The 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan's membership in UNESCO was marked with a mugham concert

A concert of the Karabakh mugham group was held in Paris on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as 30^th anniversary of the membership of Azerbaijan in UNESCO.

This event coincided the "2022 – Year of Shusha", cultural capital of Azerbaijan and was organized by the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCO with the support of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO.

The event, held at the UNESCO headquarters, was attended by Permanent Delegates of the UNESCO member states, young diplomats, artists, local communities and the diaspora.

Speaking at the event, Permanent Delegate of Azerbaijan to UNESCO, Ambassador Elman Abdullayev noted that 104 years ago on May 28 First Secular Democratic Republic in the Muslim World was founded in Azerbaijan. He noted that first democratic institutions as well as multi-ethnic and inclusive parliament and government were founded based on the long-standing traditions of tolerance that prevailed in our society for centuries and which became guiding principles of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Ambassador said that the Republic of Azerbaijan became member of UNESCO on 3 June 1992, after restoration of its independence. This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Azerbaijan's membership in UNESCO. Throughout these years together Azerbaijan and UNESCO have done a lot: numerous high-level visits, joint events both in Azerbaijan and UNESCO HQs, various shared projects and etc. He also spoke about the strong partnership and cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCO. It was noted that the concept of gender equality, one of the global priorities of UNESCO, has deep roots in the history of Azerbaijan.

Firmin Edouard Matoko, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Priority Africa and External Relations, said that he knew our country well and spoke about Azerbaijan's successful chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, as well as our country's cooperation with UNESCO and the projects implemented.

Tamara Rastovac-Siamashvili, Chair of the UNESCO Executive Board, thanked Azerbaijan for nominating her for the chairmanship of the Executive Board on behalf Second Electoral Group and for the confidence shown in her. Afterwards she spoke about the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and UNESCO.

After the speeches, a concert of the Karabakh mugham group took place. People's Artist of Azerbaijan Mansum Ibrahimov and young singer Gulzar Farajova performed Azerbaijani folk songs, classifications of mugham accompanied by People's Artist Elchin Hashimov (tar), Honored Artist Elnur Ahmadov (kamancha) and Kamran Karimov (drums).

Also, young musician Sona Azizova, who represented Azerbaijan at the Junior Eurovision-2021 song contest, presented the audience the songs "Shusham menim" and "One of those days".