New York:The UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Group of Friends conducted a high-level meeting on Saturday with representatives from T¼rkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) in attendance.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting was chaired by Miguel Angel Moratinos, the high representative for the UNAOC. Key officials who addressed the gathering included Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Levent Gumrukcu, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalcin Rafiyev, Kazakhstan's First Deputy Foreign Minister Yerzhan Ashikbayev, and Turkmenistan's UN Ambassador Vepa Hajiyev.
Gumrukcu, speaking on behalf of T¼rkiye, a co-sponsor of the UNAOC, emphasized the necessity of viewing cultural diversity as a strength rather than a threat, highlighting the significance of dialogue among civilizations in the face of rising intolerance and polarization.
Raev underlined the critical role of cultural diplomacy in international relations and its effectiveness as a tool for preventive diplomacy. He pointed out the serious global challenges such as wars, forced migration, hate speech, and social polarization, stressing the need to protect cultural heritage and build mutual trust for enduring peace.
Raev also noted the humanitarian crisis in Palestine as a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard human life and cultural heritage. He mentioned TURKSOY's longstanding efforts in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples and expressed readiness to collaborate with the UNAOC on new initiatives in cultural diplomacy.
Rafiyev announced that the upcoming 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku, Azerbaijan, would significantly contribute to the UNAOC's objectives.
Ashikbayev focused on the importance of fostering interfaith harmony and promoting a culture of peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, Hajiyev emphasized dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law as crucial elements in conflict prevention and expressed Turkmenistan's commitment to enhancing cooperation with the UNAOC.