“European Youth Capital 2016” presentation held in Ganja
By Nigar Orujova
The "European Youth Capital 2016" presentation has been held in Azerbaijan's second-largest city Ganja.
Addressing the event, Ganja Executive Authorities Head Elmar Valiyev said Ganja`s designation as the "European Youth Capital for 2016" is an important event not only for the history of the city, but also for whole Azerbaijan.
Ganja was announced the European Youth Capital 2016 on November 21. The title is granted to a European city for one year, during which the city can present its youth-related cultural, social, political, and economic life and development.
Azerbaijani ancient city Ganja became the first city from the non-EU state and the only one in the Caucasian region to win the bid at the contest.
It won over rival bids from Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ireland, and Spain. Ganja`s winning bid was preceded by Rotterdam, Turin, Antwerp, Braga, Maribor, Thessaloniki and Cluj-Napoca.
Youth and Sport Minister Azad Rahimov, Education Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation Farhad Hajiyev, Deputy ICT Minister Iltimas Mammadov, MPs Musa Guliyev, Rauf Aliyev, Jeyhun Osmanli, Khanlar Fatiyev, Ilham Mammadov and others addressed the event and highlighted President Ilham Aliyev`s special care to youth.
The speakers noted that holding numerous major international events in Baku and Ganja, once again confirms the success of the youth policy carried out in the country.
The event also featured the action plan to be executed by 2016.
The presentation ceremony was followed by opening of the Children's Creativity and Art Center.
Later the same day, the schools No 16 and 25 were also reopened after major overhaul.
Ganja 2016 intends to reveal the potentials of active young people and exploit the links with European youth policies and instruments, and also reflect on the existing connections to the city, the region, and Europe as a whole.
The program will cover such priority areas as youth participation, education, social inclusion, employment, and volunteering.
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