Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

The 12th Forum of Azerbaijani Students and Alumni International Forum (ASAIF) kicked off on in Baku on September 5.

Head of the Public and Political Issues Department of Azerbaijani Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov read out President Ilham Aliyev's congratulatory letter to the Forum participants.

He also made a speech at the event. He said the strategic development, the strengthening of independence and statehood of any country depends directly on the training of young personnel, their transformation into intellectual and creative force and becoming the leading members of the civil society.

Hasanov stressed with regret that during the first years of Azerbaijan's independence, the country's youth was a guarantor of the implementation of the interests of certain political groups.

"To be more precise, the youth that was to be mobilized for strengthening the statehood, was turned into a tool for political games by the groups that were striving for political power and creating chaos in the country," he said.

The youth was kept away from science, education, creative work, and in many cases, they turned into a force dangerous for the society, the top official said, adding that this put Azerbaijan's future under question and threatened its statehood.

He underscored that the Azerbaijani people foresaw the future consequences of this danger on time and urged the great leader Heydar Aliyev to come to power for the sake of an independent Azerbaijani state.

"Coming to Baku in 1993 after the insistent demands of the people, Heydar Aliyev saved the country's youth and the statehood of Azerbaijan from destruction," Hasanov stressed.

He added that Heydar Aliyev paid special attention to the comprehensive development of the youth and them having good education.

Hasanov underscored that it is what happened was not accidental, as the great leader was knows well that raising awareness of the education is the only way to achieve development in Azerbaijan.

Hasanov said that today's youth is actively participating in the socio-political, socio-economic and cultural life of the country, adding that 300 youth organizations have passed state registration in Azerbaijan.

"One of those organizations - ASAIF is today holding its regular forum," he said.

Ali Hasanov underscored that the uniting the youth studying abroad into organizations, and their social life are significant issues for Azerbaijan along with these young people's education.

"It is necessary to point out ASAIF's role. ASAIF was created for coordinating the activities and networking of Azerbaijani youth currently studying or having completed an education outside the country," Hasanov stressed.

"When it comes to organizing and networking of youth abroad, the first example to be brought is the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AYOR), which was founded and is led by the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva," Hasanov said.

He went on to add that Leyla Aliyeva, creating a single network in all regions and universities of Russia, managed to set up a mechanism for productive activity.

"With its manifold activity AYOR closely unites our young people around national interests, and brings the truth about Azerbaijan to the world community's attention," he said.

Hasanov noted that the youth, left alone with the new challenges and realities of the modern world, should be able to respond to these challenges, and respectively react to them.

He underscored that in this regard Azerbaijani youth should become an example to people of other age groups.

"The youth studying and having completed an education abroad undertakes a great responsibility in this regard. ASAIF should also change somewhat, making their activities more flexible and practical," Hasanov added.

"Until today, ASAIF's activity only included holding forums in Azerbaijan and other European countries, but it is now set to begin an effective job, pay more attention to organizing a network abroad and lobbying and Diaspora work," he stressed.

In his remarks Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov noted Azerbaijan is rapidly developing and it provides new opportunities for the youth in education and career.

"Azerbaijan is investing in a number of areas as its economic potential is growing, and that yields positive results. The younger generation is, of course, not left out of this process. There are very important projects that are being implemented to prepare highly intellectual and patriotic youths. In this respect, the State Program on Education Abroad plays a key role in opening up equal opportunities for the youth to receive education and paves the way for enhancing the quality of human capital," Jabbarov said.

He also added the State Program on Education Abroad has already been implemented for eight years, and some 2,902 persons gained the right to study abroad in these years.

"As part of the program about 500 students have already been selected [for studying abroad] in the upcoming school year, but their number may increase as the process has not been completed yet," the education minister said.

Jabbarov also noted works have been done to improve the state program given the suggestions of the youth.

"Improving the state program will be continued in the future, and it is important for us to study the views of the youth," the minister said, adding that in the framework of this program some 714 persons have graduated from various universities.

Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov also made a speech at the event. He said young people play a crucial role in Azerbaijan's recognition worldwide, adding, that the capital invested in education of the younger generation is considered to be the most efficient capital for future.

The minister also noted President Aliyev pays significant attention to the education of the Azerbaijani youth in the world's leading universities.

"This is one of the priorities of the development of our country," he said.

Rahimov went on to say that this policy has deep roots and rich traditions in Azerbaijan.

"Today, the youth studying abroad, make a great contribution to the development of Azerbaijan, its popularization in the world. We are encouraged by the efforts of young people to improve the level of their education and become professional specialists," Rahimov added.

The minister also urged the Azerbaijani youth studying abroad to raise the main and only problem of Azerbaijan - Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at all international venues.

"This is your main task," he added.