Senior Azerbaijani religious leader warns of escalating global threats to humanity At G20 Interfaith Forum / Photo

Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office in Azerbaijan, has highlighted a range of serious threats facing humanity during his visit to Cape Town for the G20 Interfaith Forum.

Speaking at the event, which runs from August 10 to 14 and brings together religious leaders from around the world, Pashazade warned of growing risks to global stability, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

These include xenophobia, ethnic and religious discrimination, calls to hatred, clashes between civilisations, the impact of artificial intelligence, arms races, and nuclear threats.

The forum, organised as a permanent platform ahead of the annual G20 summits, aims to explore how faith and universal human values can contribute to resolving global challenges. This year’s theme, “Faith in Action,” underlines the role religion can play in fostering peace and cooperation.

Pashazade, who was invited by the forum’s president Cole Durham, conveyed greetings and blessings from Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

He also emphasised Azerbaijan’s role as a country of tolerance and multiculturalism, noting its active participation in global dialogues such as last year’s COP29 climate conference held in Baku.

Addressing the ongoing situation in the Caucasus, Pashazade stated that Azerbaijan has implemented UN resolutions to end occupation, restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He noted that reconstruction and repatriation efforts are underway in the Karabakh region, alongside initiatives to remedy environmental damage caused by the conflict.

The chairman is also expected to take part in cultural programmes and meetings with officials throughout the forum.

By Aghakazim Guliyev