Having been born in the country that doesn’t exist anymore, Soviet Union, and raised in an independent country of Azerbaijan I have been continually searching for my national identity, for the source of inspiration and pride. Together with me, independent Azerbaijan was also growing up, becoming a stronger and more important player in the international arena, building up ties and providing the international platform for tolerance, dialogue, sharing ideas, visions and dreams. In parallel, while growing up, I was finding my inspiration in the works of the thinkers and opinion leaders both of modern and ancient worlds. Several years ago Dr. Ismail Serageldin, whom I consider as mentor opened for me the the legacy of Nizami Ganjavi saying He is God of poetry and philosophy. It was impressive to see and recognize the role that Nizami played in his period of time, but it was mind blowing to notice the ideas of Nizami finding itself in works of art, literature and politics of the western and eastern heritage. Most of the principles, which the world is worshipping, be it tolerance, gender equality, … can be found in the works of Nizami, who lived 9 centuries ago. When, almost two years ago when we formed Nizami Ganjavi International Center, with a dream together and with the support of our board members, to build up his legacy and to use Nizami’s vision to contribute in making the world a better place to be, no one could imagine how far this idea can go, far beyond of anyones imagination. We wanted to use Baku, Azerbaijan, as a platform, where the world’s opinion leaders, former heads of state, international organizations and civil society was a good solution. To base the discussions and panels on the principles that we inherited from Nizami made that solution – perfect. We had a great success with the First South Caucasus forum, what motivated us to move further, become bigger and more successful, and we hosted II Global Shared Societies Forum resounding success of previous meeting. For the past two years, we have had or participated in the conferences in Ganja, Baku, Little Rock, Stockholm, Vienna, Brisbane, Athens, Andorra la Vella, Madrid, Oslo, Tbilisi, Ankara, Bishkek. NGIC is becoming known on the global level, having a reputation of a young, yet ambitious and strong organization, which is open for cooperation and dialogue. We dream and try to make the dreams come true, we discuss and try to help in implementation of the solutions. Today I would like to thank all the people who believed us, committed themselves to the success of this idea. Our heartfelt thanks to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, for the commitment been shown to the creation, growth and international outreach of the Center. Special thanks to the Minister of State Affairs on work with Diaspora Nazim Ibrahimov for his trust, commitment, dedication and care for all 24 hours. to the Board of Trustees Members President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, President Tarja Halonen, Ambassador Walter Fust, Dr. Farida Allaghi, Dr. Giuli Alasania, President Boris Tadic, President Emil Constantinescu, President Stjepan Mesic, President Petar Stoyanov, Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis Foundation, Dr. Naseem Shah and Mayor Elmar Valiyev. But nothing would ever happen without most dedicated friends, colleagues, secretariat. Ilahe Ibrahimli, Toghrul Akbar Yusifi, Narmin Salayeva, Fidan Mamedzade. Nayrouz Rizk and the ones who is no longer among us. Dear Rza Aliyev and Arzu S. Tebrizli thanks for your continues support, care and trust, thanks for being true and good friend. It is your support and trust that brings the passion and energy and makes us stronger. Rovshan Muradov Secretary General Nizami Ganjavi International Center
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:32:50 +0000