Religious Freedom and Peacebuilding: Azerbaijan’s Commitment Showcased at U.S. Conference

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, delivered a speech at the 31st International Law and Religion Symposium in Provo, USA, according to Azernews.

The event, themed “Religious Freedom as a Tool for Peacebuilding,” was co-hosted by Brigham Young University’s Center for International Law and Religion Studies and the Stirling Foundation.

Mammadov’s speech emphasized Azerbaijan’s rich history of religious tolerance and the country’s strong commitment to religious freedom, highlighting the policies implemented under President Ilham Aliyev. He underscored Azerbaijan’s tradition of harmonious coexistence among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other faiths, with Baku’s mosques, synagogues, and churches reflecting this diversity.

“Azerbaijan has long been a place where people of different faiths have lived in harmony, freely preserving their ethnic and cultural heritage,” Mammadov stated. He pointed to Azerbaijan’s constitutionally guaranteed religious freedoms and its inclusive legal framework, which allows diverse religious communities to register and operate freely. He cited the registration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as an example of this openness.

Mammadov also spoke about Azerbaijan’s efforts to restore Garabagh and its cultural heritage following years of occupation, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to preserving its religious and ethnic diversity.

In closing, Mammadov drew parallels between the religious coexistence in Utah and Azerbaijan, expressing hope for continued cooperation in promoting these shared values.

The International Law and Religion Symposium, held annually since 1994, provides a key platform for global discussions on religious freedom and strategies for promoting these principles worldwide.