A discussion on “The Role of Solidarity in the Revival of Karabakh” held with Baku State University Students

On November 11, a discussion on the topic of "The Role of Solidarity in the Revival of Karabakh" was held with the initiative of the Karabakh Revival Fund at Baku State University (BSU).

The discussion was attended by Rahman Hajiyev the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund, Elchin Babayev the Rector of Baku State University, Farhad Mammadov the Director of the South Caucasus Research Center, as well as the professorial staff of BSU and close to 500 students.

Opening the event with a speech, Elchin Babayev the Rector of Baku State University, spoke about the restoration and construction works carried out in the liberated territories. According to him, although the post-war recovery process is complex, Azerbaijan immediately began restoration and reconstruction works after the war.

The Rector emphasized the significant damage caused by the occupation, stating that the youth's active participation in the restoration process is essential.

Then, a video presentation titled "Urbicide in Karabakh," prepared based on the materials of "Karabakh.Center" internet resource (https://karabakh.center/en), where the idea author is First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, was presented.

Rahman Hajiyev the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund, gave a detailed presentation, providing information on the main directions of the KRF's activities, the work done, and the planned projects based on the Presidential Decree of January 4, 2021.

Highlighting the extensive damage caused by Armenians in the liberated territories, Rahman Hajiyev noted that the scale of the damage inflicted on our country as a result of the occupation exceeds the limit.

He stated that it is essential to show solidarity to eliminate the consequences of the damage as soon as possible and to turn Karabakh into a highly prosperous region. Joint steps can both reduce the burden on the state in the recovery process and accelerate the restoration and reconstruction works:
In line with the directives of the head of state, serious reconstruction and restoration works are underway in those territories, new roads and airports are being built, and infrastructure is being restored. However, it should be noted that eliminating damages and restoring residential areas and infrastructure are processes that require significant resources and time.

Looking back at history, we can see that unity and concerted efforts allow people to achieve goals in a short period. For example, during the First and Second World Wars, many European cities were severely damaged, with some almost completely wiped out. Nevertheless, people came together and quickly rebuilt those cities. They also did this with the assistance of the United States.On the other hand, Azerbaijan is undertaking all these tasks with its own resources and capabilities. Therefore, each of us should support the state and actively participate in the restoration of Karabakh by demonstrating unity".

Rahman Hajiyev provided detailed information about the projects implemented with the support of the Fund in the liberated territories.

Highlighting the importance of promoting volunteerism to achieve the set goals and to restore Karabakh more quickly, the Chairman of the Executive Board emphasized the role of students and youth in the recovery process:

"Today's students are the specialists, businessmen, and investors of tomorrow. They will actively participate country's socio-economic lifeand contribute to the restoration of the liberated territories. Therefore, as a Fund, it is very important for us to hold regular meetings with students and youth, and to study their thoughts and suggestions".

Speaking afterwards, Farhad Mammadov the Director of the South Caucasus Research Center, talked about the importance of solidarity during the Patriotic War, stating that the great role of our entire nation, alongside our soldiers and officers, was in achieving the historic victory:

"The scale of the damage in the liberated territories is enormous. Not only roads and buildings were destroyed, but even trees were cut down. Despite this, except for some friendly countries, no one helps us in the restoration process, Azerbaijan does all these works with its own capabilities and resources. Therefore, we must be stronger and demonstrate solidarity both during the war and in the recovery process.

Farhad Mammadov highlighted the importance of holding similar meetings with students in other academicl institutions and expressed confidence that they would contribute their gifts to the restoration of Karabakh.

Following the speeches, the discussion continued with discussions and a question-and-answer session lasting more than 2 hours. The event participants answered numerous questions raised by students.

It should be noted that since its establishment, many academic institutions have donated to the Karabakh Revival Fund to support the restoration of Karabakh. One of these academic institutions is Baku State University. Collaboration between the Fund and the university continues, joint projects and events are planned.

It is also worth mentioning that the Karabakh Revival Fund plans to organize informational meetings with students and youth in other educational institutions.