Last month, religious leaders, senior governmental officials, scholars, civil society representatives, and youth from around the world gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan, to take part in the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

Participants were guided by the Forum’s central theme, “Dialogue for a shared future: Building bridges in a fractured world.” Among those participating and offering perspectives were David Rutstein, Secretary-General of the Bahá’í International Community (BIC), and Rachel Bayani, Principal Representative of the BIC.

“Humanity is grappling with the very real limitations that arise within any framework that assumes that division, suspicion, and competition are inevitable,” Ms. Bayani said.

“The challenge before all of us is learning how to reorganize our global and national affairs in ways that unlock the strength inherent in our underlying interconnectedness and oneness.”

Mr. Rutstein explored similar themes as a featured speaker in a plenary session entitled, “Dialogue of Religions: A Roadmap to a Shared Future.” He highlighted, among other things, the essential role that youth can play in fostering cohesive communities and in building a sense of shared commitment to the common good across diverse societies.

There, he joined notable dignitaries such as Miguel Ángel Moratinos, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia, and Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The discussion was moderated by UNAOC Director Nihal Saad.

The Baku Process Forums strive to translate shared values and intercultural dialogue into practical responses to global division. This seventh edition, held October 27-29, marks fifteen years since the inaugural Forum in 2011.