Celebrating International Literacy Day on September 8th

Celebrating International Literacy Day on September 8th
September 8th marks International Literacy Day, a globally celebrated event recognized by UNESCO since 1967. This significant day serves as a platform to emphasize the profound advantages of literacy for individuals, communities, and society at large.
This year, International Literacy Day is themed as "Promoting Literacy in the World in Transition: Building the Foundation for Sustainable and Peaceful Societies." UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay addressed the public, highlighting how literacy not only empowers individuals but also enriches society as a whole. Literacy is the gateway to effective communication and the facilitator of inclusive social integration.
Over the past four decades, remarkable progress has been achieved in global literacy, with 3.6 billion people gaining the ability to read and write. In 1979, only 68 percent of the population was literate, a figure that surged to 86.7 percent by 2020. Nevertheless, challenges persist, as 244 million school-age children worldwide still lack access to education, and 773 million individuals of all ages remain without basic literacy skills, with two-thirds of them being women...

Further Meeting Focuses on Enhancing Cooperation Mechanisms Between Public-Private and Non-Governmental Organizations

Further Meeting Focuses on Enhancing Cooperation Mechanisms Between Public-Private and Non-Governmental Organizations
A significant meeting recently convened at the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, featuring key representatives from "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC. The gathering centered on the crucial topic of "Enhancing and Promoting Cooperation Mechanisms between Public-Private and Non-Governmental Organizations."
In attendance were prominent individuals, including Zaur Ibrahimov, a distinguished member of the Supervisory Board of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations, Elnur Baghirli, the head of the Agency's department, Natig Lahijov, the manager responsible for the Agency's State Programs and activities within the State Information System, and Narmin Khalilova, the esteemed press secretary of "Azerbaijan Airlines" CJSC.
The meeting provided a platform for a comprehensive discussion on various aspects related to the advancement of trilateral partnership relations among public-private entities and non-governmental organizations. The participants delved into the intricacies of improving cooperation mechanisms and fostering development in this critical domain.

Meeting Conducted to Discuss Enhancing and Promoting Cooperation Mechanisms between Public-Private and Non-Governmental Organizations

Meeting Conducted to Discuss Enhancing and Promoting Cooperation Mechanisms between Public-Private and Non-Governmental Organizations
On September 6, 2023, a meeting was convened at the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations, featuring the active participation of a key representative from IBA (International Bank of Azerbaijan). The purpose of this gathering was to engage in a discussion concerning the enhancement and promotion of cooperation mechanisms between public-private and non-governmental organizations. The attendees included Israyil Isgandarov, a member of the Supervisory Board of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations in the Republic of Azerbaijan, Emil Chaparli, Deputy Executive Director, Elnur Baghirli, the Department Head of the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations, Natig Lahijov, the manager of State Programs and activities in the State Information System, and Yedgar Jafarov, head of the IBA's Corporate Communication Department. The meeting revolved around topics related to the improvement, development, and promotion of cooperation mechanisms between public-private and non-governmental organizations, fostering insightful discussions on the subject matter.

August 30 – Victory Day of Turkey

August 30 – Victory Day of Turkey

August 30 holds a place of utmost importance in Turkey's history as Victory Day. On August 30, 1922, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, the Turkish army achieved a historic victory that would ultimately determine the outcome of the War of Independence, liberating the southwestern part of the country from Greek occupation. The path to Victory Day and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey was arduous and intricate. In August 1920, following a significant defeat in World War I, the Ottoman Empire was compelled to sign the Sèvres Agreement, presented by the Allied Western powers (Britain, France, and the USA) in the city of Sèvres near Paris. This agreement stipulated the loss of three-quarters of Ottoman territory, including a substantial portion of what is present-day Turkey, dating back to 1914. In response, the Turkish people, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Pasha, rose to wage the War of Independence. They vehemently protested the surrender agreement signed by the Ottoman Sultanate in Istanbul. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey, convened in Ankara, staunchly refused to endorse it. To assert the existence of the Turkish nation and statehood on the world stage, it became imperative to achieve victory on the battlefield. The Battle of Sakarya in 1921 demonstrated the unwavering determination of the Turkish army, laying the groundwork for the momentous "Great Offensive" victory in August 1922...

Today marks the International Day of the Disappeared

Today marks the International Day of the Disappeared
Today marks the International Day of the Disappeared, established by the UN General Assembly on December 21, 2010. This significant day sheds light on the issue of missing persons, often resulting from forced abductions during acts of terrorism, political conflicts, or oppressive regimes. Regrettably, the phenomenon of forced kidnapping has evolved into a global concern.
The primary objective of commemorating this day is to raise public awareness regarding the plight of missing individuals whose fundamental rights have been violated. On the International Day of Missing Persons, member states, in collaboration with numerous international and non-governmental organizations, organize diverse events aimed at drawing universal attention to the predicament of the missing.
In light of recent information from the State Commission on Prisoners and Missing Hostages of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it has come to our attention that during the First Karabakh War, Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan resulted in the registration of 3,890 Azerbaijani citizens as missing persons. This distressing tally comprises 3,171 military personnel and 719 civilians, including 71 minors, 267 women, and 326 elderly individuals.
Out of the total number of missing persons, 872, including 29 children, 98 women, and 112 elderly citizens, were either taken hostage or remained in the occupied territories. Subsequent to their release, former prisoners and hostages confirmed sightings of these individuals still alive. However, throughout the entire conflict, Armenia concealed information about these persons from international organizations and refrained from providing insights into their subsequent fates...

