A conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences was held on November 3.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

First, the head of state met with members of the Academy’s Presidium and foreign guests participating in the conference.

President Ilham Aliyev then delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Dear guests,

Dear scientists,

I sincerely congratulate you on the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences and wish the Academy every success in its future activities. I am confident that the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and Azerbaijani scientists will continue to contribute to the successful development of our country.

The Academy has come a long way over 80 years and has played a leading role in the development of science in Azerbaijan. Although we lived under different public and political systems over these years, Azerbaijan has always paid great attention to the development of its science. It is no secret that National Leader Heydar Aliyev never spared effort to support Azerbaijani scientists. Back in the 1970s, the activities of the Academy were enhanced under his leadership: several new research institutions were set up, and major funds were allocated for the development of science.

This farsighted policy has continued throughout the years of independence. It was at the initiative of our National Leader that, beginning in the 1970s, hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijani youth were sent to leading universities across the Soviet Union, thereby greatly enhancing our nation’s intellectual potential. We are proudly carrying forward this very policy today. At present, tens of thousands of young Azerbaijanis are pursuing their education at the world’s foremost universities. The vast majority of them return to their homeland upon completing their studies, bringing with them knowledge, experience, and dedication - and thus making an invaluable contribution to the progress and prosperity of our country.

The first years of independence were very difficult and tragic. At that time, it was Heydar Aliyev's determination, resolve, and devotion to the nation that saved us from even greater misfortunes. It is quite indicative that his first meeting with the Azerbaijani intellectuals and the Azerbaijani public after his return to power took place at the National Academy of Sciences in 1993. Thus, he once again openly declared the priorities of independent Azerbaijan - a renewed Azerbaijan. It is also true that our financial capabilities were very limited, almost non-existent at the time. The treasury was empty. Azerbaijan was facing a major humanitarian disaster: more than a million refugees and internally displaced persons, the occupation of our lands, and profound economic and financial difficulties. Despite this, funds were still allocated for the Academy to operate, for preserving the Academy, and for the activities of scientists.

Of course, as Azerbaijan has advanced over the years, the scale of these allocations has also grown. In the past decade alone, funding for Azerbaijani science has more than doubled. Throughout my presidency, consistent attention has been devoted to advancing national science in line with the policy set forth by the National Leader. A lot has been done. The material and technical infrastructure of the Academy has been significantly strengthened, and the buildings across its campus have been renovated. Institutions unrelated to scientific activity that had occupied part of the Academy’s premises have been relocated. A large new library has been established, and a dedicated building has been constructed for the National Encyclopedia. As I mentioned earlier, research institutes have also been renovated and equipped with modern facilities.

The Science Fund was established in 2009 with the primary goal of providing financial support to Azerbaijani scientists and giving new impetus to the development of science through grants. The National Strategy for the Development of Science, the Law “On Science,” and the State Program have all been adopted. In fact, listing all the work accomplished in this field would take quite some time. I would simply note that, as in every other area, Heydar Aliyev’s policy in this direction continues to live on and is being further enriched with new substance.

Ten years ago, on the 70th anniversary of the Academy, I addressed scientists in this very auditorium and outlined my commitment to supporting the development of science, along with all other key priorities for the country’s progress over the next decade. Today, I would like to share some of my reflections with you, as the past ten years have brought profound changes both in the world and in Azerbaijan.

The global economy has undergone major transformations, political dynamics have shifted, wars and armed conflicts have taken place, and we are witnessing clear violations of international law and the erosion of established norms. As for Azerbaijan, the past ten years have been full of development and victories for us. Our top priorities - the liberation of our lands, the restoration of our territorial integrity, the restoration of our sovereignty - have been fully secured. Today, Azerbaijan is the sovereign owner of all its lands. There are no occupying forces on our territory. There are no foreign military units on our territory. Today, we are the ones building and creating on these lands. In just a few days, we will mark the fifth anniversary of our glorious Victory. Over the past five years, numerous wars, clashes, and conflicts have broken out around the world — and, as scientists know well, everything is ultimately measured by comparison. I can confidently say that no other country has achieved a victory as decisive, comprehensive, and resounding as ours.

