The role of youth in the development of Azerbaijani society has always been important. Throughout all historical periods, youth have embodied the nation's thought and willpower, standing at the forefront of significant processes with their openness to innovation, energy, and love for their homeland. In the state-building model of independent Azerbaijan, the activities of youth also hold special strategic importance.
In this regard, February 2nd, Azerbaijan Youth Day, is not just a day but a symbol of confidence in the nation's future and the social value of its youth.
The mid-1990s were a crucial period on Azerbaijan's path to independence. Alongside the establishment of stability in the country and the laying of foundations for economic and political construction, the ideological pillars of society were also being formed. In this process, the proper development of youth and their mobilization towards national goals was a vital necessity. It was during this period that the National Leader Heydar Aliyev highlighted youth as one of the important pillars of the state and laid the foundation for a systematic youth policy for the first time in Azerbaijan's history.
The First Forum of Azerbaijani Youth, held in Baku on February 2-3, 1996, became the foundational event of this policy. At this forum, attended by thousands of young people from all regions of the republic, the role of youth in the future development of the country and their responsibility to the state and society were widely discussed. Addressing the youth at the forum, Heydar Aliyev said: “Youth are our tomorrow. The future of Azerbaijan is in your hands.” These words were not just a political statement but also became a symbol of the state's confidence and trust in its youth.
It was after this forum that Heydar Aliyev, with his decree signed on February 2, 1997, established February 2nd as Azerbaijan Youth Day. Thus, Azerbaijan became the first country in the post-Soviet space to celebrate Youth Day at the state level. This step was an official expression of the strategic value placed on the role of youth in state-building and the trust shown to them.
Heydar Aliyev's policy regarding youth was not merely promotional. He valued the potential of youth as intellectual and moral capital for the future development of the state. Starting from the late 1990s, consistent measures were implemented in this direction. The Ministry of Youth and Sports was established, state programs were developed for youth education abroad, and various initiatives aimed at increasing their activity in public life were realized. The essence of this policy was simple yet profound: to shape youth into citizens who are loyal to the state, modern-thinking, patriotic, and knowledgeable.
After 2003, President Ilham Aliyev elevated this policy to a new stage. The development of youth in line with modern challenges became an integral part of state strategy. The State Program "Azerbaijani Youth 2005-2009," the declaration of "Year of Youth," the establishment of the Youth Foundation, and the support for innovative youth projects were significant steps taken in this direction. In the new era, youth have become a leading force making their voice heard in governance, social innovation, and science and technology.
The heroism displayed by young soldiers, officers, and volunteers, especially in the 2020 Patriotic War, has further deepened the moral significance of today. Those young people proved that the generation shaped by Heydar Aliyev and developed by Ilham Aliyev serves their state, people, and land with loyalty.
Their sacrifice showed the true face of Azerbaijani youth as a courageous, conscientious, knowledgeable, and patriotic generation.
Azer ALLAHVERANOV,
Member of the Milli Majlis