Azerbaijan is living through the proudest and most successful period of its modern history. The path our country has taken in recent years is marked not only by economic growth and social welfare, but also by scientific progress, technological innovation, loyalty to national values, and military-political triumph. Under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the last decade has gone down in history as the Golden Era of our national statehood.

In his address dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that science and education are the strategic pillars of national development.

The modernization of the education and science system, the promotion of innovative thinking among youth, and the advancement of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and information technologies all aim to build the future of the country on a strong scientific foundation.

Strengthening the technical base of schools, establishing new laboratories, and increasing support mechanisms for scientists and young researchers are directly connected to the President’s principle that “science is the foundation of the state.”

In this direction, the Law on Science, structural reforms in the Ministry of Science and Education, and the modernization of research institutions have ensured Azerbaijan’s intellectual progress.

Today, Azerbaijani science is continuing along the logical path of development set by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

The visionary steps taken in the early years of independence are now being continued by President Ilham Aliyev through the renewal of science in line with modern global challenges.

State programs such as the Azerbaijan Science Foundation, the National Strategy for Scientific Development, the financing of innovation projects, and the improvement of research facilities reflect the consistency of this policy.

As the President has noted, in the last decade, funding for science has more than doubled — a clear indicator of the state’s genuine appreciation for science.

Modern reality shows that a country without technological capability cannot remain truly independent.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that today, the defining factor in a nation’s development is its intellectual and technological potential.

Azerbaijan has already become a regional leader in artificial intelligence, space technology, digital economy, and renewable energy.

The launch of the Azersky and Azerspace satellites, the establishment of green energy zones, and the construction of hydroelectric and solar power plants in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur demonstrate that Azerbaijan’s future is built upon technology and environmental sustainability.

This policy has become a key mechanism ensuring both economic resilience and national security.

Today, Karabakh is not only a symbol of liberation and heroism but also transforming into a center of scientific research, industry, and innovation.

As President Ilham Aliyev has underlined, conducting geological studies, exploring natural resources on a scientific basis, and establishing industrial clusters will accelerate the economic revival of Karabakh.

This process carries not only economic but also strategic significance — the creation of technological production and research bases in Karabakh contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s defense industry.

At the same time, it symbolizes the rebirth and intellectual renaissance of the liberated territories.

President Ilham Aliyev rightly pointed out that for 30 years, Azerbaijan endured the violation of international law with patience and calls for justice, yet true justice was restored only in the Patriotic War — in the 44-Day Victory.

Under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Azerbaijani Army liberated our lands, demonstrating to the world that justice ultimately prevails.

This victory — the 8 November Victory — is the brilliant result of national unity, military heroism, and strong political will.

On November 8, 2020, with the liberation of Shusha, the Azerbaijani people restored historical justice.

Today, Victory Day has been celebrated at the state level for five years with deep respect and great solemnity.

The Victory Parade held at Freedom Square once again showcases the strength of our Army, the power of our State, and the unity of our Nation.

President Ilham Aliyev’s historic words on December 10, 2020, remain engraved in every Azerbaijani’s memory:

“This is the Victory Parade. The day will come when the Azerbaijani flag raised on the liberated lands will be brought to Freedom Square — and that day has come.”

One of the main pillars of Azerbaijan’s national identity is its mother tongue.

President Ilham Aliyev’s decrees and orders aimed at protecting the purity of the Azerbaijani language and strengthening national identity against globalization pressures reflect the great importance given to this issue at the state level.

In the words of the President:

“The Azerbaijani language is a very rich language, and its guardian is the independent Azerbaijani state.”

As a result of this policy, a comprehensive state concept has been formed in the fields of language, culture, and national identity.

The last decade has been a magnificent era of progress for Azerbaijan in science, economy, culture, defense, and national identity.

Through the unity of our people, the far-sighted policy of President Ilham Aliyev, and the heroism of our Army, Azerbaijan has become a strong, proud, and victorious state.

Victory Day – November 8 will forever remain as the pinnacle of this historic journey — a triumph of will, power, and justice.

Bayram Khudayarov

Researcher at the Physics Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education, Founder and admin of the Facebook group “Followers of the Heydar Aliyev School”

Active member of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP)