February 2 is celebrated as Youth Day in Azerbaijan. After Azerbaijan gained independence, especially since the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, extensive opportunities have been created for the active participation of youth in the socio-political life of the country.
At the same time, the youth policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev is aimed at unleashing the potential of young people, fostering their development as patriotic, educated, and professional personnel, as well as strengthening the social security of young families. These measures are regarded as a clear example of the state's consistent and far-sighted policy.
According to Deputy Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education, MP Fariz Ismayilzade, Azerbaijan, as a young country, attaches particular importance to youth policy, taking into account the demographic growth factor:
"Unlike European countries, population growth continues at a high rate in Azerbaijan, which creates conditions for an increase in the number of young people. Ensuring high-quality education and decent employment for young people is one of the main priorities of state policy. This approach, on the one hand, forms a solid foundation for the country's economic development, and on the other hand, serves to maintain social stability.
It is no coincidence that study abroad programs have been established to support the development of young people, and thousands of young people have gained the opportunity to study at prestigious higher education institutions at the state's expense. In addition, grants are allocated to youth organizations, and their social activity is stimulated. The establishment of new universities and the opening of modern educational institutions in the country are also important components of the implemented youth policy.
The main goal of all these measures is to foster an educated, knowledgeable, strong, and competitive youth. Such a youth, possessing economic potential, makes a significant contribution to the sustainable and prosperous development of Azerbaijan".
Member of the Milli Majlis Committee on Science and Education, MP Vasif Gafarov noted that February 2, Youth Day, is not merely a calendar date in Azerbaijan, but a symbol of the strategic value the state places on youth:
"After independence, especially with the return to power of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, youth policy acquired a systematic and purposeful character. The involvement of young people in socio-political processes, their representation in governance, and the expansion of educational and career opportunities demonstrated that the future was being built precisely through the youth.
This policy is consistently and systematically continued today by President Ilham Aliyev.
Unleashing the intellectual potential of young people, providing support for startups, innovations, sports, and the volunteer movement, as well as strengthening the social protection of young families, are among the main pillars of the state's long-term development strategy. In particular, the heroism demonstrated by young people in the Patriotic War revealed the tangible results of this policy. Today, when we speak of youth, we can say with great pride and joy that a patriotic, responsible, and professional young generation has been formed.
The main task facing young people today is to make the most effective use of the opportunities created and to approach their work responsibly. The state creates the conditions, and young people, in turn, must live up to this trust with knowledge, initiative, and activity.In short, Youth Day is a call for respect for the past, faith in the present, and responsibility for the future".
