Baku hosted a two-day international conference themed “Islamophobia in Focus: Unveiling Bias, Shattering Stigmas” from May 26 to 27.

The international  conference was co-organized by the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, the Center of Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group.

Among the conference’s international partners were the G20 Interfaith Forum (IF20), 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 (HCF), the Council of Muslim Elders, the Central Council of Muslims of Germany, the European Muslim Leaders’ Assembly (EULEMA), and the International Muslim Forum.

At the opening ceremony, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Presidential Administration's Foreign Policy Affairs Department, read out the address of President Ilham Aliyev to the conference participants.

The event featured the screening of a short film highlighting Islamophobia.

AIR Center’s Chairman of the Board, Farid Shafiyev, said that there was a pressing need for international action to confront both state-driven and societal forms of discrimination against Muslim communities, including hate crimes and the destruction of Muslim heritage sites. Moreover, he drew attention to radical religious groups’ misuse of Islam with the aim of pursuing their own agendas. 

“Therefore, I do see a role of secular countries like Azerbaijan in the fight against anti-Muslim policies. We should not permit radical groups to monopolize the issue of Islamophobia.They are the problems occasionally causing Islamophobia”, he concluded. 

Ravan Hasanov, the Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), described Islamophobia as one of the disturbing realities of modern times and a clear manifestation of discrimination. “Unfortunately, in many Western societies, this form of discrimination has become the norm, appearing in hateful rhetoric, exclusionary policies, and even acts of violence,” Hasanov said. Highlighting Islamophobia as part of a growing dangerous trend globally, he noted that the rise of Islamophobia is a serious issue that should not be overlooked.

Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, Sheikh ul-Islam Haji Allahshukur Pashazade, pointed out that Azerbaijan's value for religious diversity, multiculturalism traditions and principled position against Islamophobia are exemplary for the whole world.

The opening ceremony then featured a video address by Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).

Then, Mehmet Pacaci, OIC Secretary General’s Special Envoy, read the address of OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha to the conference participants. 

In his address, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha described Islamophobia not only as a form of religious discrimination, but also manifestation of prejudice, misconceptions, and hateful rhetoric.

Ibrahim Saleh Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue noted that Islamophobia has become a global issue, with critical rhetoric leading to growing attacks against Muslims. 

Al-Naimi concluded by stressing that the Baku conference represents a significant step toward collective success in addressing Islamophobia and promoting global understanding.

Praising Azerbaijan's efforts, Khalid Al-Ghaith, Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity emphasized that the country stands as a remarkable example of consistent and effective action in combating Islamophobia and promoting multiculturalism and interfaith dialogue.

Scholars from nearly 40 countries, experts from international organizations, religious leaders, and representatives of non-governmental organizations attended the conference.

The conference featured discussions on the Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses, Anti-Muslim Hatred in Politics: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies, Islamophobia in Different Contexts: Regional Perspectives, Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How Artificial Intelligence Systems Can Spread and Reinforce Islamophobic Bias, Women, Identity and Stereotypes: Navigating the Intersection of Religious and Cultural Prejudices, Institutionalization of Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe: Rhetoric in the Context of Radicalization of Islamophobic Propaganda, Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World and Youth Call for Inclusion: Combating Bias and Misconceptions.