Joining socio-political activities at a young age and being represented in bodies where responsible decisions are made is not granted to everyone.
Hasan Salimov, 18, elected as a member of Masally municipality in January 2025, is now sharing his one-year experience.
H. Salimov, who studies International Relations at Azerbaijan University, has evaluated the practical skills he gained in local governance over one year, his ability to defend the interests of young voters, and to offer solutions to local problems.
AzEdu.az on this occasion spoke with Mr. Hasan about the factors behind his early achievements, his municipal activities, educational life, and future plans.
We present the interview:
- Mr. Hasan, despite your young age, you are active in the municipality. What is your biggest goal in this position?
- I am a graduate of Dafna School Lyceum in Masally district. I started first grade in 2013 and completed my secondary education in June 2021. In September of the same year, I was admitted to Azerbaijan University. Currently, I am a third-year student specializing in International Relations at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the university.
I aspire to be a diplomat in my future career and have structured all my educational and public activities towards this goal. On January 29, 2023, I was elected as the youngest member of the Masally Municipality and am currently continuing my municipal activities.
- Which factors were most important for you in achieving this success?
- One of the main factors in my election as a municipal member was the trust shown to me by the former chairman of the Motherland Party, the esteemed Fazail Aghamali. I worked with all my might to justify this trust. Our current chairwoman, Ms. Cuneyt Aghamali, also personally expressed her confidence in me on this path and wished me success in my future endeavors. Such support and belief are a great source of motivation for me.
- What feelings did you experience when you gained trust as a municipal member at the age of 18?
- Frankly, this event created in me both great excitement and a high sense of responsibility. Because gaining such trust at a very young age is not easy. But I must admit that this path was not a surprise to me. I had an interest in this field since childhood, I knew my abilities, and I believed that I could handle this responsibility.
- What advantages did being the youngest member of Masally municipality bring you, and what difficulties did it create?
- Frankly, I did not encounter serious difficulties. On the contrary, this status brought me additional responsibility and more self-confidence. Thanks to the trust placed in me, I strive to develop myself further. This is a great advantage for me.
- What was the biggest lesson or achievement for you during your year of activity in the municipality?
- My biggest gain was experience. While working in the municipality, I get to know more experienced colleagues closely and exchange ideas with them. I learn the intricacies of this work and observe how decision-making processes are formed. This experience is very valuable for my future activities.
- How does being a municipal member at a young age affect society's attitude towards you?
- Naturally, there are various reactions. Some people do not consider my election as a municipal member at this age to be correct. But the vast majority welcome it positively. I also believe that our country currently needs educated and active young personnel. The personnel reforms initiated by national leader Heydar Aliyev and continued by President Ilham Aliyev serve precisely this purpose.
- How do the theoretical knowledge you gained at university affect your activities in the municipality?
- Yes, completely. Most of my university professors are people who deeply know and understand this field. Especially political scientist Samir Humbatov provides me with significant support on this path, sharing his knowledge and experience with me. The university administration also positively evaluated my election as a municipal member and considered it a successful choice.
- What steps should be taken for young people to participate more actively in local governance?
- Young people should be more active in social networks and public discussions. It is especially important to demonstrate a correct stance against those who spread misinformation about Azerbaijan. Enlightened and educated young people should be at the forefront of this process.
- Do you have any future plans related to the youth of Masally?
- Currently, there are no concrete projects. However, in the future, I would like to organize meetings with the youth of Masally and share my experience and goals with them. This could also encourage them to engage in public activities.
- What would you advise young people interested in politics and public activity?
- Most importantly, they should take their studies seriously and be educated. They should learn about the activities of statesmen and acquire deep knowledge about our state and diplomacy. It is very important to choose this path consciously.
- What would you like to say about your future goals?
- My biggest goal is to serve my state and my people honorably. God willing, I will achieve this goal by working in more responsible and higher positions in the future. Being closely involved with my state and being useful is my highest aspiration.
