The closing ceremony of the international symposium on “Modern Models of Religious Education: In the Context of Spiritual Values and Global Challenges,” jointly organized by the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology (AIT), and the Foundation for the Promotion of Spiritual Values (FPSV), was held in Baku.

AIT Rector Agil Shirinov expressed gratitude to participants, emphasizing the importance of the two-day symposium and noting that the discussions and presentations would contribute to the development of more effective models in religious education. He highlighted that religious knowledge must be interpreted from the authentic sources and adapted to modern realities, ensuring the protection of religion from distortions, promoting national-moral unity, and shielding society from radical religious trends.

Vusal Goyushov, Executive Director of FPSV, stressed that the symposium provided a unique platform for scholars and experts from various countries to share their extensive experiences. He noted that while each nation has its unique model of religious education, there are numerous shared values among them. He emphasized that Azerbaijan, with its rich religious and cultural heritage, multicultural and tolerant environment, plays a leading role in regional and global cooperation on these topics. Such events go beyond theoretical discussions and lay the foundation for practical research, new projects, and scientific studies.

Zakariya Akman, Rector of Kilis 7 Aralık University in Türkiye, conveyed appreciation on behalf of participants from 14 foreign countries, highlighting that the symposium served not only as a platform for academic discussions but also for sharing practical experiences in religious education.

At the conclusion of the Symposium, certificates and gifts were presented to the speakers. Notably, around 70 experts and scholars from 15 countries, including Azerbaijan, participated in the International Symposium. The articles submitted for the symposium will be published in book form.