6th Global Baku Forum

The 6^th Global Baku Forum on the subject “Removing individualities for building inclusive societies” started in the Azerbaijani capital, March 15.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.

Albanian President Ilir Meta, Macedonian President George Ivanov, President of Moldova Igor Dodon, member of the Presidium of Bosnia and Hercegovina Mladen Ivanich, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, foreign minister Movlud Chavushoghlu, deputy foreign minister Ahmad Yildiz, deputy Prime Minister of Palestine Ziad Abu Amr, deputy head of government of Bosnia and Hercegovina Mirko Sarovich, and deputy Prime Minister of Romania Ana Birchall attended the event.

First, a joint photo was taken.

Co-chairperson of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre Ismail Serageldin opened the Forum.

The Azerbaijani President addressed the inauguration of the 6^th Global Baku Forum

Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic Binali Yildirim and co-chairperson of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre, former President of Latvia Vaira Vike-Freiberga delivered a speech.

Italian ambassador to Azerbaijan Augusto Massari, ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan Mrs Carol Crofts, Ismail Serageldin, deputy Prime Minister of Romania Mrs Ana Birchall, UN resident coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Ishagzai read, correspondingly, addresses by Italian President Sergio Mattarela, UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May, Pontiff Francis, Romanian Prime Minster Mrs Viorica Danchila, and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Co-chairpersons Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Ismail Serageldin presented the Gold Medal of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre to Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva for her contribution to global projects and advancement of education, science and culture.

Thanking for the high award, Mehriban Aliyeva said:

- Dear Mr President.

Esteemed co-chairpersons of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear guests and friends.

First, I would like to thank the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre for honouring me with the gold medal. It is great honour for me to receive this award from the Centre, which advocates high universal values, ideals, mutual understanding, and peace.

For centuries, Azerbaijan has been a country where representatives of different religions and peoples have lived together in the environment of peace. Multiculturalism and ethnic richness have been our greatest wealth. We have preserved our customs and traditions, and are open to the world. Today, we talked about contemporary Azerbaijan, and significant achievements our country has reached after it gained its state independence. I would like to thank the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who has been a bright example for me and for our people as a person who has spent his life for the development and prosperity of my Homeland. Thank you very much, Mister President. I am proud of being a member of your team.

I consider this award as the appreciation of the works carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. I would like to say, “Thank you very much!” to every person we have been working together for 14 years who has helped us realize all our ideas and projects in the field of science, education, culture, and social sphere. Finally, I would like to once more mention the great endeavours of the co-chairpersons of the Nizami Ganjavi International Centre. Thanks to your activities, the Centre has turned into a very important international platform. Mister Serageldin, your experience, your knowledge has been inspiring the young generation to be more open to the world and use their education and knowledge to expand their view of the world. Mrs Vike-Freiberga, you have been a bright example for many women in the world. We highly appreciate your activities and endeavours in building a dialogue between peoples and countries in Azerbaijan, and your contributions to the promotion of the legacy of renowned Azerbaijani poet Nizami Ganjavi. Thank you very much, dear Mrs Vike-Freiberga. I have to mention that you are a very attractive woman.

In conclusion, I want to welcome all our guests and say them “Welcome to Azerbaijan”. I hope you will enjoy the environment of hospitality and friendship in our beautiful capital. Thank you very much Nizami Ganjavi International Centre! Thank you very much Azerbaijan!