Tokyo, 2 February, /AJMEDIA/
February 2 – Azerbaijan Youth Day. According to the Decree signed by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev on February 2, 1997, February 2 was declared Azerbaijan Youth Day every year. Our youth celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of this day, which is the greatest gift to them from the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, with great enthusiasm as proud and honorable citizens of the victorious country.
That the significant day, established by the decree signed by the great personality Heydar Aliyev in 1997, is a high assessment of the role of Azerbaijani youth in society. The state youth policy, which was founded by the Great Leader and continues today, creates an important basis for the spiritually rich, patriotic upbringing of the young generation in Azerbaijan, the comprehensive development of youth and their active participation in the life of the country.
The state youth policy, founded by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who always treated young people with great attention and care, attached special importance to the measures taken to solve their problems, and evaluated this policy as one of the most important directions of the activity of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, has left deep traces in the development of the country’s youth. Great Leader Heydar Aliyev ensured the formation of the necessary legislative base in this field for the successful implementation of state policy in the youth field. Decrees and orders, laws and State programs aimed at solving the social, economic and other problems of young people, helping them to develop their own abilities, had a positive impact on the formation of the young generation as an organized force, their full spiritual and ideological maturity, the solution of social problems, and the provision of useful employment. In general, the foundation of the youth policy of independent Azerbaijan was laid by the great personality Heydar Aliyev. With a clear strategy, the National Leader mobilized the energy and capabilities of young people in the defense of our national interests in the first years of our independence, laid the foundation for their formation in a patriotic spirit. At the First Forum of Azerbaijani Youth held on February 2, 1996, the National Leader set important historical tasks for the youth.
The Great Leader’s trust in the youth is being confirmed today. Currently, youth policy in our country is experiencing a qualitatively new stage. President Ilham Aliyev confirms the Great Leader’s commitment to youth policy with the decisions he has made. The work done in the direction of spiritual development of youth, patriotic education, education in foreign countries, solving the problems of those in need of social protection, the conditions and opportunities created for the formation and development of youth organizations are the result of great attention to this area.
In the period after 2003, President Ilham Aliyev further improved the direction of development of youth policy based on existing traditions. State programs related to Azerbaijani youth were adopted, 2007 was declared the “Year of Youth”, the Youth Fund was established in 2011, the “Presidential Award for Youth” was established for the first time in the country in 2013, and the Development Strategy of Azerbaijani Youth was approved. The priority of national and state interests in youth policy played a decisive role in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020. The main mission in the war was fulfilled by the young people who grew up during the presidency of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.
The “State Program on Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad in 2007-2015” and the “State Program on Education of Youth in Prestigious Higher Educational Institutions of Foreign Countries in 2022-2026”, approved by the Decree of the Head of State dated April 16, 2007, have created broad opportunities for young people from all walks of life to study abroad. Within the framework of this program, thousands of young people are studying in the most prestigious educational institutions in the world.
Special attention is also paid to the development of sports and increasing its popularity in Azerbaijan’s youth policy. As a result of the strong will and great efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become one of the leading sports countries in the world. Today, more than 45 Olympic Sports Complexes operate in our republic, our country hosts prestigious international sports competitions, and our athletes’ successful performances in the Olympic and world championships are clear evidence of this. The due recognition of young athletes who win victories in international competitions also plays an important role in their new successes.
It is no coincidence that the number of our sports achievements in international competitions is increasing year by year.
Azerbaijani youth, while highly appreciating the attention and care shown to them, also realizes its responsibility and tries to contribute to the successful implementation of the strategic tasks set by President Ilham Aliyev and the process of transforming our republic into a dynamically developing powerful state. The State Program “Azerbaijani Youth in 2011-2015”, approved by the Presidential Decree dated July 7, 2011, and the establishment of the Youth Fund under the Ministry of Youth and Sports by the Decree dated December 19, 2011, are clear evidence of the commitment to scientific and theoretical foundations and sustainability of the youth policy laid by the Great Leader.
The rapid development of science and technology in modern times and the beginning of the post-oil era have made it necessary for the Azerbaijani state to pursue a policy regarding youth in accordance with the requirements of the time. Taking into account this necessity, the head of our state signed an Order on January 26, 2015 on the approval of the “Development Strategy of Azerbaijani Youth in 2015-2025” in order to ensure the intellectual, physical and spiritual development of young people, their active participation in the socio-economic, socio-political and cultural life of the country. The purpose of this important document, which broadly covers all issues related to youth, is to achieve more effective implementation of youth policy in Azerbaijan, create conditions for the active participation of young people in all areas of society, support the disclosure of their creative and innovative potential, increase attention to youth education and employment issues, effectively use modern information and communication technologies, and develop the volunteer movement in the country. Taking into account that the potential, activity, and new perspectives of our youth are very necessary for society, President Ilham Aliyev signed an Order on declaring 2020 the “Year of Volunteers” in the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 30, 2019. As a continuation of these events, the 5th Solidarity Forum of Azerbaijani Volunteers was held in Baku in December last year, organized by the Union of Azerbaijani Voluntary Organizations. It was noted at the forum that tens of thousands of young people participated in about 500 projects implemented in 2022 in accordance with the relevant instructions of our head of state on the promotion of volunteerism. The projects covered 65 cities and regions of our country. On the recommendation of President Ilham Aliyev, 2022 was also remembered for the launch of the “Return Volunteers” program. Shusha and Aghdam volunteer groups have already been formed, and the “Zangilan Volunteers” group has been created.
It can be said with confidence that all the necessary measures taken to solve the problems of the younger generation in our country and ensure their participation in public life will lead Azerbaijani youth to a brighter tomorrow. On this path, the greatest patron and supporter of our youth is the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The head of state’s statement “I have a special attitude towards young people, my heart is with you. You can count on me in all matters. I also rely on you,” – these words are a clear manifestation of our state’s trust in the youth, and the youth’s love and support for the President.
Yes, today our youth are busy working confidently in their fields and activities. Now, when our youth and athletes participate in international events and competitions, they perform with a completely different enthusiasm and once again confirm the truth that we are a victorious nation.
Vugar Aghayev
