The Azerbaijani state attaches special importance to strengthening ties with young Azerbaijanis living abroad and further reinforcing their commitment to national and spiritual values, as well as their connection to the Motherland. The Summer Camps of Diaspora Youth, co-organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, have become a long-standing tradition and are among the key initiatives serving these important objectives.

The 7th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth dedicated to the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” was held from August 2 to 8 under the motto “Reviving Cities” in East Zangezur. The camp was attended by 123 Azerbaijani youth, as well as young representatives of nations friendly toward Azerbaijan from 64 countries.

First, the participants visited the grave of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijani people, at the Alley of Honour, paid deep respect to the memory of the Great Leader, and laid a wreath at his grave.

Then, they visited the First and Second Alleys of Martyrs, paid tribute to the memory of the heroes of the Motherland who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity.

The opening ceremony of the 7th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth was held in Zangilan, a charming area of East Zangezur. Short films featured the restoration and reconstruction work underway in the Zangilan district, as well as the history of the Summer Camps of Diaspora Youth—a unique initiative in the history of the global diaspora—were received with great interest.

“The Summer Camps of Diaspora Youth are among the most unique and prestigious projects in the history of the global diaspora. The diaspora policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev ensures the continuity of this important initiative, and your presence in Karabakh today is a significant achievement. Our main goal from now on is to strengthen the unity of the global Azerbaijani community, and you should be among the most active members of this unity,” said Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, during his speech.

Vahid Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Gubadli, Jabrayil, and Zangilan districts of the East Zangezur Economic Region; Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the President in the Lachin district; Elvin Aslanov, 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 contributions of this innovative project involving diaspora youth to strengthening the unity of Azerbaijani communities abroad and rejuvenating the diaspora. They also highlighted the significance of holding the camp for several consecutive years in the territories liberated from occupation.

During the artistic portion of the opening ceremony, the concert program, accompanied by the instrumental ensemble of the “Simurgh” Mugham Ensemble, left lasting impressions on young people.

Then, the participants were provided information about the activities of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora under it. Elshad Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, spoke about establishment of the Committee, its main duties, and strategic goals set by the institution. He stated that the diaspora policy established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev has been successfully and consistently continued under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, resulting in significant achievements in the field of diaspora building and development.

Akram Abdullayev, Executive Director of the Fund for Support to Azerbaijani Diaspora noted that the Foundation supports projects implemented by Azerbaijani communities and diaspora organizations abroad, while also providing social assistance to organizations and individuals.

The meeting between the heads of Azerbaijan Houses operating abroad and the participants of the 7th Summer Camp of Diaspora Youth once again demonstrated the significant role that Azerbaijan Houses play in promoting our country on the international stage.

In addition, the classes organized to further strengthen the participants’ knowledge of their mother tongue attracted considerable interest and made a valuable contribution to the development of their language skills. During the interactive training sessions, group discussions based on practical examples were held, and the participants’ numerous questions were answered.

Throughout the camp, a chess tournament, the Brain Ring intellectual competition, and various team contests were organized to ensure the meaningful use of the participants’ free time. The events were held in a highly competitive atmosphere, and the winners were awarded prizes at the conclusion of the competitions.

As part of the program, a presentation by world-renowned photojournalist Reza Deghati, featuring photographs he had captured over many years in different regions of the world, left a deep impression on the young members of the diaspora. The participants expressed their gratitude to Reza Deghati for his valuable contributions to promoting the truth about Azerbaijan, preserving the historical memory of the Azerbaijani people, and introducing the nation’s rich cultural heritage to the international community.

The presentation of the documentary film “The Creator”, written by journalist Ayaz Mirzayev, Head of Public Union at Azerbaijan Journalists' Network, also attracted great interest from the camp participants. Additionally, Professor Solmaz Tohidi, Doctor of Historical Sciences spoke about Azerbaijani students who studied at prestigious European higher education institutions from the second half of the 19th century to the mid-20th century during her lecture titled “Azerbaijani Students at European Universities: A 100-Year History (1850–1950)”.

