference will give worthy contribution to strengthening of the dialog of cultures.


Declaring the Forum open Mehriban Aliyeva said Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has sent the letter of congratulations to the Conference participants.


Chief of the Presidential Administration’s Humanitarian Department Fatma Abdullahzade read out President Ilham Aliyev`s welcoming message to the Conference participants.


Then, ISESCO Director General ABDULAZIZ BIN OTHMAN ALTWAIJRI greeted President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva and participants, expressed gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for high support to realization of events on the dialog of cultures.


The ISESCO Director General recalled upon decision of UN General Assembly 2001 was declared the dialog civilizations year that put the dialog of cultures in the new phase. ‘Today’s meeting will give new contributions to universal culture and peace’ he said.


Women play very important role in development of the dialog of cultures. They are trainers of the young generation. They are the core of the family building the society. They suggest the ideal values and supreme principles to the youth.


Noting the dialog of cultures and civilizations is the job to everyone Abdulaziz bin Othman Altwaijri mentioned the role of women in this field is undeniable. For this, women must first of all be literate, get perfect education. But it does not mean action of women is limited with home works or education. Of course, women have more possibilities for action. Saying education we mean the education based on values in the dialog of cultures.


Taking the opportunity of this forum I call on everyone to work together in the dialog of cultures and towards development of understanding among nations and hereby prevent challenges by enemies of peace to racial, religious and cultural discrimination.


The Forum participants also watched the video address of Koichiro Matsuura, UNESCO Director General. Koichiro Matsuura expressed gratitude to the state of Azerbaijan and specially to First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva for the high-level forum.


K.Matsuura stressed the Forum will stimulate development of the gender equality.


Gender equality is the global priority to UNESCO in 2008-2010. I hope our organization will play significant role in creation of the new mechanism in future in this direction.


Assessing the dialog of cultures as very necessary issue First Lady of Poland Maria Kaczynski said traditions of tolerance historically existed in her country are continued.


Turkish Prime-Minister’s spouse Emine Erdogan expressed gratitude to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP, UNESCO, ISESCO and the state of Azerbaijan for holding such an influential event. She noted the role of women is growing in the processes ongoing in the world and we must unite the efforts to further increase the role of women – the moving force of the society.


Ana Paula Dos Santos, First Lady of Angola, expressed pleasure of being in Azerbaijan and attending such an essential forum dedicated to the woman problems. She said throughout the history Azerbaijan has been situated on the cultural roads linking Asia to Europe. Emphasizing contributions by Azerbaijan to the universal culture she said rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan is the pattern to other nations.


Lilita Zatler, First Lady of Latvia, said she was much glad for discussing the theme of role of women in cross-cultural dialog just in Baku. Noting she never agrees with idea of famous writer Kipling that East and West will never unite Mrs. Zatler said the present event proves her conclusion. She valued women as the important part of civilization, emphasizing necessity to lift their role in management of the society together with men.


Zanele Mbeki, First Lady of the South African Republic, thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for letter of congratulations and best wishes addressed to the Forum.


Calling the capital of Azerbaijan the bridge between civilizations, the symbol of hospitality Z.Mbeki said located over the historical Silk Road Baku possesses rich traditions and expressed gratitude for hospitality.


She connected reasons for creation of differences between West and Africa with appropriation of this continent by force, expressing confidence for elimination of these differences taking into account development of the society for the better, since more real steps are being taken towards development of peace, dialog and humanism.


Mrs. Svetlana Orlova, Deputy Chairperson of the Russian Federation’s Federation Council, wished success to the Forum organized by Heydar Aliyev Foundation, familiarized participants with the letter of congratulations by Chairperson of the Federation Council Mironov.


Stressing importance of the Forum’s theme S.Orlova assessed it as a strong reply to evaluation of the role of women in the society.


Anita Perry, First Lady of State of Texas of USA, valued the Baku Forum as an important step in direction to increasing security, putting an end to traditions of discrimination against women.


Marta Christina Cherutti de Kobos, spouse of Vice-President of Argentina, said existing opportunities in field of education must be expanded to prevent discrimination against girls and women.


She noted the role of women in society, particularly in education system is huge. Women play irreplaceable role in society in the intellectual level. One of most necessary issues is assurance of girls with gratis education.


Addressing the Forum Professor of US John Hopkins University Francis Fukuyama said she was in Baku for the first time 20 years ago and saw big changes this time.


Noting the role of women is growing in the society where global tendencies develop the Professor underlined differences exist in different countries in approach to women.


She mentioned the status of women changes and these differences are removed as result of growing economic development in the modernizing world.


After the opening session of the Forum was over, participants were taken photo.


After the break, the International Forum was continued in sessions.


The session themed “Conflict or Unity of Human Civilization?” was presided by Walter Schwimmer, former secretary general of CE, Chairman of International Coordination Committee of “Dialog of Civilizations” World Public Forum. 


Highly valuing realization of the Baku Forum W.Schwimmer said the fact that Azerbaijan hosts the Forum indicates to the importance it gives to protection of rights and freedoms, woman rights as well.


Then, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the Forum.


