7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue Opens in Baku, Azerbaijan

The 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue kicked off on Tuesday in Baku, Azerbaijan, Qatar's state news agency QNA reported, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Tuesday.

The forum, co-organized by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture, among others, aims to address pressing global issues and foster dialogue among cultures and civilizations.

The event, themed "Dialogue for a Shared Future: Building Bridges in a Fractured World", will run through October 29 and features heads of international organizations.

ICESCO Director-General Dr. Salim M. AlMalik emphasized the importance of promoting intercultural dialogue, particularly amid global conflicts, and highlighted several ICESCO-led initiatives to advance peace.

Dr. AlMalik said, "promoting intercultural dialogue should be the foremost priority amid conflicts engulfing the world and their inimical fallout for the global economy, peace and prosperity."

The ICESCO chief also proposed launching a one-year pilot project in three member states to support education and heritage in conflict-stricken societies.

The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue is a significant platform for promoting cross-cultural understanding and cooperation, especially in today's increasingly interconnected world.

The forum's focus on dialogue and peace-building comes as global tensions and conflicts continue to rise, making it essential to address the root causes of extremism and promote social resilience.