President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the youth of Azerbaijan on the occasion of February 2 – Youth Day.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the head of state extended his sincere congratulations, wishing the younger generation robust health and success in their future endeavors. In his message, the President emphasized that youth policy remains a top priority for the state's socially-oriented agenda.
"The tradition of celebrating Youth Day in our country, initiated 30 years ago by National Leader Heydar Aliyev with the first republican youth forum, proves that youth policy is a priority direction of our state. Over the past decades, state programs have created a favorable ground for the personal development and socio-political activity of young people, strengthening their role in state-building," the message reads.
President Ilham Aliyev noted that a modern, intellectual generation has emerged in Azerbaijan, one that is deeply connected to national and moral values while keeping pace with global development trends. He highlighted their contributions across all sectors, from the economy to science and culture, and praised their role in strengthening civil society and promoting Azerbaijan's cultural heritage internationally.
"It is the result of the comprehensive conditions created by our state and the spirit of patriotism that Azerbaijani youth showed unparalleled bravery during the 44-day Patriotic War. The majority of the heroes who ended the 30-year occupation and demonstrated our people's will for Victory to the world were young people. This victory chronicle is an eternal symbol of the Azerbaijani youth's endless love for the Motherland and unshakable will," the President stated.
Azerbaijan was the first country among post-Soviet states and in Eastern Europe to officially declare a Youth Day in 1997. This policy, established by Heydar Aliyev, aimed to integrate young people into the country's social, economic, and political life. Today, this strategy continues under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, focusing on education, innovation, and the active participation of the younger generation in the ongoing reconstruction of the liberated territories in Garabagh and East Zangazur.
