The CASPIA Analytical Center hosted the final lecture of its internship program, organized in collaboration with Khazar University. The session was delivered by Shirin Melikova, Director of the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, and Michael Franses, a renowned British independent researcher specializing in the history of Oriental carpets and textile art, co-founder of the internationally recognized HALI magazine, and one of the organizers of the International Conference on Oriental Carpets (ICOC).

During the lecture, the speakers discussed the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Azerbaijan's international profile, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage as an instrument of soft power and highlighting contemporary approaches to preserving and promoting national culture on the global stage.

Particular attention was devoted to Azerbaijan's carpet-weaving tradition as a vital element of the country's cultural heritage, its preservation and international promotion, as well as the importance of museum cooperation and cultural institutions in fostering intercultural dialogue.

The session concluded with an interactive discussion, during which interns actively engaged with the speakers and asked questions about cultural diplomacy, cultural heritage preservation, and international cooperation in the cultural sphere.

The lecture marked the successful conclusion of the internship program, providing participants with valuable insights from internationally recognized experts in cultural diplomacy, museum studies, and the history of Oriental carpets and textile art.