Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General (DG) of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), called for working toward the promotion of humanitarian agendas to build peaceful and sustainable societies through adopting a comprehensive approach based on effective methods that are resilient and adaptable to countries’ contexts and specificities. ICESCO DG stated that these methods should bear in mind the regional and international dimensions before thinking of solutions, adopt transparency in conflict resolution, and monitor the development plans for post-conflict phases to build prosperous societies.

ICESCO DG gave this statement in his address during the opening session of the International Conference on “Advancing the Post-Conflict Humanitarian Agenda: Sustainable Development through Revitalizing the Cultural Environment,” organized by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture. The Conference kicked off on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Shusha, in the presence of Mr. Anar Karimov, Minister of Culture, President of the Azerbaijani National Commission for Education, Science and Culture; Mr. Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of President in the Shusha District, in addition to several officials and specialist active in the field of cultural and social development.

At the outset, Dr. AlMalik congratulated the Government of Azerbaijan on hosting this key event and commended its efforts for fostering the sustainable development agenda through the promotion of the cultural field, highlighting the unique diversity and cultural harmony of Azerbaijani cities, most notably Shusha.

He also stressed the importance of developing a post-conflict humanitarian agenda to ensure the change of circumstances that previously led to conflict outbreaks; work on fostering social cohesion and build peaceful and sustainable societies that are mindful of human needs by learning from past experiences; and consolidating partnerships with states and citizens.

Moreover, Dr. AlMalik highlighted the main components of ICESCO’s vision and strategic orientations and the Organization’s main initiatives and programs to promote and disseminate the culture of peace through human and cultural development. ICESCO DG seized the opportunity to commend the special partnership between ICESCO and many specialized Azerbaijani parties in the implementation of a number of the Organization’s programs, notably the youth training program in the field of setting up and developing small projects in the field of technology and innovation.

At the close of his address, Dr. AlMalik reaffirmed ICESCO’s keenness to promote cooperation with all partners and institutions to build harmonious societies, calling on all stakeholders to develop this cultural link across the globe.

The Conference sessions focus on highlighting the role of culture in promoting dialogue and cooperation in post-conflict situations and promoting cultural heritage as a basis for sustainable peace. It also discusses past challenges and future prospects through the implementation of heritage management policies in the context of urbicide, and the protection of environmental systems through supporting sustainable lifestyles in local and regional societies.