The International Symposium titled “Modern Models of Religious Education: In the Context of Spiritual Values and Global Challenges” commenced in Baku, jointly organized by the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology (AIT), and the Foundation for the Promotion of Spiritual Values (FPSV).

The symposium gathered state officials, representatives of religious denominations, scholars from local higher education and research institutions, as well as approximately 40 experts and academics from prestigious universities in Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Georgia, Albania, the United States, Russia, Switzerland, the UAE, Egypt, and Iraq.

The opening ceremony featured the National Anthem, followed by a Quran recited by Jalal Jafarli, a second-year student of the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology.

Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, highlighted that the tolerant and multicultural policies of President Ilham Aliyev not only preserve religious and cultural diversity but also position Azerbaijan as a hub for international dialogue and cooperation. He stressed that these policies clearly define social and moral responsibilities to ensure peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious groups. Chairman Mammadov emphasized that Azerbaijan takes pride in its values of tolerance and multiculturalism, noting that the state’s model of religious education is founded on these principles. He outlined that the goal of the model is to enhance classical Islamic traditions using modern pedagogical approaches, which remains a primary objective for further development. The symposium’s scientific discussions are expected to provide valuable exchange experiences for both Azerbaijani scholars and international participants.

Rafael Huseynov, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, noted that the symposium aims not only at academic knowledge exchange but also at reconciling spiritual values with contemporary demands and developing educational models that respond to modern realities. He emphasized the crucial role of professional religious education in raising the religious literacy of society, highlighting the need for innovative pedagogical methods to protect spiritual values and societal order.

Firudin Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Science and Education, underscored the vital role of religion in preserving spiritual values but also in strengthening mutual understanding and tolerance among societies. He highlighted the importance of protecting Azerbaijan’s rich intangible cultural heritage and noted the special attention given to restoring religious monuments in liberated Karabakh, with initiatives led by President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Anar İsgandarov, Chairman of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Mejlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan, noted that Azerbaijan exhibits some of the highest levels of national-religious tolerance globally, rooted in the country’s state policies. Fazil Mustafa, Chairman of the Committee of the Milli Mejlis on Public Associations and Religious Organizations, emphasized that modern global challenges require both the protection of spiritual values and the development of rational scientific thought. He noted that religion’s role in society should be assessed not only from a belief perspective but also in legal and societal contexts, particularly in a secular state like Azerbaijan.

Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Center, stressed that Azerbaijan Institute of Theology remains central to scientific discussions on contemporary issues relevant to society. He highlighted the importance of integrating new approaches and interdisciplinary subjects such as ethics and multiculturalism into the religious education system, especially in the era of artificial intelligence.

Salman Musayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office, noted the significance of the symposium in facilitating constructive discussions and emphasized the necessity of scientific approaches to religious education to ensure proper dissemination of knowledge within society.

The symposium aims to provide a platform for analyzing the current state of religious education, identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and facilitating the exchange of research, information, and experiences among scholars and specialists. The program includes plenary sessions and panel discussions.