On May 6, the opening ceremony of the VIII International Scientific Conference, entitled "Heydar Aliyev: the Ideology of Multiculturalism and Tolerance", dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev, was held at the Azerbaijan University of Languages (AUL).

The event began with the performance of the international student anthem "Gaudeamus". AUL Rector, academician Kamal Abdulla, welcomed the participants of the conference and expressed satisfaction with their visit to the university. He noted, that every year AUL traditionally holds events, dedicated to the birthday of the National Leader. Speaking about the importance of the conference, the rector emphasized:

"There was great interest in the conference. It is attended by representatives of science, culture and the public from a number of prestigious higher educational institutions of the world. Within the framework of the conference, agreements will be signed with several universities. This is important for the development of international cooperation and will create a favorable basis for new scientific initiatives. The growth of the international authority of AUL in recent years is clearly reflected in the QS rating, where the university has advanced a hundred positions up. This is a great achievement. Within the framework of the conference, various projects will be implemented, as well as discussions on academic exchange programs between teachers and students will be held. The light, lit by Heydar Aliyev, continues to illuminate our path. We express our sincere gratitude to all participants of the conference."

Ankara University Rector Nejdet Yunuvar highly appreciated the organization of the conference. Having shared his memories of Heydar Aliyev, he noted the deep meaning of the conference:

"Around this idea, united by love, the Azerbaijan University of Languages and all participants of the conference successfully implement an extremely important mission. Within the framework of international cooperation between Ankara University and AUL, a number of meetings were held on scientific interaction and strengthening friendly ties".

The rector also announced the launch of the TÖMER project in AUL, stressing that this is one of the most important events of the conference.

The Rector of the National University of Modern Languages of Pakistan, Major General Shahid Mahmoud Kayani, expressed satisfaction with his participation in the conference and emphasized its exceptional importance, especially in the context of the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the National Leader. He also noted the importance of scientific cooperation and partnership, stressing that the conference opens up new prospects for future scientific events.

Rector of the University for Foreigners of Perugia Valerio de Cesaris noted that the conference combines both scientific and cultural components. According to him, there are strong partnership and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Italy, which are also reflected in the scientific sphere.

Professor of the University of Augsburg (Germany) Klaus Wolf, who joined the event in an online format, shared his thoughts on the meaning of the conference. He noted, that the conference, dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, stands out for its content and significance. Scientists and students from many countries of the world carefully prepared for participation.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin spoke about the close economic, political, scientific and cultural ties between the two countries and described the conference as an important platform for scientists and students.

The international significance of the conference was also discussed by the Chairman of the Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology Committee of Milli Mejlis, Deputy Sadig Gurbanov; Chairman of the Committee on Defense, Security and Anti-Corruption, Deputy Arzu Nagiyev; Deputy Chairman of the Administration of Muslims of the Caucasus Fuad Nurullayev; Executive Director of the Baku Center for Multiculturalism Revan Hasanov; Head of the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology of the Tashkent State University of World Languages Dusmurod Jurayev; Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the Uzbekistan-Finnish Pedagogical Institute Zarifa Muminova; Deputy Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church of Azerbaijan Marek Yozei; Professor of the University of Warsaw Danuta Khmelovskaya; Bishop of the Baku-Azerbaijani Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Alexy Yurievich Smirnov;Gianna Scott, counsellor and public policy expert at Arizona State University; Chairman of the Albanian-Udi Christian Religious Community Robert Mobili.

The speakers spoke about the invaluable merits of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the Azerbaijani people. It was emphasized that holding a conference in honor of the 102nd anniversary of his birth at AUL on a regular basis is an important step in attracting the attention of the scientific and cultural community of the world to our country.

During the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan was formed as a country ensuring peaceful coexistence of various ethnic and religious communities. The great leader has always emphased that Azerbaijan's strength lies in its diversity. Today, more than 30 ethnic minorities live in peace and harmony in the country. The culture, language and religion of each nation are freely preserved and developed. This approach serves as a vivid example of the recognition of multiculturalism as a state value.

The work of the conference continued in the form of section meetings.