On 13–14 August 2025, Mingachevir State University hosted the “Together for the Future: Social Engagement and Development Program”, organized within the framework of the Year of Constitution and Sovereignty. The program was hosted by Mingachevir State University with the support of the Youth Foundation of the Republic of Azerbaijan and jointly organized by the National Council of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAYORA) and the “Bright Future” Public Union.
As part of the project, the “Together We Are Strong” Youth Forum was successfully held. Prior to the forum, the official guests visited the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev at Mingachevir State University, paid tribute to his memory, and laid flowers. The official opening ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by a moment of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs.
The forum continued with official speeches delivered by Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University; Aydin Mirzazade, Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Sahib Aliyev, Head of Department of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority; Narmina Huseynzade, Secretary General of the National Council of Youth Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (NAYORA); Eshgin Mammadov, Acting Director of the Mingachevir Youth House; and Samrin Khanlayev, Chairman of the “Bright Future Youth” Public Union.
During their speeches, the speakers emphasized that the youth policy implemented in Azerbaijan has significantly expanded opportunities for young people in education, creativity, and civic engagement. They also highlighted that, following the full restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, Azerbaijan’s youth policy has entered a new stage in both quality and substance. As representatives of a victorious nation, young people today actively participate in the country’s socio-economic and public-political life.
The forum also featured panel discussions covering various youth-related topics. Participants exchanged views on the role of education in fostering civic responsibility, promoting constitutional values and active citizenship among young people, increasing youth participation in public initiatives, and strengthening social responsibility. The participants shared their experiences and proposed ideas for future projects and initiatives.
A networking session and coffee break were organized in accordance with the program, providing participants with opportunities to establish new connections and strengthen cooperation. During the second part of the forum, detailed information was presented on the objectives of the “Together for the Future” Program, its main areas of activity, and the three-month local action plan to be implemented in Mingachevir.
The event concluded with an official closing ceremony, during which participants received certificates and took commemorative photographs.
On the second day of the project, within the framework of the “Active Youth Academy”, youth development specialists Hikmat Gafarov, Mushvig Tariverdiyev, and Elnara Aliyeva conducted training sessions on social engagement, leadership, teamwork, and career planning for young participants.