Tural Aliyev, the representative of the NGO Work and Communication Department of the Presidential Administration, emphasized that President Ilham Aliyev, following in the footsteps of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, has built upon a solid foundation to elevate Azerbaijan into its current victorious state. He stated, "The Republic of Azerbaijan is now whole and complete. This situation also brings forth new challenges for non-governmental organizations. The state has already initiated radical reforms in the NGO sector. It is important to acknowledge the mistakes made in this field in the past. Regrettably, some NGOs' activities tarnish the sector's reputation, which is detrimental to its name. They continue to operate as if they are in the era of independence, a mentality they have clung to for years."
T. Aliyev further noted that the legislative framework concerning NGOs is currently under revision. In the near future, we can expect substantial changes in this sector. He stated, "NGOs receiving funding from foreign donors must obtain proper notification from the Ministry of Justice. Unfortunately, there have been attempts to circumvent this requirement within the NGO sector, resulting in a 'dark circulation' of grants. In some cases, these efforts by foreign donors aim to infiltrate Azerbaijan. It has become evident that certain foreign funds operating in Azerbaijan seek to cast doubt on our hard-won historical victory, attempting to diminish it in the eyes of the public, and sow discouragement within our society. We urge NGOs to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in any cooperation with foreign donors without obtaining the necessary notification from the Ministry of Justice."
Later, Fatma Sattarova, Chairperson of the Public Union for the Organization of War, Labor, and Armed Forces Veterans of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Novella Jafaroglu, Chairperson of the Public Union of the Azerbaijan Women's Rights Protection Society, named after Dilara Aliyeva, and Leyla Hasanova, Secretary General of the Youth Organization of the Non-Aligned Movement, addressed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of non-governmental organizations in Azerbaijan's new stage of development. They called for an increase in their activities, particularly at the international level.
The panel discussions continued with Alimammad Nuriyev, President of the "Constitution" Research Foundation, serving as the moderator. The discussions featured various distinguished speakers, including Gunel Safarova, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency and the chairperson of the "Citizen Research and Development" Public Union, who spoke on "International Activity of Non-Governmental Organizations: Current Situation and Future Prospects." Israyil Isgandarov, a member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency and the chairperson of the "Umid" Support to Social Development Public Union, addressed the topic of "State-Development of Cooperation Mechanisms between Private and Non-Governmental Organizations." Alimammad Nuriyev himself, as President of the "Constitution" Research Foundation, delved into "Development of the NGO Sector in the New Historical Stage of Azerbaijan: New Challenges and Vision of the Future." Umud Mirzayev, President of the International Eurasian Press Foundation, shed light on "NGOs' UN Membership in the Economic and Social Council and the Advantages Conferred by this Status." Sahib Mammadov, Chairman of the Citizens' Labor Rights Protection League, elaborated on "The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Ensuring Public Participation." Ramil Iskanderli, Chairman of the Legal Analysis and Research Public Union, provided insights into "The Current Situation in the NGO Sector: Opportunities and Difficulties." Anar Musayev, Chairman of the "ASAN Volunteers Youth Organization" Public Union, delivered a speech on "Youth Organizations: Goals and Objectives." Questions posed by NGOs on these topics were addressed during the event.
Additionally, as part of the forum's proceedings, a video clip highlighting the activities of NGOs was showcased. The moving song "We Are Children of Heroes," performed by the children of martyrs, resonated with the audience. The event also featured a musical tribute to Victory Day, with a performance by Shamistan Alizamanli.
At the conclusion of the forum, spurred by the collective initiative of NGOs, a heartfelt congratulatory address was directed towards the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, in honor of Azerbaijan's Victory Day. Sevinj Alizadeh, Chairperson of the "Zafar" Support to Martyrs' Families Public Union, had the honor of reading the address aloud. The address conveyed the following sentiments:
"For the first time in history, Azerbaijan is jubilantly celebrating Victory Day with an overwhelming sense of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The unfurling of the Azerbaijani flag in Shusha, Khankend, and Khojaly is a momentous occasion forever etched in the annals of history. This marks the dawn of a brand-new chapter in the life of an independent Azerbaijan. The elation, joy, and happiness of these momentous historical days are palpable. You, our national leader, have steered the people of Azerbaijan towards their most cherished aspirations. With your pragmatic actions, you continually demonstrate what, when, and how to do. The immense successes achieved have come at a significant cost, involving untold suffering, relentless toil, and sacrifice. Despite the pressures and challenges, you have unwaveringly propelled Azerbaijan forward as a bastion of stability and development, casting its glory on the global stage.
The address further notes, 'For twenty years, in all presidential elections, the Azerbaijani people have entrusted their destiny to you alone.' It is stated in the address, 'Today, the countenance of all Azerbaijan is beaming. Today, the faces of the martyr's children are radiant. Independent Azerbaijan has never been as robust in its entire history. This is your service, your dedication, Mr. President! This is the Azerbaijan that the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev envisioned! Zangezur, Goycha, Darelaez, Iravan - the lands of Western Azerbaijan, our ancestral homelands, have never felt so close. Today, every Azerbaijani anticipates the day when they will return to those lands. Under your guidance, we, too, shall venture to Western Azerbaijan. Rest assured, Azerbaijan's non-governmental organizations will forever stand with the state and with you. Your path is our path, Mr. President! Happy Victory Day!"
It is noteworthy
that more than 200 NGO representatives participated in the forum, which
was organized by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental
Organizations.
