The 1st Forum of Azerbaijani Youth titled “The Next Generation Canadians” was held in Toronto, Canada, on the occasion of the February 2 – the Day of Azerbaijani Youth. The forum was organized by “Vatan” Azerbaijani Art and Culture Centre with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

The forum was attended by Vagif Seyidbayov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora,  Vusal Suleymanov, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Canada, members of the Parliament of Canada Ali Ehsassi, Roman Baber and Sima Acan, member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Andrea Hazell, Azerbaijani students from the universities of Toronto, Calgary, Alberta, Ottawa, Carleton, Western, York and Toronto Metropolitan of Canada, as well as successful young entrepreneurs from various fields.

Vagif Seyidbayov, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, emphasized that the forum serves as an important platform to network among Azerbaijani youth living in Canada, develop their leadership skills and preserve their national identity. He underscored that it would help young Azerbaijanis integrate into local society while strengthening their ties with Azerbaijan.

Lalin Hasanova, Head of the Azerbaijan house in Canada spoke about the importance of youth making effective use of opportunities offered by the Azerbaijani House. She also highlighted the need to preserve national identity and cultural heritage, as well as to represent Azerbaijan with dignity in their countries of residence.

At the forum, an official congratulatory letter sent by Stan Cho, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, was read aloud. The letter conveyed best wishes to the forum and the participating youth.

Other speakers discussed opportunities aimed at youth development and highly appreciated these initiatives that facilitate networking among our compatriots.

The forum continued with sessions and panels.

During a training session titled “Future-Makers: How Youth can Innovate, Lead and Communicate like Entrepreneurs”, trainer Parvin Abdullayeva shared her recommendations on fostering innovative thinking and leadership skills. Trainer Steve Elliot also delivered a workshop titled “Think Fast, Speak with Impact: Communication for Future Leaders” offering practical guidance on enhancing communication and presentation skills.

At the forum, in addition to the youth, Azerbaijani professors with academic experience at various universities in Canada, also gave a speech at the panels titled “Big Ideas, Real Stories: Insight from Successful Entrepreneurs”, “Learning, Earning and Growing: Between Classes and Careers”, and “Voices of Experience: Lessons You Won’t Find in Textbooks”, sharing their interesting and valuable experiences.

It should be noted that the main aim of organizing such forums on a regular basis is to strengthen the integration of Azerbaijani youth living abroad into the societies where they live, expand their networks, and contribute to the formation of a sustainable community among our compatriots.