Born in Baku in 1956 into a distinguished family of doctors and artists, Abulfas Garayev grew up at the intersection of science, culture and public service. He studied at the Azerbaijan University of Languages, graduating in 1978, and later completed advanced training in public administration, management and cultural studies in leading institutions in Russia. He holds a PhD in philosophy and culture. After early roles in education and public administration, Dr. Garayev entered government at a critical moment in Azerbaijan’s modern history. He served as: • Minister of Youth and Sports (1994–2001) • Minister of Youth, Sport and Tourism (2001–2006) • Minister of Culture and Tourism (2006–2018) • Minister of Culture (2018–2020) In parallel, he was First Vice-President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan, helping to position the country as a dynamic host for international sporting events. Throughout his ministerial career, he played a central role in shaping Azerbaijan’s tourism strategy – from developing Baku as a global events destination to promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage along the historic Silk Road. On the international stage, Dr. Garayev is widely recognised for launching and championing the “Baku Process” and the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, organised in partnership with UNESCO, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, UN Tourism and other global partners. Under his leadership, Baku became a key platform for ministers, experts and cultural leaders to discuss dialogue between civilizations, cultural diplomacy and the role of culture in peacebuilding. He has held numerous leadership roles in international organisations, including chairing conferences of culture and tourism ministers in the Islamic world, serving on the Executive Council of UN Tourism, and presiding over sessions of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. These responsibilities have cemented his reputation as a bridge-builder between regions, cultures and institutions. Alongside his public service, Dr. Garayev has remained active in academia, teaching and publishing on culture, philosophy and tourism management. Multilingual and globally engaged, he continues to advise on strategies that connect culture, tourism, investment and sustainable development. Key Roles & Functions • Former Minister of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Azerbaijan • Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Republic of Azerbaijan • Former Minister of Culture, Republic of Azerbaijan • First Vice-President, National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan (former) • Founder and key architect of the Baku Process and World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue • Former Chair / President in multiple international cultural and tourism bodies (UNESCO, UN Tourism, OIC, TURKSOY, ISESCO)