The first World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was held in Baku from April 7 to 9 in 2011, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The first World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was held in Baku from April 7 to 9 in 2011, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This forum held by the support of the Council of Europe, UNESCO, ISESCO and several international organizations.

The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue started in Gulustan palace, in Baku.

The World forum, which is supported by UNESCO, UN Alliance of Civilizations, Council of Europe, North-South Center of the Council of Europe, ISESCO and the Euronews, and held for the first time in such a format in the world, marks a recognition that intercultural dialogue is one of the most pressing challenges of the world.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President ofthe Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, Azerbaijani President’s official website reported.

The Baku forum discussed the conceptual, managerial, political and practical aspects of intercultural dialogue, revise the obstacles on its way. Discussions focused onhow the dialogue can be realized better in different contexts. The Forum also created opportunities for sharing good practice and forwarding new initiatives.

The forum under the motto "United through common values, enriched by cultural diversity" brought together ministers of culture, deputy ministers, and representatives of the leading international organizations, director general of ISESCO, deputy director general of UNESCO, Chairman of the PACE, parliamentarians and diplomats, mayors, eminent figures of culture and scientists. In this Forum also participated Azerbaijan Node’s respected guests the chair of the Mexican Node of MP Concepción Olavarrieta, the chair of the Brazilian Node of MP Rosa Alegria. Natalia Molebatsi (Pretoria, South Africa), Bibi Bakare-Yusuf (Nigeria), Alexander A. Ageev (Russia).

The sessions, international conferences, seminars and cultural events were held within the three-day forum.