Baku Declaration adopted at 7th UNAOC Global Forum

                                                                         

The document stresses the importance of respect and understanding for cultural and religious diversity, of moderation as a value within societies, encouraging tolerance, respect, dialogue and

cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples to expand their activities promoting a culture of peace, and to ensure that peace and non-violence are fostered at the national, subregional, regional and international levels, encouraging UNAOC to continue to promote moderation as a universal value for attainment of peace, security and development.

The authors of the declaration express conviction that the world ́s cultural diversity, as well as cultural heritage, is a wealth to be cherished and sustained by all as a factor of peace and development among all nations, expressing concern about the increasing frequency and scale of acts of unlawful destruction of cultural heritage; and stressing the importance of respecting and safeguarding cultural heritage in order to promote peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

The declaration welcomes the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and recognizing the importance of its goals and targets, including, inter alia, on promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies, for sustainable development.

The document expresses concern over the acts of intolerance, violent extremism, violence, including sectarian violence, and terrorism in various parts of the world, which claim innocent lives, cause destruction and displace people, and rejecting the use of violence, regardless of any motivation.

The Declaration reaffirms the commitment made by all Member States under the Charter of the United Nations to promote and encourage universal respect for and observance of all human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction, and reaffirming also that Member States are under the obligation to protect and respect all human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons, expressing resoluteness in combating racism, racial hatred, xenophobia, and intolerance.

The document notes that a culture of peace actively fosters non-violence and respect for human rights and strengthens solidarity among peoples and nations and dialogue between cultures.

The authors of the Declaration emphasizes the importance of gender equality, acknowledging that tourism can enhance mutual respect, understanding and tolerance among nations by creating links between visitors and host communities that promote intercultural understanding, fight stereotypes, and contribute to a culture of peace.

“We praise Azerbaijan, as the host country of the 7th Global Forum of the Alliance. We underline that migration can have positive impact on countries of origin and destination, including through promoting cultural pluralism. We express deep concern about the use of new information technologies, such as the Internet, for purposes contrary to respect for human values, equality, non-discrimination, respect for others and tolerance, including to propagate racism, racial hatred, xenophobia, racial discrimination and related intolerance.

We call for the implementation of the commitments made in Baku so that Governments, with the support of the civil society, can overcome challenges and move forward towards the goals of living together in inclusive societies for sustainable development,” says the declaration.

Download