Ashraf AboArafe reports
The Azerbaijani capital Baku hosted the International Scientific Conference titled:
“Islamophobia: Unmasking Bias and Deconstructing Stereotypes”, on May 26–27, commemorating the third anniversary of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia.
Among the distinguished participants was Dr. Seymur Nasirov, Head of the Azerbaijani Community in Egypt and Co-Chair of the Union of Azerbaijani Scholars Worldwide, along with representatives from over 40 countries, notably Arab and Muslim nations, as well as religious leaders and international NGOs.
The conference was jointly organized by the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, Center for Analysis of International Relations, and the Baku Initiative Group, in cooperation with major partners such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), ICESCO, Doha International Center for Interfaith Dialogue, the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, and the Muslim Council of Elders.
The aim was to establish an academic platform to analyze troubling trends of anti-Muslim sentiment and Islamophobia, both internationally and domestically.
Key discussion topics included:
- Global Trends in Islamophobia: Challenges and Responses
- Anti-Muslim Hatred in Policy: Legal Frameworks and Advocacy Strategies
- Islamophobia in Media and Digital Platforms: How AI Spreads and Reinforces Bias
- Women, Identity, and Stereotypes: Intersectionality of Religious and Cultural Prejudice
- Institutionalized Anti-Muslim Legislation in Europe
- Engaging Youth for Inclusion and Combating Misconceptions
- Preserving Islamic Cultural Heritage in a Changing World
The event provided a valuable forum for scholars and practitioners to develop strategic approaches to counter Islamophobia and promote dialogue and coexistence.