Azerbaijan is now living in an entirely new reality, and of course, we must not only keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in an increasingly volatile world, but also take the initiative ourselves. Accordingly, the tasks before us continue to evolve over the years. The priorities that define our current stage of development, as well as our future directions, naturally differ from those of previous periods.

It is no secret that the development and, at the same time, the security of each country today are determined by the technological capabilities of that country. Today, we see this in economic development, in the application of new technologies, and in the conduct of modern wars. Therefore, technological development should be our top priority. Of course, a great responsibility rests on Azerbaijani scientists here. Naturally, a great responsibility also rests on the Azerbaijani state to ensure that we apply this technological development to all areas of life so that our development is sustainable.

Everyone can see that a country’s development today is determined not by its natural resources alone, but by the intellectual capacity of its people, technological progress, and scientific advancement. In other words, natural resources are simply a means for us - an opportunity to channel the funds we receive from the export of natural resources into human capital and technological development, so that our development is sustainable in the future. Everyone knows perfectly well that natural resources are exhaustible; they will run out sooner or later. Intellectual potential is an inexhaustible resource, but only if it is invested in. The state should invest in it. The country's scientific community and scientists should make their efforts in this direction. Therefore, one of the top priorities today is technological development.

Artificial Intelligence: ten years ago, no one was talking about that. Today, it is already an integral part of the future development of countries. We should not lag behind here. Therefore, the state is taking the necessary steps. We always follow the mainstream. Therefore, the development of artificial intelligence in Azerbaijan and its integration into everyday life, the economy, and technological progress are already a reality. Of course, we expect Azerbaijani scientists to play an active role in this process.

The successes achieved as a result of other reforms carried out in this direction are related to digitalization. We are implementing large-scale digitalization in our country and are seeing its benefits. Perhaps the broader public does not follow this closely, but we see that in areas where digitalization has taken place, the quality of work is already improving, efficiency is increasing, and better results are being achieved. That is why it is no coincidence that some time ago, in our government structure, one of the relevant ministries was renamed the “Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.” Further steps are being taken in this direction. I encourage Azerbaijani scientists to be active here too.

Another important area is cybersecurity. Cyberattacks have become widespread in the world. Azerbaijan has also come under these attacks this year, and the establishment of the Cybersecurity Center was a well-timed step. We are working with international partners and companies with extensive experience in this field on very large programs so that we can protect and defend ourselves to the maximum extent. Because cybersecurity is not virtual security; it is the physical security of each country.

Today, the rules of warfare are changing, the sources of threats are evolving, and the world itself is changing. Therefore, if proper attention is not paid to this area, no other defense options can protect us from major problems. Thus, both the government and the scientific community of Azerbaijan should work on cybersecurity together. Of course, at the same time, countries, parties, or organizations that are behind cyberattacks against us should not go unpunished. We must both defend ourselves and give a worthy response to those who seek to harm us.

As you know, the defense industry in Azerbaijan is developing fast. For many years now, major funds have been allocated to this area, and the activities of companies operating in this sector are improving. In addition, we have recently opened this area to the private sector. After all, the military products of the most successful nations are increasingly produced by private companies. This is why we have involved the private sector by issuing licenses. I have also called on them, and private companies have already launched the production of military products today.

I can say that this process is still at an early stage, but many Azerbaijani companies will be manufacturing world-class military products in the near future. The government is also working in this direction. We are already expanding our military capabilities to a large extent through local production. We export military products to a number of countries. The task has been set to create a major industrial cluster in this sector in order to meet both domestic demand and export. This is a very promising field, and given that, unfortunately, wars are breaking out across the world today and show no sign of ceasing, the demand for military products will remain high in the future. That is why we are working actively in this direction. I would like to once again invite our public and private companies, as well as Azerbaijani scientists, to take part in this work.

Our glorious Patriotic War: as you may know, every stage and every day of it has been studied, is being studied, and is being researched by many international military schools, including the application of unmanned aerial vehicles. We were among the first to deploy them in combat. Today, it is impossible to imagine modern warfare without UAVs. In other words, we laid the foundation for this work, and much is being done in Azerbaijan in this direction. We continue to procure such products from foreign markets while also producing various types of unmanned aerial vehicles domestically. This process will continue. Naturally, this opens up a broad field of activity for Azerbaijan’s scientific community.

I would like to state in general terms that science should be closely connected with the economy and industry. From this podium, I would also like to instruct government agencies to work more closely with Azerbaijani scientists.

Because our science must yield practical results these days. Not only in terms of research, but also in real life and, taking into account the rapid development of the economy, of course, there should be a high level of coordination and alignment here. I am sure that after these words, our state entities will engage more closely with Azerbaijani scientists.

Our economic indicators are very positive. True, GDP growth is modest. The main reason for that is the decline in oil production for objective reasons. However, the leading driving force of our economy today is the non-oil sector. It accounts for the greater part of our overall economy. Today, the world's leading rating agencies - two leading international rating agencies - have upgraded our credit rating, raising it to an investment-grade level. This, of course, is a manifestation of the economic reforms underway in our country. Because our economy today is healthy. We do not depend on anyone. Economic independence, of course, strengthens our political independence. Our foreign debt is at a very low level. It is no secret that foreign debt in many developed countries accounts for one hundred percent of their gross domestic product, perhaps even more. In our case, it is only just above 6 percent. Our foreign exchange reserves are growing year after year. This year, they have also increased significantly, exceeding $80 billion. Our foreign exchange reserves are 16 times greater than our foreign debt. If we wished, we could fully repay our external debt within just a few months. In other words, Azerbaijan today is among global leaders according to this indicator. Of course, economic and financial stability enables us to implement large-scale investment projects. Today, the main focus of these investments is Garabagh and East Zangezur, where unprecedented work is underway. The Azerbaijani public is regularly informed about this progress, and many of our citizens have already visited the liberated territories. Many have been there a number of times and can see the ongoing development with their own eyes.

In other words, our strong economy gives us both confidence and enables the rapid restoration of liberated lands. It also enables the creation of a robust military potential. I want to repeat that global rules have completely changed. Quite a number of international organizations are effectively paralyzed. Their decisions are not implemented. Just as the four resolutions of the UN Security Council remained unimplemented for 30 years. If we had not liberated our lands by military means, they would have remained unenforced for another hundred years. The authority of international organizations has declined significantly. Today, power is the leading factor in the world. This is the reality of today’s world, and under such circumstances, security, defense potential, and military capability become key priorities. Of course, none of this can be achieved without a strong economy and sufficient financial resources.

Today, renewable energy is a key new area. In this field as well, Azerbaijan is among the frontrunners. Renewable energy projects implemented in Azerbaijan today are very large-scale. In Garabagh and East Zangezur alone, more than 30 hydroelectric power stations have been built over the past five years. Their combined generation capacity exceeds 300 megawatts. Construction of solar and wind power stations is underway. Recently, the foundation of two 100-megawatt stations was laid in Jabrayil district. A third solar power station with a capacity of 240 megawatts is under construction next to those stations. In total, by 2030, the combined generation capacity of solar, wind, and hydroelectric plants is expected to reach 6,000 megawatts. This represents a major industrial sector — a new stage in the development of our industry. I encourage Azerbaijani scientists to be active here as well.

Geological exploration is of tremendous importance, especially in Garabagh and East Zangezur. This area was not properly studied in the Soviet era, but even if it had been studied, it was still impossible to do it fully with the technologies of that time. At present, satellite research and sounding are carried out using modern technologies. In many cases, the unconventional discovery of natural resources, including oil fields, is possible without physically accessing the area. Therefore, on my instructions, major geological work has underway in Garabagh and East Zangezur for several months now. I urge Azerbaijani scientists to contribute to this work. I am also instructing state bodies to do this. I believe that some very good news will emerge in the next few months. We are rich in natural resources — gold, silver, copper, and other polymetallic minerals. Their discovery, exploration and development will bring substantial benefits and lead to the creation of a large number of jobs in Garabagh and East Zangezur regions.

