Carter School Dean Moderates the Opening Ceremony of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

The 6th World Intercultural Dialogue Forum, a significant event in the global calendar, took place in Baku from May 1st-3rd.

This forum, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UNESCO, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the UN World Tourism Organization, has been a beacon of visionary leadership since its establishment in 2011. Historically, it has fostered cross-cultural dialogue and cooperation partnerships, making it a crucial platform for the academic and diplomatic communities.

 
The opening ceremony, a momentous occasion, was moderated by Dean Alpaslan Özerdem of the Carter School. This ceremony, attended by over 600 delegates and featuring esteemed dignitaries, including President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, was held under the theme of “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity.” The forum provided an exceptional platform to showcase the Carter School’s expertise in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, a testament to the school's significant contributions.
 

Dean Özerdem also moderated a panel on “The Role of Education and Youth Engagement in Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination,” which examined the crucial role of education in shaping attitudes and behaviors and mobilizing youth to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. Panelists agreed that combating xenophobia and discrimination faces numerous challenges, including resistance to change, limited resources, and socio-cultural barriers. However, they also identified various opportunities, such as intercultural exchange programs, digital advocacy platforms, and transformative education initiatives to foster empathy and critical thinking skills among young people.
 
For further information please see the website for the Baku Process.