The State Committee for Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan is continuing its unique, internationally significant project — the Diaspora Youth Summer Camps, which is shaping a new model of cooperation in the history of global diasporas. The opening ceremony of the 7th Diaspora Youth Summer Camp, jointly organized by the State Committee and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was held this year in Zangilan, one of the picturesque areas of Eastern Zangazur.
The ceremony began with the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan and a tribute to the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of the country, News Cover reports, citing Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora.
Short films about the ongoing reconstruction and development efforts in Zangilan, as well as the history of the Diaspora Youth Summer Camps in Azerbaijan — described as a unique project in the history of global diasporas — were met with great interest.
“The Diaspora Youth Summer Camps are among the unique and prestigious projects in the history of global diasporas. The diaspora policy pursued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev ensures the sustainability of this important project, and your presence in Karabakh today is a very important achievement. From now on, our main goal is to build the unity of the global Azerbaijani community, and you should be among the most active members of this unity,” Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov said in his address.
Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts of the Eastern Zangazur economic region; Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Lachin; Elvin Aslanov, a representative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Musa Gasimli, Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis; Farid Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Culture; and Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University, spoke about the innovative project's contribution to strengthening the unity of Azerbaijani communities abroad and rejuvenating the diaspora, as well as highlighting the importance of holding the camp for several years in territories liberated from occupation.
The event continued with an artistic programme.
It should be noted that the 7th Diaspora Youth Summer Camp, held in Eastern Zangazur under the slogan “Reviving Cities” as part of the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture,” is attended by 123 diaspora youth and foreign nationals who support Azerbaijan from 64 countries.
The Diaspora Youth Summer Camps, considered one of the innovative projects and rare initiatives in the history of global diasporas, have been held since 2018. To date, the camps have taken place in the cities of Shaki, Shamakhi, Shusha, Nakhchivan, Lachin and Khankendi. More than 700 diaspora youth and representatives of communities who support Azerbaijan from 84 countries have participated in the project overall.
The project strengthens the ties of young Azerbaijanis living abroad with their historical homeland, increases their interest in national identity and spiritual values, promotes joint initiatives and contributes to the creation of long-term cooperation platforms.
