Farid Gayibov: Azerbaijan always prioritizes int'l youth cooperation

With young people making up about 22.5% of its population, Azerbaijan considers investment in youth one of the key priorities of state policy, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov stated, Report informs.

Gayibov shared this insight in his opening speech at the 9th meeting of the CICA Youth Council, held under Azerbaijan's 2024–2026 chairmanship of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA).

He noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has pursued consistent and comprehensive policies to expand youth participation in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, volunteering, sports, and international cooperation.

"Azerbaijan has always attached special importance to promoting international youth cooperation. Numerous international youth events and initiatives have been organized in the country to encourage dialogue, exchange of experience, and joint solutions to common challenges," Gayibov said.

The minister stressed that youth involvement is crucial in addressing global challenges. He highlighted that during COP29, young people actively engaged in discussions on climate action, green growth, and sustainable development. Similarly, the World Urban Forum has become an important platform for youth contributions to building more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities.

"This experience once again shows that young people must participate not only in implementing solutions but also in shaping and designing them," Gayibov added.