The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" Concludes

The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" Concludes
The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs," organized by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, successfully concluded in Naftalan on August 27.
Approximately 90 NGO representatives participated in this three-day training program, which covered various essential topics, including "Data collection and analysis," "Project preparation and implementation stages: Logframe (Logical framework) preparation and design," "Project strategy preparation," "Project monitoring and evaluation," and familiarization with the "road map" for expanding international activities.
Trainers Anar Valiyev, the Dean of ADA University, and international expert Vusal Behbudov expressed their gratitude to the participants for their high motivation and active engagement.
Participants also shared their feedback on the program, highlighting how the acquired knowledge and skills will significantly enhance their methodological support, enabling more efficient organization of their work.
The State Support Agency for NGOs presented certificates to those participants who successfully completed the training.
It's worth noting that the "I Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" took place in Mingachevir last year, with a total of 218 NGOs participating in these programs held across different regions.
The Agency remains committed to providing continued state support for the development of NGOs, aligning with the specific needs of regions and public unions.

Azerbaijan Commemorates Lachin City Day on August 26

Azerbaijan Commemorates Lachin City Day on August 26

August 26 holds special significance as it marks the anniversary of the transfer of Lachin City under Azerbaijani control. On August 26, 2022, the Azerbaijani Army established its presence in Lachin City, also bringing the villages of Zabukh and Sus under its jurisdiction. The transfer of the Lachin region to Azerbaijan, as outlined in the tripartite declaration following the Victory in the Patriotic War, occurred on December 1, 2020. However, due to the Lachin corridor passing through the city of Lachin, it remained temporarily under the oversight of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Per the provisions of the Tripartite Statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia on November 10, 2020, agreements were set to be reached within three years regarding the construction of an alternative route to the Lachin corridor. Azerbaijan expeditiously finalized these agreements, confirmed the new road's route with the Russian side, and promptly initiated construction. Remarkably, in just one year and eight months, the construction of the alternative road reached completion. Consequently, on August 26, the Azerbaijani Army took full control of Lachin City, along with the villages of Zabukh and Sus. Worth noting is that on July 31, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree establishing city days in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In accordance with this decree, August 26 was designated as Lachin City Day.

The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" was inaugurated in Naftalan

The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" was inaugurated in Naftalan

The "II Development and Exchange Program of NGOs" was inaugurated in Naftalan, organized by the State Support Agency for Non-Governmental Organizations. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of key figures, including Aygun Aliyeva, the Executive Director of the agency, Vugar Novruzov, Head of the Naftalan City Executive Authority, state officials, and representatives of NGOs from more than 25 cities and regions. Over the course of this comprehensive three-day training program, experienced trainers will impart essential skills in project development and management to NGOs. They will also provide insights into international project writing standards and facilitate group activities. The program's trainers, namely Anar Valiyev, an associate professor at ADA University, and Vusal Behbudov, an international expert from the European Commission, elaborated on the program's agenda, structure, and the anticipated outcomes. Upon successful completion of the training, participating NGOs that demonstrate significant progress will be awarded certificates by the agency.

France's Support for Armenia's Request: A Challenge to International Law and Human Rights

France's Support for Armenia's Request: A Challenge to International Law and Human Rights
The information released by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the content of a telephone conversation between Catherine Colonnade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, and Ararat Mirzoyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, on August 15, serves as further evidence of France's apparent disregard for the principles of international law, human rights, and its perceived stance favoring Armenia over Azerbaijan.
These sentiments have been conveyed through a statement issued by the West Azerbaijan Community, shedding light on concerns over France's alignment with Armenia's request. The statement emphasizes the perspective of the community in this matter.
Notably, the statement highlights France's alleged oversight of Armenia's actions. These include the expulsion of more than one million Azerbaijanis from their homes, the reported deaths of over 20 thousand Azerbaijani civilians, the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan's territory, the destruction of around 900 settlements, and the widespread laying of over a million mines rendering these areas uninhabitable. The community raises questions about France's sudden portrayal of itself as a champion of humanitarian values amid these allegations...

NGOs operating in Nakhchivan appeal to international community regarding opening of Zangazur corridor

NGOs operating in Nakhchivan appeal to international community regarding opening of Zangazur corridor
The non-governmental organizations operating in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan have issued an appeal to the international community. "We, the non-governmental organizations operating in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Azerbaijan Republic, address the international community and inform that the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has been living under a blockade for more than 30 years. The population of Nakhchivan was without gas for almost 15 years due to the blockade, and there was even no electricity. The power lines extended from the main part of Azerbaijan were cut off by Armenia. The only connection between Nakhchivan and Baku was by rail, which was interrupted in 1992 after the last train from Mehri was subjected to gunfire.
The international community did not take any steps to eliminate the problems of the peaceful residents of Nakhchivan and lift remove the blockade. Neither did it put any pressure on Armenia over this situation. Why have our voices been falling on deaf ears for all these years?
Meanwhile, Armenia still regularly fires at the population and settlements of Nakhchivan. If it were not for the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and his worthy follower, President Ilham Aliyev, Nakhchivan would have been occupied just like Karabakh. Armenia is currently building a metallurgical plant in Arazdeyan, an area adjacent to Sadarak, in contravention of the requirements of the Espoo Convention. This is a policy of environmental terror against the people of Nakhchivan, who have been condemned to live in a blockade. Without the consent of the government of Azerbaijan, the construction of a heavy industry plant in the mentioned cross-border area will lead to the pollution of the environment, contamination of the air with toxic waste, and the disruption of the ecosystem..."

Yuxarı