INTERVIEWS

1.02.2010 16:41

Public youth policy continues to produce successful results in Azerbaijan

Interview with chief of the Baku city Youth and Sport Central Department Ragif Abbasov

Q: Under national leader Heydar Aliyev`s order, Youth Day is marked every year in Azerbaijan. What can you say about the public youth policy?
A: The policy of care for youth was defined by national leader Heydar Aliyev and successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev declared February 2 as the Youth Day in 2007. Today, there are many legal documents concerning youth policy. President Ilham Aliyev signed orders on the youth policy.
Q: Can youth use their intellectual potential? Can they keep up with the world`s youth possibilities?
A: Azerbaijani youth is widely represented in the international organizations. We are members of the European youth Forum, Islamic Conference Youth Forum. The AMOR organization chaired by head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s Russia Office Leyla Aliyeva exists. This organization plays great role in raising world community’s awareness about Azerbaijan truths.
Q: How do you evaluate political activity of Azerbaijani youth?
A: We have enough young MPs. In comparison with other countries, their representation is high. There were many young candidates to the municipalities. There is no state or NGO which does not have youngsters.
Q: Young people are the majority of sportsmen. Can our youth worthily represent Azerbaijan?
A: The athletes constitute the major part of the youth movement. Every youngster must be healthy. Professional athletes do everything possible to raise Azerbaijani flag. The increase in number of international competitions in Azerbaijan, successful Olympic results stress the importance of existence of professional athletes among youth.
Q: What can you say about the activity of the Baku city Youth and Sport Central Department? What kind of projects do you have with respect to the February 2 Youth Day?
A: The department is under the Ministry of Sport and Youth and Baku Mayor`s Office. We prepare the action plan every year. We implemented new projects last year. We closely cooperated with the Ministry of Justice`s penitentiary service in order to facilitate the return of young prisoners to normal life in the society. We have signed bilateral contracts with respective structures in other countries. As to projects concerning Youth Day, we are holding respective events.