Azerbaijan’s Development Strategy and Future Tasks: Discussion Held at the “Dendrology Garden” Public Legal Entity

A discussion was held at the “Dendrology Garden” Public Legal Entity (PLE) which operates under the authority of the head of the  Executive Power of Baku City regarding the programmatic ideas and strategic goals articulated by President Ilham Aliyev at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP).
In make a speech, Samira Baghirova, Deputy Chair of the Management Board of the “Dendrology Garden” PLE, a PhD in Biology and Associate Professor, emphasized the significance of the strategic goals set by President Ilham Aliyev at the 8th NAP Congress for strengthening statehood and safeguarding national interests. She noted that the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity stands as a historic achievement; currently, the “Great Return” program is being successfully implemented in the liberated territories, with hundreds of families having returned to and settled in their native lands.
Highlighting that family members of martyrs and war veterans are employed at the “Dendrology Garden” PLE, S.Baghirova noted that they serve as a constant reminder to society of the sacrifices made by our heroes—who gave their lives for the Motherland and by our warriors who sustained injuries in the line of duty. According to her, Azerbaijan’s approximately 200-year-old tradition of secular education and enlightenment is one of the foundations for the significant achievements the country has attained in the fields of science, culture, and social development. She emphasized the importance of protecting today’s youth from the influence of alien ideologies and misinformation, fostering scientific thinking, and preserving national and moral values. Samira Baghirova stated that the principles of secularism, social equality, freedom of conscience, and the rule of law must be upheld in schools, and that a healthy environment must be created to ensure every child receives a quality education.
Kamran Mustafayev, a representative of the Khazar District organization of the New Azerbaijan Party who attended the event, reviewed Azerbaijan’s recent history, noting that in the early 1990s, the country faced a profound political, economic, and social crisis. He explained that during this period, national statehood was under serious threat, separatist tendencies intensified, a portion of the country’s territory was occupied, and a population of one million refugees emerged. K.Mustafayev emphasized that following the return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to power, significant steps were taken to ensure political stability, strengthen the traditions of statehood, and formulate a strategy for sustainable development in the country. According to him, the signing of the "Contract of the Century" laid the foundation for Azerbaijan's economic development, while measures implemented in the sphere of army building served to strengthen the nation's defensive power. In subsequent years, large-scale reforms were carried out in the economy, healthcare, and other sectors; contemporary hospitals were constructed, and the material-technical infrastructure of medical institutions was upgraded.
Referring to Ilham Aliyev’s address at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), the speaker noted that Azerbaijan achieved a historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War by relying on its own strength and capabilities. He stated that this victory—a consequence of national unity, the will of the people, and an independent policy, also served to further demonstrate the vital importance of continuously enhancing the country's defense capabilities. Staff members of the "Dendrology Garden" Public Legal Entity, speaking at the event, emphasized the importance of strengthening the fight against alien ideological influences in the contemporary era, as well as safeguarding national interests and the values ​​of statehood. It was noted that following the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, one of the key tasks facing society is the preservation of national consciousness, the principles of secular statehood, and a sound public mindset. It was pointed out that certain forces attempt to influence public opinion and propagate alien ideologies by exploiting people's religious sentiments and emotions. Under these circumstances, it is of particular importance to enhance public awareness, defend the younger generation from manipulation, and promote a scientific worldview alongside traditions of secular education. The speakers expressed their support for President Ilham Aliyev’s calls regarding statehood and national interests, underscoring the necessity of remaining committed to Azerbaijan’s traditions of enlightenment, democratic values, and its path of secular progress.