February 2 marks Azerbaijan Youth Day, a date of significant importance in the country's socio-political life, established through the visionary leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, Vasif Qafarov, a member of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly), stated that this landmark day was established by the Decree of the National Leader on February 1, 1997. With this move, Azerbaijan became the first country among the CIS and Eastern European nations to declare an official day dedicated to youth.
“This decision is a clear example of the high value Great Leader Heydar Aliyev placed on young people and his far-sighted policy of seeing the future of the state in the youth,” Qafarov said. He noted that Heydar Aliyev characterized the youth as the "future of the nation," the "genefond of Azerbaijan," and the "guarantor of independence," making youth development a priority of state policy.
The MP noted that following the National Leader's return to power in 1993, critical institutional steps were taken, including the creation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the convening of the first Forum of Azerbaijani Youth. These initiatives, alongside the adoption of the Law on Youth Policy, served to form an educated, patriotic, and enterprising generation. Furthermore, opportunities were created for thousands of young people to study abroad, and Presidential scholarships were established.
Vasif Qafarov emphasized that this policy is being successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev in accordance with modern challenges. The declaration of the "Year of Youth," the establishment of the Youth Foundation, the expansion of the "Youth House" network, and the "Yukselish" (Ascent) competition are consistent steps aimed at revealing the potential of the younger generation.
The MP particularly highlighted that the real results of this policy were manifested during the Patriotic War:
“The majority of those who showed heroism on the front lines and conveyed Azerbaijan's voice of truth to the world in the information war were the youth formed during the period of independence. This is an indicator of our youth's patriotism and loyalty to the state.”
In Azerbaijan, youth policy is considered a vital component of national development. Since 2003, President Ilham Aliyev has signed numerous state programs aimed at the social, economic, and educational advancement of the younger generation. These programs focus on ensuring that Azerbaijani youth are competitive on a global scale while remaining deeply rooted in national and moral values. Today, the youth of Azerbaijan continue to achieve significant success in science, innovation, sports, and international representation, playing an active role in strengthening the country's future.
Concluding his remarks, MP Vasif Qafarov recalled the National Leader's words:
“The future of independent Azerbaijan is in the hands of the youth,”adding that a strong state is built upon a strong, knowledgeable youth committed to national values.
