Azerbaijan Highlights Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding at UN Alliance of Civilizations Summit
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, participated in the Peace Alliance Summit held in Luanda, Angola, on July 16–17, where he underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace, multiculturalism, and interfaith dialogue.
The summit, organized on the sidelines of the initiative titled “A Call for Peace, the End of Wars and Respect for International Law,” was attended by Sheikhulislam Pashazade at the invitation of Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The event opened with remarks by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, and President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Speakers noted that Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade was the only religious leader participating in the summit.
During his visit, Sheikhulislam Pashazade held meetings with Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the Presidents of Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Prime Minister of Namibia, Angola’s Foreign Minister, the Mayor of Gernika in Spain, and several other senior officials to discuss issues related to peace, dialogue, and international cooperation.
Addressing the opening ceremony of a thematic session on July 17, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office praised the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations for its continued efforts to promote peace, dialogue among civilizations, and respect for international law. He also commended Miguel Ángel Moratinos for his contributions to strengthening intercultural and interfaith understanding.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s experience in fostering multiculturalism and peaceful coexistence, Sheikhulislam Pashazade pointed to the country’s close cooperation with the UN Alliance of Civilizations. He also noted that the efforts of President Ilham Aliyev to advance the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process have received broad international recognition.
Emphasizing the moral responsibility of faith communities, Sheikhulislam Pashazade stated that all holy scriptures condemn the killing of an innocent person as a crime against humanity. He stressed the importance of preserving the memory of tragedies such as Guernica, Srebrenica, and Khojaly, while calling for ongoing conflicts to be resolved peacefully on the basis of international law and for stronger international cooperation to prevent future humanitarian disasters.
The summit’s thematic session concluded with discussions on “The Role of Religious and Faith Leaders in Promoting Dialogue and Peaceful Coexistence,” highlighting the importance of faith-based leadership in advancing global peace and mutual understanding.
