An international scientific conference marking the 32nd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide convened in Chicago, Illinois, USA, under the theme “Global Dialogue Conference: Building a Bridge to the Goals in the Footsteps of the Khojaly Legacy.”

Hosted by the Azerbaijan Center for the American Midwest (ACMA) at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, the event drew attendees from diverse backgrounds, including representatives from the Turkish Consulate, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Azerbaijani, American, and Pakistani communities, as well as prominent speakers and statesmen. The conference, organized with the support of the State Committee for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, aimed to shed light on the atrocities of the Khojaly genocide and advocate for justice.

Moderated by Nigar Chaybasarski, the conference commenced with a solemn minute of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Khojaly genocide. Farid Mammadov and Mehriban Mammadova, heads of the American Midwestern States Azerbaijan Center, officially inaugurated the event, emphasizing the urgent need for international recognition of the Khojaly tragedy as a genocide perpetrated by Armenia against the Azerbaijani people.

Lithuanian military journalist Richardas Lapatis shared firsthand accounts of the horrors witnessed in Khojaly, condemning the immoral actions of Armenian perpetrators and stressing the importance of holding them accountable. Selhat Abbasova, head of the department of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reiterated Azerbaijan’s relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of Khojaly, emphasizing the nation’s determination to reclaim its lands and restore dignity to the affected communities.

Jeyhun Novruzov, the first secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United States of America, highlighted Azerbaijan’s resilience in overcoming the challenges posed by the Khojaly genocide, while Harry Lipinski, chairman of the Asia Research Center, commended Azerbaijan’s steadfastness in asserting its rightful position in the region.

Michael Gunter, professor of political sciences at Tennessee Technological University, underscored Azerbaijan’s unwavering stance on the Karabakh issue, advocating for international recognition of the country’s legitimate claims. American mugham performer Jeffrey Verbock urged global solidarity in supporting justice for the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, celebrating Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

Ali Askerov, associate professor of the Department of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of North Carolina, elucidated the historical context of the Khojaly genocide within Armenia’s occupation policy, emphasizing the imperative of addressing the plight of displaced Azerbaijanis.

The conference also featured a video speech by Dr. Kamal Makili-Aliyev on the Khojaly genocide, alongside mesmerizing performances of Azerbaijani mugham by Geoffrey Verbock on the kamancha and lyrical compositions by Clara Haya Melamed on the piano.

In addition to thought-provoking presentations, an exhibition showcased poignant photographs and films portraying the truth of the Khojaly tragedy, including the documentary “Khojaly Genocide” produced by the “Motherland Azerbaijan Art and Culture Center” in Canada with the support of the State Committee on Diaspora Work.

The conference marked a significant milestone in advancing dialogue and awareness surrounding the Khojaly genocide, instilling hope for a future characterized by justice, remembrance, and reconciliation.