Building on the momentum of hosting COP29, Baku is now set to host the International Conference on the Right of Return for Azerbaijanis, scheduled for December 5-6, 2024, as reported by the Leaders Asia.
The event, organized by the Western Azerbaijan Community under the coordination of Sanan Ahmad, aims to address the long-standing challenges faced by Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia.
Bringing together over 100 participants from 51 countries, the conference will serve as a platform for policymakers, experts, activists, and historians to discuss legal frameworks, promote reconciliation, and advocate for the rights of displaced Azerbaijanis.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has been a staunch advocate for addressing historical injustices faced by displaced Azerbaijanis. His leadership has underscored the importance of initiatives like the International Conference on the Right of Return in promoting justice and reconciliation. The conference aligns with his vision of safeguarding the rights and heritage of displaced communities.
Pre-Conference Meeting Highlights
According to the Leaders Asia sources, in a preparatory meeting held on December 4, 2024, Gaya Mammadov, a Member of the Western Azerbaijani Community and MP, revealed that the conference will be attended by deputies, political figures, scientists, and historians. He stressed that the organization of this conference positions Azerbaijan as a globally recognized center for discussions on the right of return. Mammadov also emphasized the Community’s commitment to promoting the issue of the right of return internationally through such events.
Aziz Alakbarli, Chairman of the Western Azerbaijani Community and Member of the National Assembly, emphasized the conference’s critical role in drawing global attention to the plight of displaced Azerbaijanis.
“This event underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to justice and reconciliation,” Alakbarli stated. He highlighted the historical challenges endured by the Azerbaijani community, stressing the need for collective global efforts to support the right of return.
As the chief coordinator, Sanan Ahmad has played a pivotal role in shaping the conference, ensuring that it highlights the historical injustices endured by the Azerbaijani community while promoting dialogue and solutions for their right of return.
Event Structure
The two-day event will feature:
- Five expert panels with 25 presentations covering legal, cultural, and human security aspects of the right of return.
- Discussions on the protection of cultural heritage and monitoring of historical sites, including mosques and shrines in Western Azerbaijan.
- Contributions from prominent figures like Tahir Mahmood, an international affairs expert whose insights are expected to elevate the discussions.
- Cultural programs to celebrate the shared heritage of Azerbaijanis and foster connections.
Conference Objectives
Key goals of the conference include:
- Strengthening legal frameworks for the right of return.
- Promoting reconciliation and peaceful coexistence between Azerbaijanis and Armenians.
- Advocating for the human and property rights of displaced individuals.
- Highlighting solutions for cultural heritage preservation and human security challenges.
Global Impact
This year’s conference builds on the success of the first international event on this topic and aims to further establish Azerbaijan as a leader in addressing displacement and human rights issues. The participation of esteemed scholars, policymakers, and advocates from around the world underscores the importance of collective action in seeking justice for the Azerbaijani community.
Through meaningful dialogue and actionable outcomes, the conference aspires to chart a path toward reconciliation, justice, and cultural preservation.
