6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue

The 6th edition of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, operating under the theme “Dialogue for Peace and Global Security: Cooperation and Interconnectivity,” was held from May 1st to May 3rd, 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The was conducted in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), UNESCO, the UN Tourism, and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

The primary objective of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was to explore the critical intersections between dialogue facilitation, cooperative frameworks, leadership efficacy, and the complex dynamics of interconnectedness, all in the service of advancing global peace and security imperatives. Over three days, a series of plenary sessions and panel discussions were held with a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, representatives from international organizations, journalists, civil society actors, and intellectuals from across the globe, to deliberate on pressing global challenges.

I took part in a panel discussion on Cultural Diplomacy in Practice: Advancing Intercultural Understanding where I discussed how negative customs can be unlearned. I explored the role of critical refelction in challenging harmful traditions, emphasizing the need to critically examine cultural practices that perpetuate gender-based violence and social inequalities. My contribution highlighted the importance of education, policy reform, and grassroots activism in promoting meaningful intercultural dialogue and transformative change.