One of the most moving and emotional moments of the camp was the meeting titled “Those Who Sustained the Victory, Those Who Shape the Future” between the participants, the families of martyrs, and the liberators of Karabakh. The heartfelt speeches delivered by the family members of the martyrs and the heroic veterans left a deep impression on the young participants, inspiring a deep sense of pride and patriotism. During the most emotional moments of the event, many participants were unable to hold back their tears.

The visit of diaspora youth to Shusha and Khankendi left lasting impressions. The young participants visited Jidir Duzu, the Yukhari (Upper) Govhar Agha Mosque, the bullet-riddled statues, the historic Ganja Gate of the Shusha Fortress, the House of prominent Azerbaijani poet Khurshidbanu Natavan, and "Khan gizi" spring. They were provided with detailed information about the history of Shusha, the city’s rich cultural heritage, and the acts of vandalism committed against Azerbaijani monuments during the years of occupation. The large-scale restoration and reconstruction projects underway in the city were met with great interest and admiration.

The camp participants then visited Victory Park in Khankendi, which commemorates Azerbaijan’s historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War. They were informed about the city’s history, its current state, social and cultural life, as well as the ongoing reconstruction and development efforts in the region.

A visit to Karabakh University—established with the aim of contributing to the advancement of science and education in the liberated territories and strengthening the region’s intellectual potential—became one of the most memorable highlights of the camp for the young members of the diaspora.

A panel discussion on “Azerbaijan’s Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy,” moderated by Vagif Seyidbayov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, featured Vilayat Guliyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Anar Huseynov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Albania. Responding to questions from the young participants about the changes in Azerbaijan’s diplomatic activities following the liberation of Karabakh, the ambassadors noted that the historic Victory had defined new directions and priorities in their diplomatic agenda. The participants emphasized that such meetings of historical and political significance had provided them with a deeper understanding of the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

In addition, during a meeting held under the theme “The Joy of Being Together” between members of the Azerbaijani Diaspora Youth (ADY) organization and the camp participants, numerous questions of interest to the young people were answered, their ideas and suggestions were heard, and valuable experiences gained in different countries were shared.

A meeting with Azerbaijan’s distinguished cultural and artistic figures, moderated by Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, held special significance within the camp program. People's Artist Jahangir Novruzov; People's Artist, theatre and film actor Fakhraddin Manafov; Honoured Art Worker and composer Javanshir Guliyev; People's Artist and conductor Yalchin Adigozalov; and People's Artist Mehriban Zaki expressed their pleasure at meeting with young members of the Azerbaijani diaspora from different parts of the world. They emphasized that Azerbaijan’s current development and historic achievements are a source of pride for every compatriot. The young participants addressed numerous questions to the cultural figures and learned more about their creative careers, contributions to Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage, and the works that have left a lasting mark on the nation’s collective memory.

At the closing ceremony of the 7th Diaspora Youth Summer Camp, Elshad Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and Chairman of the Camp Organizing Committee, noted that this remarkable event had been successfully concluded and expressed his gratitude to all institutions that contributed to the organization and implementation of the camp.

During the ceremony, an extensive video presentation featuring the lasting moments of the camp was screened. Performances by the camp’s international participants featuring Azerbaijani bayatis (traditional folk verses) and national dances, as well as a recitation of the poem “Azerbaijan” by the young participants, were met with prolonged applause.

Leaving East Zangezur with lasting memories and deep impressions, the camp participants expressed their great joy at visiting their homeland and noted that the camp had left an unforgettable mark on their lives. They conveyed their gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for creating such an opportunity and expressed their hope that the project would continue for many years to come.

Perhaps the most powerful message of the camp was this: “Distance from the homeland is a geographical concept, but belonging is measured by the heart.” The gathering of 123 young people from 64 countries in Karabakh once again demonstrated the strength of this bond.

It should be noted that previous Summer Camps of Diaspora Youth were held in the cities of Sheki, Shamakhi, Shusha, Nakhchivan, Lachin, and Khankandi, bringing together more than 700 young participants from 84 countries around the world.