“The expansion and further development of international humanitarian cooperation is the key factor in an effective response to contemporary challenges and threats, and enables the accessibility and expanded application of contemporary management and production technologies, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.”

Taken from the final declaration of the fourth Baku International Humanitarian Forum on October 3rd, this statement was part of a document adopted as a result of the two-day forum which brought together more 500 guests from over 60 countries.

“We recognize that the Baku Humanitarian Forum, traditionally held on the initiative of Azerbaijan, constitutes an important contribution to the development of multiculturalism, based on humanitarian practice as the basic value of the post-modern era,” the document concluded.

The event’s participants noted that a range of countries, including Azerbaijan, have achieved significant progress in recent years in the planning and management of sustainable development, which has been reflected in the figures and reports of international organizations.

“We pay special attention to the need for further development of international cooperation to transform society from a society of consumption into a humanitarian society of consumption on the basis of sensible sufficiency, as well as to achieve a way of life that meets the demands of ecological civilization,” the document noted.

The participants of the forum also recognised the importance of the application of nano and biotechnologies, based on the latest scientific achievements, and the convergence of contemporary and traditional technologies to ensure food and medicinal security, raise the quality of life and achieve the human potential for longevity.

“We acknowledge that the development of human potential through the integration of the latest knowledge and skills, including interdisciplinary, in a program of continuing education, as well as the expansion of cooperation in this sphere, are the key humanitarian components of sustainable development,” the declaration stressed.

The participants of the fourth Baku International Humanitarian Forum also called on various national and international structures specializing in humanitarian development to systematically hold forums, conferences and roundtables aimed at creating an atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect within which to resolve contemporary local and global challenges.

“We note the need for such forums to be held annually and express our profound gratitude to the President and government of Azerbaijan, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and all the organizers of the Baku International Humanitarian Forum for holding this major, productive event,” the document said. “We consider it necessary to pass this declaration and to make use of it to strengthen cooperation in humanitarian development.”

Initiated in 2010 by President Aliyev and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, the Baku International Humanitarian Forum is a high-profile global scientific and political platform for tackling the challenges facing humanity in the 21st century, holding dialogue, discussions and an exchange of views on a wide range of issues related to humanitarian cooperation.