On November 6, 2024, Prime Minister Ali Asadov of the Republic of Azerbaijan welcomed Dr. Zuhair Alharthi, Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID, for a meeting emphasizing shared commitments to dialogue, peace, and environmental stewardship. This meeting reinforced KAICIID’s expanding programmatic role in the Caucasus region.

Set against the backdrop of Baku's hosting of the ongoing COP29 climate conference, the meeting took place on the margins of the Global Summit of Religious Leaders, themed “World Religions for a Green Planet,” as part of COP29. The discussion focused on Azerbaijan’s leadership in sustainable initiatives and intercultural dialogue. The Prime Minister commended KAICIID’s global efforts to bridge communities of diverse faiths and cultures, affirming Azerbaijan's dedication to supporting the Centre’s mission.

With the endorsement of Azerbaijan’s top leadership, including both the Prime Minister and the President, Azerbaijan is committed to fully supporting KAICIID’s programmatic expansion in the Caucasus.

A Vision for Global and Regional Collaboration

Expressing gratitude for Azerbaijan’s ongoing support, Dr. Alharthi recognized the country's leadership in promoting multiculturalism, tolerance, and climate action. He emphasized KAICIID’s alignment with Azerbaijan as COP29 approaches, highlighting the Centre’s commitment to integrating environmental preservation through the lens of sacred ecology into its work.

A highlight of the meeting was Dr. Alharthi’s reflection on the recent engagement of the President of Azerbaijan at the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum. This event, which gathered religious leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives from around the world, underscored the importance of interreligious cooperation in tackling global challenges and set the stage for further engagement in the Caucasus region. “Our recent Global Dialogue Forum showcased the immense potential of interreligious cooperation in addressing pressing issues,” Dr. Alharthi stated. “As we move forward with Azerbaijan, we are reminded of the vital role of peace and environmental awareness.”

Dr. Alharthi also highlighted KAICIID’s global staffing diversity, which includes 26 nationalities, and outlined the Centre’s broader objectives to foster understanding and partnerships across regions, including the Caucasus and Latin America and the Caribbean.

Strengthening Future Collaborations

In his closing remarks, Dr. Alharthi reaffirmed KAICIID’s commitment to advancing religious and cultural dialogue in the Caucasus. Reflecting on his previous meeting with Azerbaijan’s President in May, he acknowledged the invaluable support from Azerbaijan’s leadership for KAICIID’s mission.

This meeting lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration in a shared vision of dialogue, peace, and a greener world. As the COP29 summit continues, this partnership marks a pivotal step toward strengthening bonds for global change, illustrating the power of interreligious and intercultural dialogue in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.