International Conference on Combating Islamophobia held in Baku

TURKPA delegation led by Deputy Secretary General Saky Sadykov attended the international scientific conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” held on 27 May 2025 in Baku, marking the 3rd anniversary of the UN-recognized International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The event was jointly organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre (BIMC), the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), and the Baku Initiative Group. Leading global bodies supported the conference, including the G20 Interfaith Forum, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue (DICID), the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany (ZMD), the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum. International participation was broad: more than 120 guests – scholars, religious leaders and NGO representatives – took part, representing experts and thought leaders from nearly 40 countries. The conference agenda covered a wide range of topics related to rising of anti-Muslim bias and responses to it, including global trends in Islamophobia: challenges and responses, anti-Muslim rhetoric in politics and legal frameworks, and preserving Islamic cultural heritage in a changing world. Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev read out the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to event participants. In his speech, he emphasized the growing global threat of Islamophobia and called for urgent, united action to confront it. Furthermore, he condemned the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment, institutional discrimination, and the misuse of freedom of speech to justify attacks on Islam and Muslims. Citing Azerbaijan’s own experiences with occupation and cultural destruction, particularly in the context of Khojaly genocide, he underlined the systematic erasure of Islamic heritage and the international community’s indifference. He stressed the need for interfaith dialogue, solidarity among Muslim nations, and the promotion of Islamic values such as peace and tolerance. In introduction and throughout the event, speakers stressed that distorted media portrayals and extreme political narratives often fuel prejudice against Muslims. Qatari official Ibrahim Saleh Al-Naimi (Deputy Minister of Education and head of DICID) called for “deep-rooted educational initiatives” to counter Islamophobia. António de Almeida Ribeiro from the International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID) pointed out that interfaith dialogue can be “a transformative force capable of countering hate speech, religious discrimination, and incitement to violence". The conference underscored that combating Islamophobia requires a united, international response – from promoting tolerance and interfaith dialogue to confronting discriminatory laws and rhetoric. Participants noted that the battle against anti-Muslim bias is the shared responsibility of all who value human rights and diversity. Deputy Secretary General Saky Sadykov was accompanied by Secretary of Commission of TURKPA Kadir Yaman.