Baku Process "Baku Process" for the promotion of intercultural dialogue was initiated by H.E.
Mr.Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Conference of Ministers of Culture of Europe and its Neighboring Regions held in Baku on 2-3 December, 2008. Based on the global agenda on the Dialogue among Civilisations adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (November 2001), the UNESCO Convention on Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions (2005), t
he Islamic Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which was issued by ISESCO in 2004, Declaration and Action Plan of the Third Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe member states, the Council of Europe White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue (May 2008), this Baku Process is understood as a process that comprises an open and respectful exchange of views between individuals and groups with different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds and heritage living different continents, on the basis of mutual understanding and respect. The special feature of this process is that it brings together people of different origins and with different educational backgrounds from different cultures through projects and programs in the field of culture and dialogue. Another important feature is, this process is being realized by the Government of Azerbaijan in cooperation with the Council of Europe, UNESCO, ISESCO, Alliance of Civilizations and Heydar Aliyev Foundation which creating very constructive network of international organizations and NGOs. Contribution of the Baku process to the path of human civilization is indispensable, given its role in consolidating cooperation, coexistence, peace, love, tolerance and cross-cultural bonds among peoples and nations. The objectives of the Baku Process
-To promote understanding, dialogue, tolerance among cultures to increase co-operation in particular, between Muslim and Western societies;
-To build respect and understanding among cultures and amplifying voices of moderation and reconciliation which help to calm cultural and religious tensions between nations and peoples;
-To define the opportunities of culture, cultural heritage, art in order to use its potential more effectively in the process of realizing intercultural dialogue and cooperation and to prepare real recommendations for practical actions;
-To support cultural and artistic activities and exchanges and recognizing the role of artists and creators-as vehicles for dialogue and mutual understanding, and introducing incentives to facilitate everyone's access to and participation in this activities;
-To develop intercultural dialogue through concerted actions between the competent international and regional organizations, with the active involvement of the member states concerned and civil society;
-To promote UNESCO convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions;
-To support and organize international events on the promotion of intercultural dialogue.