The Forum was continued on June 11. Presiding the third session of the Forum Gulshare Abdykalykova, Advisor to the Kazakh President, Chairwoman of National Commission for Family Affairs and Gender Policy, expressed gratitude to the Azeri Government and Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP, for such an influential event and hospitality shown to the delegation.


She underlined huge importance of the Forum held on the initiative of Heydar Aliyev Foundation for participation of women in globalization ongoing in the world, settlement of existing problems, conflicts, establishment of peace.


Minister of Culture of the Kingdom of Morocco Ms Turiya Jabran said realization of the event in Azerbaijan indicates to tolerance and human rights and freedoms protection in the country.


State Secretary for International Relations of Hungarian Ministry of Education and Culture Catalin Bogyay talked of historical cultural ties between Azerbaijani and Hungarian nations, expressed thanks to First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva for the high-level forum.


She said Hungary has always tried to make contribution to the cultural exchange with other countries via the dialog. Cultural diplomacy is the core of society. In this sense, efforts must be united to further expand the cross-cultural dialog.


Yoko Hirosi, Professor at Shizuoka Prefecture University, Japan, talked of problems in the world, noting the role of women in their settlement.


Head of Family and Gender Affairs Department of the Institute of Sociology of the Academy of Sciences of Russia Tatiana Gurko said the international forum initiated by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva will play essential role in solution of these and other problems, increase the role of women.


Rim Magribi, Chief Editor of “Sherg Magazin”, magazine published in Great Britain, noted women have always played significant role in the dialog of cultures. But action in base of stereotypes formed throughout the history has negative impact on family conduct of women. Such events will change the negative visions. 


Professor of Amsterdam University for European Studies Cornelia Verteg talked of inequality between men and women in social life and European experience in this field.


Then, discussions were held on the subject, participants said views and suggestions.


Discussions were held on the theme “East and West: How Do We See Each Other” in the fourth session held under chairmanship of member of the Belgian Senate Ms Anna-Marie Lizi.


The Chairwoman said one of biggest problems in Europe is the status of female migrants and marriage of girls. Such cases bring to inequality in society, violation of woman rights.


Talking of problems of women working in field of education Professor of the Moscow State International Relations Institute Ms Irina Kudryashova said political intolerance, conflicts have negative impact on science and education. To prevent it, influence the Islamic values have on the social life must be taught to the European youth more comprehensively. Islamic values may form the core of development of entire society.


Chairwoman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Composers Union Firangiz Alizade talked of services of Mehriban Aliyeva for development of culture of Azerbaijan, underlined the first opera in East was created in Azerbaijan. She mentioned the cross-cultural dialog will positively influence the synthesis of western and eastern music.


Roland Hill, Professor at Dublin Trinity University, Ireland, said learning, studying and propagating the cultures may help prevent confrontation of civilizations. For this, national traditions, literature and material cultural samples of other nations must be studied. We hope this forum will further develop the dialog of civilizations.


Ms Angela Stent, Director of Eurasia, Russia and Eastern Europe Studies Center of US Georgetown University, said she is in Baku for the second time, highly valued changes and rapid development of past years. She talked of her studies in field of action of women to achieve the peace and stressed importance of functioning of women in different state offices.


Countess from Germany Anna Beatrica Schlik said the Forum will increase the image of Azerbaijan on the international level. Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva attaches special attention and care to development of Azerbaijani culture and we all are proud of her.


Then, discussions were held on the subject, participants said views and suggestions.


After the break, lecturers delivered reports in the sessions.


Then, Chairwoman of State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Family, Woman ad Child Problems Hijran Huseynova made speech. She said the second forum will be held in 2010 in Baku. A magazine on the forum will be published.


The final document of the International Forum – Baku Declaration was adopted.


The Declaration welcomes the initiative by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva on holding the forum dedicated to contribution of women to the dialog of civilizations. It says the Baku Forum coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and it allows thinking of creating relation among human rights, cultural diversity, cross-cultural dialog and gender equality. The Declaration calls on the world states to increase participation of women in conflict resolution and decision-making in peacemaking processes.


The document expresses gratitude to Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO for organizing the Forum.


MRS MEHRIBAN ALIYEVA, First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, addressed the final session of the event. 


Then, ISESCO Director General Abdulaziz bin Othman Altwaijri expressed on behalf of the organization he represents gratitude for organizing the forum in high level and hospitality shown to the participants.


Director of the UNESCO Cultural Policy and Cross-Cultural Dialog Department Ms Catherina Stenu talked of final results.


Secretary General of OIC Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu noted the Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue” initiated by First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva will stimulate the cross-cultural dialog in the globalizing world.


Afterwards, E.Ihsanoglu read out the address by OIC.


Works done by Heydar Aliyev Foundation in the humanitarian sphere in Azerbaijan and outside have been emphasized in the address.


Then, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu presented a diploma on the status of “Special Envoy of OIC for Humanitarian Affairs” to First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva.


Summing up the Forum Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva said:


Dear friends, I once again want to mention that we are always ready for cooperation on such important issues, for the dialog of cultures. I hope, as stated in the Baku Declaration, we again will meet in 2010. I once more congratulate you all on the successful completion of the Forum. 


Thus, International Baku Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue” has come to an end.


 

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