Of course, when we talk about Garabagh and East Zangezur, we should also speak about the history of Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, our rich history has long been distorted by Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. The campaign of propaganda against us does not stop even today. Therefore, we must counter this with our own truth. I spoke about this ten years ago, at the 70th anniversary of the Academy. I want to talk about this today too. We must study and promote our history. Azerbaijani citizens, Azerbaijani youth should know our rich history. They should know that the history of the Azerbaijani people, the history of our statehood and the ability of our people to build and create have a centuries-old history. The Azerbaijani people have lived and continue to live across a vast geography. Suffice it to say that the Azerbaijanis live everywhere beyond our borders. They also lived in Armenia, but were driven out of there. But I am sure that they will live there again. Because we can see across our borders with all neighboring countries that the Azerbaijanis live in their ancient historical lands and are worthy citizens of their countries. Azerbaijanis have never been afflicted with the disease of separatism. Our people have contributed to the statehood of the countries they live in. And today, Azerbaijanis do not create and will never create problems for any state or its people. Therefore, the return of Azerbaijanis to the present-day Armenia should not intimidate the people or the state of Armenia. I said this some time ago as well. We must return to our historical lands - not in tanks, but in automobiles.

To do this, of course, the main responsibility rests on the state. I am aware that public organizations and also Azerbaijani scientists have published a number of research papers on this subject. Their number should be increased - research works, exhibitions, presentations and historical maps should be published. It is enough to look at early-20th-century maps published by Tsarist Russia to see that the overwhelming majority of toponyms in what is now Armenia are of Azerbaijani origin. There was no lake Sevan on those maps. There is Lake Goycha on those maps, along with all other Azerbaijani historical toponyms we use.

We did not compile those maps for anyone to say that we are committing fraud. This was done by Tsarist Russia, the very Tsarist Russia that once brought Armenians from Iran and Eastern Anatolia and settled them in Garabagh lands to alter the ethnic and religious composition there. In other words, these maps are based on pure historical truth. Therefore, we must promote and study this. More research works, even small booklets should be prepared so that both Azerbaijani youth and the world community can know their history well and, at the same time, for our return to present-day Armenia to sound completely logical and fair.

Therefore, additional steps need to be taken regarding the history of Azerbaijan. In general, there is a strong need for authoritative research on the history of independent Azerbaijan. Our country has been sovereign for more than 30 years, and never before in the centuries-long history of Azerbaijani statehood has it been as strong as it is today. Therefore, much more work is needed to study and promote the history of independent Azerbaijan.

Ten years ago, I also spoke about the Azerbaijani language from this podium, expressing my concern. I can say that the necessary steps have been taken in this direction over the past 10 years. However, I would not be entirely sincere if I said that I was completely satisfied with the situation. The Azerbaijani language is a very rich one. The Azerbaijani language today is the mother tongue for more than 50 million people. However, we, the independent Azerbaijani state, are the guardians of the pure and literary Azerbaijani language. I regularly monitor the situation in different regions where Azerbaijanis live, keep it in focus, and take all necessary measures. I see that our literary language in some places is getting lost among Azerbaijanis living in other countries. It is used more as a household language and is full of foreign words. But if we do not protect our language, if we do not keep our language clean and pure, then we can eventually lose it. For every nation, the mother tongue is the core of national identity, and all public figures and society as a whole must act in unity to protect it. Our language is ancient and rich - the mother tongue of over 50 million people - and needs no foreign borrowings. True, there is an international lexicon, and we all use it. But if there is an original word in the Azerbaijani language, why replace it with a word from another language? This is either a mistake or a provocation. Both are unacceptable.

The preservation of the purity of the Azerbaijani language should be the duty of every Azerbaijani citizen. In other words, the government, scientists, linguists, writers, poets, journalists and those involved in politics should pay great attention to this. Let me repeat that I raised this issue 10 years ago because I was concerned. In the past ten years, necessary measures have been taken to protect our language from foreign words. But I can still hear that here and there – on television, in the media, and in some speeches. There is no need for that. In other words, if we, as a people, as a nation, do not protect our language, our national identity may gradually be undermined. I am sure that my words will reach out to everyone. I will personally continue to address this issue, monitor it closely, and take the necessary measures. I also call on Azerbaijani scientists to share their views and contribute their support in this regard.

As I mentioned, in a few days we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of our historic Victory. A military parade will be held. Victory Parade was also held five years ago, in December 2020. In 2023, a military parade was held in Khankendi, after Azerbaijan's sovereignty had been fully restored. The upcoming military parade in Azadlig Square is a significant and proud occasion for all of us. The Azerbaijani people will forever take pride in this Glorious Victory.

I congratulate you and all the Azerbaijani people on the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences, as well as on the upcoming Flag Day and Victory Day. I wish you good health and continued success. Thank you.