We, as representatives of a group of NGOs operating in the direction of "the protection and promotion of Azerbaijan’s national interests in foreign countries and international platforms”, condemn the attack of radical religious people on the embassy of Azerbaijan in London on 4 August 2022 and the act of vandalism committed by them and declare that the actions taken against our flag, embassy staff and building are both damaging to the image of UK and contrary to international and diplomatic law, which is an integral part of it.

"Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union has already initiated to implement the final phase of the project titled "Expanding application of the principles of openness, transparency and accountability through further strengthening the role of civil society institutions in public life” under the Empowering Civil Society Organizations for Transparency (ECSOFT) program funded by USAID Azerbaijan Mission.

Referring to this stage, a seminar was held in Guba with online and offline audience on July 27th, 2022 with the aim of forming the "Local Government - Civil Society Dialogue Platform”. The seminar was participated by the local ExCom representatives, members of Municipalities from 9 target communities of Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz, Shabran rayons, representatives of several NGOs and business entities, executive director of "Umid" Support  to Social Development Public Union and its employees, coordinator of the Government and Civil Society Dialogue Platform on Open Government Partnership Initiatives, vice president of "Constitution” Research Fund, and member of the Supervisory Board of Agency for State Support to NGOs (35 people in total: 5 women, 30 men).

"Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union successfully completed the project titled "Organizing Awareness-Raising Activities on Healthy Lifestyle and Preventive Measures on Substance Abuse at the Community Level” with the financial support of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

"Umid" Support to Social Development Public Union has started to implement the project titled "Support to local government and self-government bodies" in fulfilling the obligations specified in the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion of Open Government 2020-2022 approved by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated February 27, 2020, No. 1859. The project is carried out under the Empowering Civil Society Organizations for Transparency (ECSOFT) program funded by USAID Azerbaijan Mission.

Within the scope of the project, the surveys were conducted in 12 communities of Guba, Khachmaz, Shabran and Gusar rayons to study the implementation of the National Action Plan for the Promotion of Open Government 2020-2022, covering 64 activities in 9 areas. 65 people (7 women, 58 men) including the heads (or members) of the Municipalities of the targeted communities, Territorial Representatives (or deputies) of the Head of the Executive Committee, coordinators (or members) of the Community Development Council, local NGO representatives and Entrepreneurs (farmers and small entrepreneurs) participated in the face-to-face and virtual meetings (via Zoom) and e-surveys (via Google Forms).