UN Under-Secretary-General urges fight against discrimination, hostility and racism Fundamental views at the XI Global Baku Forum

Peace is the foundation of the UN Charter, said Miguel Angel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Alliance of Civilisations, while addressing the XI Global Baku Forum, per Report.

"Discrimination, hostility and racism have no end. Confrontation, conflict and division continue. Multiculturalism is in a fractured state. We must tackle these problems for the sake of the common interest of the East and West. People have to take common steps when it comes to fundamental human rights," said Moratinos.

Moratinos also noted that he believes it is necessary to revise the concept of peace-building in the world.

According to him, the lack of global peace and weak governance contribute to fragmentation: "We should negotiate not to freeze the current situation, but to resolve it".

The UN chief also congratulated Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev on his re-election as president.

Speaking at the forum, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Guy Ryder has called on the world community to support the UN Global Compact.

"We need to tackle global problems as soon as possible. The UN Secretary-General [António Guterres] has been very clear on the fact that we are in a state of disarray in the economy and many other areas. As long as we remain in a fractured world, these processes will continue," he said.

Ryder noted that the world community should support the UN Global Compact to address the existing problems.

He also stressed the importance of the upcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan later this year: "This is an extraordinary event of special importance. We support Azerbaijan's efforts in this direction".

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Presidency member Željka Cvijanović also spoke at the opening of the Baku Forum.

She believes that it is necessary to study the causes of the global crisis in today's world, where personal interests are put above everything else.

"We are living in a paradoxical time with lots of differences, and we need to consider ways to eliminate the global crisis. Such a forum can help solve these problems," she said.

The Baku Global Forum is an important platform against the backdrop of the turmoil the world is experiencing, said Winnie Byanyima, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, in her address to the Forum.

According to her, the outdated system of international relations can no longer protect the world from threats.

"Our world is experiencing multiple shocks and the outdated system is unable to respond. Therefore, fundamental changes are needed to secure our planet. Inequalities between societies are growing. In this regard, the Baku Global Forum is an important platform," said Byanyima.

The XI Global Baku Forum on "Fixing the Fractured World" is being held in Baku, at the Gulustan Palace, under the aegis of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and with the organization of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center.

President Ilham Aliyev took part in the event and delivered remarks during the opening ceremony.

The XI Global Baku Forum, themed "Fixing the Fractured World," witnessed the participation of representatives from numerous countries and esteemed international organizations. With over 350 guests representing more than 70 nations, the forum has garnered significant attention.

Scheduled to run until March 16, the forum encompasses a diverse array of discussions. These include assessments of COP28 outcomes and preparations for COP29, as well as dialogues on threats to the evolving world order, such as security concerns and prospects for peace. Additionally, discussions will focus on strategies for navigating global challenges, addressing conflicts, and confronting megatrends like climate change, food security, and nuclear safety.

Moreover, deliberations will delve into the roles of military and economic alliances in global governance, regional dynamics, relations with the European Union and neighbouring countries, youth policies, resilience-building against global challenges, as well as issues of inequality, resource scarcity, and migration. The forum will also feature discussions on emerging security paradigms, including the implications of artificial intelligence, drones, and cyber weapons.

Overall, the XI Global Baku Forum serves as a critical platform for advancing dialogue and cooperation on multifaceted global issues, with a focus on fostering collective action and innovation in response to the complex challenges facing the international community.