Azerbaijani diplomat condemns vandalism against Natavan's statue in France Highlights global shifts in world order

During a panel discussion at the international scientific conference "Embracing Diversity: Tackling Islamophobia in 2024" in Baku, Elshad Isgandarov, the Ambassador-at-Large of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, denounced the recent act of vandalism targeting the Natavan monument in France.

Isgandarov revealed that vandalism had occurred against the Natavan monument in France, as reported by Caliber.Az.

He expressed gratitude that the National Cultural Center of Azerbaijan had intervened, ultimately preserving the monument. Isgandarov lamented the incident, characterizing it as a sobering reflection of the prevailing realities.

“The National Cultural Center of Azerbaijan opposed this, and the monument was saved. Unfortunately, this is a manifestation of a bitter reality,” he said.

Addressing the shifting dynamics in the global order, Isgandarov emphasized the rapid transformations occurring worldwide. He remarked, "Over 50 years of Western dominance, the concept of Islamophobia has expanded." Isgandarov refuted the notion that Muslims are inherently opposed to liberal values, attributing such narratives to deliberate misinformation.

Touching upon the evolving landscape of global politics, Isgandarov observed, "The West is already losing its hegemony." He noted a growing trend of radicalization within Western ideology, signalling significant changes in prevailing narratives.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity in combating Islamophobia, Isgandarov stressed the need for a unified approach. He urged Muslims to address both external and internal factors contributing to discrimination, advocating for a holistic strategy.

“The struggle must become a single factor. We Muslims touch on external factors and complain. In addition, this process should be taken into account in terms of internal factors,” the ambassador said.

The diplomat praised Azerbaijan as an exemplary model of interreligious tolerance, citing it as a beacon of harmony amid rising tensions. He underscored the importance of fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse communities to combat bigotry and promote inclusivity on a global scale.

The conference, organized by the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, the Center for Analysis of International Relations, the G20 Forum for Interreligious Dialogue, and the Baku Initiative Group, has drawn 130 guests from over 30 countries. Among the attendees are scholars, experts from international organizations, religious leaders, representatives of non-governmental organizations, local experts, government officials, and leaders of religious communities.

The conference carries special importance as it is dedicated to the annual observance of the International Day against Islamophobia, which falls on March 15 each year. The conference aims to foster dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders in addressing the rising tide of Islamophobia globally.

As part of the conference itinerary, participants are scheduled to visit Shusha on March 10, a city recently declared the cultural capital of the Islamic world for the year 2024.