As a result of Armenia's military aggression, our ancient historical lands, which had been under occupation for nearly 30 years, were liberated from military and political control during the 44-day Patriotic War. Each day leading up to the glorious Victory was etched in golden letters in the history of Azerbaijan.

Cities such as Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, Minjivan, Aghband, Bartaz settlements of Zangilan district, Hadrut settlement of Khojavend district, along with many villages including Sugovushan village of Tartar district and several villages in Khojaly and Lachin districts, were devastated during the Patriotic War, exacting a heavy toll in the lives and blood of our brave Azerbaijan Army soldiers and officers. In total, more than 300 settlements, including villages and important strategic heights in the Aghdara, Murovdag, and Zangilan directions, were liberated from occupation. The war culminated with the liberation of Shusha, the crown jewel of Karabakh, and Armenia was compelled to sign the act of capitulation.

Azerbaijan's resounding victory on the battlefield was mirrored at the political level, as Armenia was obliged to release Agdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin regions from occupation, thereby restoring historical justice.

Over the 30-year occupation, our cities, villages, and settlements suffered destruction by Armenia, with our cultural heritage severely compromised, and our historical, cultural, and religious monuments, including mosques, vandalized and destroyed. The regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, now freed from occupation, are undergoing rapid reconstruction, mine clearance operations, and extensive restoration efforts.

105 years have passed since the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first democratic secular state in the Muslim East, on May 28, 1918. Independence Day has been celebrated in the liberated lands for already three years. At the plenary session of the Azerbaijani Parliament on October 15, 2021, a new law "On Independence Day" was adopted. On the same day, President Ilham Aliyev approved the law. With the approval of the law, May 28 - Republic Day and October 18 - State Independence Day were renamed. May 28 was declared 'Independence Day', and October 18 was declared 'Day of Restoration of Independence'. The Russian Empire collapsed during the February Revolution of 1917. The national movement of the peoples that were oppressed by the Tsarist state in the country began. On May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-1920) – the first secular democratic state founded in the Muslim East.

Two training sessions on "Sustainability and Maintenance Plan” were held on May 26, 2023, at the secondary schools No. 280 named after M. Mehdiyev in Hovsan settlement, Baku, and No. 262 located in Turkan settlement, Khazar district as part of the project "Initiative to improve the school’s reputation through the development of the school community” carried out by "Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union ("Umid” SSD) and T-NETWORK, an educators’ experience and communication platform, with funding from the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and technical support from Baku city Education Department. In-depth explanations of the concept of sustainability were provided during the sessions, and discussions regarding the maintenance and sustainability of the projects to be undertaken were held with members of the School Development Council. The training led to the creation of draft Sustainability and Maintenance Plans for the projects that will be implemented in both communities.

The round tables were held on May 8, 2023, at the secondary schools No. 280 named after M. Mehdiyev in Hovsan settlement, Baku, and No. 262 located in Turkan settlement, Khazar district as part of the project "Initiative to improve the school’s reputation through the development of the school community” carried out by "Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union ("Umid” SSD PU) and T-NETWORK, an educators’ experience and communication platform, with funding from the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and technical support from Baku city Education Department. The regulations for the proper implementation of the costs for the projects chosen for funding and offered by the School Development Councils were considered at the round table.