On April 12, the second session was held on the theme of “Energy and Ecological Values of the Global Economy on the Way Leading to Stable Development” and “Role of Civil Institutions (business and media unions) in the Development of International Relations” within the 1st World Forum of Graduates of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations.
Azerbaijan’s First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice-president of the Foundation, Chairperson of the Azerbaijani Graduates of MSIIR Association Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.
Leyla Aliyeva addressed the ceremony.
Address by Leyla Aliyeva:
- Esteemed Guests, dear Friends!
I would, first of all, like to welcome you all to Azerbaijan. I’m very pleased to see you in sunny Baku. As a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, I’m very pleased that the first World Forum of Graduates of this higher school is held in Azerbaijan. Our country has always been famous for its hospitality. Located historically at the crosspoint of the East and West, Azerbaijan has always incorporated different cultures, traditions and civilizations. Notions like tolerance and friendship are not just common words for us, they mean our lifestyle. It is by no chance that you can see in Baku Christian churches and Jewish synagogues along with Muslim mosques. Lately Baku has become a venue to hold international forums and meetings. We, of course, very much respect our roots and traditions, and treat them with care. At the same time, we show deep respect for the diversity of the world culture. The great Russian culture is very much liked in our country. Studying the Russian language in our schools has been maintained in full capacity. The Moscow State University has its branch in Baku, the Baku Slavic University and the Russian Drama Theatre are functioning here. Joint history and friendly and kind neighbourhood relations formed during the period of independence are connecting us. Today’s forum once more attests to it.
Dear Friends, the subject of our panel, i.e. environmental call of the modern world is an issue concerning every human being living on this planet Earth. It is obvious that everything in the world is interconnected and the world economy is inseparably connected with environmental challenges. We have repeatedly heard and discussed the likelihood of global environmental disaster in future. In my opinion, just for this reason, the environment issues should be talked more openly, and maybe discussion of this issue should start from schools.
The IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) international campaign started two years ago by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to protect the environment. This campaign mainly works with youth. We are trying to find creative approach for our projects. Apparently, today the IDEA campaign is the most active one dealing with protection of the environment. Recently we have signed an agreement with WWF Russia. We have many joint projects. We have developed projects on protecting the Caucasian bison, planting trees and building nests for birds. Moreover, we have been working on signing a similar agreement with Turkish WWF.
Protection of endangered animal species is a priority issue in our campaign’s work. For this purpose, IDEA has defined its Great Five of the Caucasus. Five animal species – leopard, wolf, gazelle, eagle and bear – ahave been included in this list. Of course, protection of these animals is of paramount importance. Using this opportunity, I would like to inform you of a very pleasant event. Recently the Caucasian leopard was spotted in Azerbaijan. This is a very rare animal species, and Azerbaijan is the only country in Europe, where this animal exists in a natural habitat. Therefore, we will work on projects to preserve this animal and, of course, other animal species.
The IDEA campaign has been holding trainings and seminars in Baku and the regions on the theme of “Protection of Environment”. There are various study rooms for environment issues at a series of higher schools of Azerbaijan, and we have been working on printing a teaching aid on protection of the environment. I’m hopeful lessons will be held at all schools of our country on the theme of “Protection of Environment”. Last year, a “Green Week” was held by the IDEA campaign in Baku jointly with UN Environment Program.
Dear Friends, using this forum, I would like to note that our activity is not limited to only our geographical location. We invite young people from various countries to join and support our projects, as well as share their ideas and plans with us. Of course, IDEA is a young organization and is, apparently, like a drop in an ocean on the the world scale. However, in our opinion, volume is not the most important aspect, every human being may make contribution to the protection of the environment and do a lot for our planet. Relying on my experience, I can say that it is especially pleasing to work with young people. Apparently, many of you know that the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AYOR) was founded 5 years ago. During these five years our organization could do a lot. We are trying to cover all areas of the youth life. This include also culture, education, public health, science, sport and, of course, environment. Today AYOR has about 70 regional sections. Almost all higher schools of Russia have Azerbaijani youth clubs. I would like to note that first such a club was established 7 years ago at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. I’m sure all our activity should just start from this.
Dear friends, thanks to this forum, we will extend our activity and find new like-minded persons. I would like to thank all of you for your attention. I’m very pleased to see all of you here and am hopeful you will have a chance to have a walk in this old city, and feel the aura of our boulevard and, of course, feel our hospitality. Thank you very much. My best wishes to you.