Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), emphasized the urgent need to respect cultural diversity as a cornerstone for fostering harmony and cooperation among societies. Dr. AlMalik called for strengthening cultural dynamics through “soft power,” given its pivotal role in establishing the values of coexistence and peace. Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the historical role of dialogue in bridging the gap between different cultures and promoting tolerance in a world plagued by conflicts resulting from a lack of respect for cultural differences.

Dr. AlMalik delivered his speech during the closing session of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, held on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024, by ICESCO in collaboration with the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and several international organizations in Baku.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik began his speech by expressing pride in the Organization’s participation in this major event, which provides an opportunity to discuss and follow up on the international commitment to shared development to ensure “lasting peace and global security.” Dr. AlMalik expressed his gratitude to His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, his government and people for their generous hospitality and excellent organization of the Forum.

Furthermore, ICESCO DG reiterated the necessity for taking responsibility and doubling commitment in today’s globalized world to turn the proposals and recommendations of the Forum into an approach aimed at achieving lasting peace and security. Dr. AlMalik noted the role of international organizations in promoting intercultural dialogue and consolidating coexistence and peace, emphasizing the need to transcend differences and stereotypes to reverse disparities among communities and foster closeness.

Following, Dr. AlMalik pointed out that ICESCO places education, science and culture at the heart of its concerns as they are solid foundations for establishing global peace and security. Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to continue coordinating and building constructive partnerships with its Member States and international organizations to explore ways to enhance collective awareness of the importance of cultural dialogue.

ICESCO DG emphasized the importance of youth’s ideas and actions in advancing the nations, thus the need to involve them. Convinced of the role of youth as peacemakers and the backbone of the future, Dr. AlMalik proposed theming the next edition of the Forum “Youth and Dialogue for the Achievement of Peace, Solidarity and Unity.”