On May 30th the workshop session “Western-Muslim Relations: from Polarization to Partnership” as part of the 2nd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue was held in Baku under patronage of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.
The meeting was moderated by Jean-Christophe Bas, Deputy director for Strategic Development and Partnerships of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.
The Moderator pointed out that relationship between the western and Muslim worlds was characterized by misunderstanding after 9/11 events. Both sides` governments, politicians, clericals need to work in order to reduce risks of intolerance and tension.
Annika Kiessler, Head of the Energy Policy division at 50Hertz, a major European electricity grid operator, highlighted the importance of experience exchange for making the program serve the people.
Cedric Baecher, Co-founder (2002) and Managing Director of Nomadeis, an independent consulting agency, underlined the importance of this program to make the dialogue among people successful.
Farhad Mammadov, Chair of the Strategic Research Center under President of the Republic of Azerbaijan noted that interreligious tolerance and peace among regions are the main issue. He pointed out that relationship among religions is a lifestyle in Azerbaijan.
Other speakers at the event, included Wadia Ait Hamza, Public Affairs Manager Rabat School of Governance & Economics (EgE Rabat), and the Vice President of the Mediterranean Forum for Youth (FOMEJE), Rabah Ghezali, Managing Director of European Government Affairs & Head of Government Affairs, France at NYSE Euronext, former Economist at IMF, Mr. Elisabeth Ryan, Lawyer for Patton Boggs LL, advising foreign and domestic companies and government entities on international business, legal, and public policy matters in the United States, and the Middle East, former US Congress Staff, Emna Ben Yedder, Financial and Administrative Director at Medico Consult and the General Secretary and a founding member of a local NGO “ACT – Think & Decide”, Muaz Abudalo, Member of the Free Assembly, an emerging political group in Jordan that advocates for social democratic thought in the country.

AzerTAc