Azerbaijan plans to introduce a comprehensive security model for tangible and intangible cultural heritage during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13). Minister of Culture Adil Kerimli announced the initiative during the 15th session of the ICESCO General Conference held in Kazan, Tatarstan.
According to the Ministry of Culture, as reported by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Kerimli emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev highly values the cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO. The Minister noted that the designation of Shusha as the "Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" for 2024 and the inclusion of the "Imarat" Complex in Aghdam and the Shusha City State Reserve in the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage List are testaments to this strong partnership.
The Minister further detailed that Azerbaijan is collaborating with international partners to develop a roadmap and a comprehensive concept for the restoration of cultural heritage damaged during past conflicts. This model, aimed at protecting heritage in conflict-affected regions across the Islamic world, will be a focal point of a special session in Baku. The World Urban Forum is a premier international platform established by the United Nations to examine the most pressing issues facing human settlements and rapid urbanization.
Adil Kerimli also highlighted the "Baku Process," launched in 2008 by the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, as a key platform for promoting intercultural dialogue. He invited conference participants to the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place in the capital from October 27-29. The forum continues to serve as a global movement to foster understanding and cooperation between diverse cultures and civilizations.
