U.S. expert calls to take note from Azerbaijan’s multiculturalism model

Baku, Gunel Tuksoy, November 18, AZERTAC

Jannah Scott, Former Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and Director of the American Center for Religious Freedom, was interviewed by the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).

In her interview, Scott touched upon the preservation of multicultural values in Azerbaijan; the Azerbaijani state initiatives aimed at promoting the intercultural and interreligious dialogue, and the registration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the country.

Azerbaijan is recognized worldwide as a tolerant country. How would you assess Azerbaijan’s efforts to preserve and promote multicultural values?

Yes, all over the world, Azerbaijan is becoming more and more known as a place of tolerance and a frontrunner in promoting and maintaining multicultural values. This is not something that Azerbaijan has just begun to do. As the Azerbaijani people well know, various cultures and faiths have peacefully coexisted in the country and in that part of the world for centuries. Since the rebirth of the Republic in 1991 under Azerbaijan's first President, the Honorable Heydar Aliyev, multiculturalism was instituted in its founding constitution as a state policy. Since that time, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the policy has continued and has even been strengthened. Even in the midst of working to regain its territorial sovereignty, Azerbaijan has remained committed to promoting multiculturalism, not only as a state policy, but also through research, interfaith dialogue, and most importantly as a way of life among the people. The American Center is grateful to have been able to experience this policy in action over the past 10 years.

Recently, the Azerbaijani government officially registered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the United States. What are your thoughts on this?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a worldwide organization, which focuses on strengthening families, education, humanitarian assistance, and interfaith dialogue does align with what Azerbaijan is already doing as a nation and in support of its own people. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its own unique theological beliefs, as does every faith tradition. I believe that the registration of this particular Church truly shows the depth and breadth of how dedicated to multiculturalism and to religious freedom Azerbaijan is. In my past travels there, I have seen Jewish, Hindu, Christian and other minority fate traditions operating in the nation with acceptance, tolerance and support.

How do you evaluate the state-level initiatives in Azerbaijan aimed at promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue?

As someone who has observed and been an active partner in promoting intercultural and interfaith dialogue both in Azerbaijan and in other countries around the world, I find Azerbaijan's model to be very strong. The engagement of all sectors of society and the common people is one of the hallmarks of this effort. Without this strong level of engagement, multiculturalism could just be words on paper. However, because of the commitment, dedication and strength of the Azerbaijani people, this policy is vibrant, alive and well in all sectors of society. Because of this, other nations are taking note and I believe over time you will see more Nations see the importance of a state policy on multiculturalism as a key element to a nation's peace and security. I'm very grateful to have observed and to be able to partner with Azerbaijan on promoting this effort. Even here in the United States, where religious freedom has been part of our constitution for 250 years, it is clear that this work is more important than ever today. We owe Azerbaijan's founder, The Honorable Heydar Aliyev, a debt of gratitude for having the presents [sic] of mind and Spirit to incorporate this policy into the state constitution. We owe Azerbaijan's President, The Honorable Ilham Aliyev, a nod of acknowledgment and support for showing the world that this policy could be implemented, strengthened and maintained even in times of war. So many Nations on the planet can learn from this! The American Center partnership has been with the Baku International Multiculturalism Center under the leadership of Ravan Hasanov. Because of the dedication of Ravan and his team, policy of multiculturalism has been communicated in countries all over the world with great effect.