Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku International Multiculturalism Centre Azerbaijani Multiculturalism Textbook for Higher Education

6.3. The Role of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Implementing the Policy of Multiculturalism

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which bears the name of the political founder of Azerbaijani multiculturalism, National Leader of the Azerbaijani People Heydar Aliyev, works to promote the values of tolerance and is highly appreciated by the world community. The Foundation’s effective work has been positively received not only in the Republic, but in different countries too. The history, goals and objectives of the Foundation will be considered in order to get a better understanding of its role in realizing the policy of multiculturalism.

6.3.1. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its Goals

The creation of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation reflects the people’s desire to show their esteem for the memory of Heydar

376 Aliyev, who entered the nation’s history as the builder of the

independent state. The Foundation builds on his rich spiritual heritage by underlining the importance for the country of the philosophy of Azerbaijanism and by cultivating ideas of national statehood in the younger generation.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on 10 March 2004 on setting up the Foundation. It supports the study, promotion and implementation of Heydar Aliyev’s policies for the socio-economic and cultural development of the country, its integration into the world community and the improvement of the material well-being of the people.

The official opening ceremony of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a non-governmental and non-commercial organization, was held on 10 May 2004, on the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO. Since 2004, the Foundation has contributed to the social and economic development of the country through various projects in education, public health, culture, sports, science and technology, the environment and other spheres.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation pursues the following goals in its work:

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  to support the study, promotion and implementation of the policies developed by the eminent politician Heydar Aliyev for the social, economic and cultural development of the country, its integration into the civilized world and the improvement of the material welfare of the people;
  

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  to support the implementation of major projects and programmes to promote the prosperity and welfare of the nation, benefiting from the rich heritage of National Leader
  

Heydar Aliyev in working to meet these needs;

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  to develop and implement various programmes and projects in science, culture, public health, sports, the environment and other areas;
  

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  to cooperate and carry out joint projects with local and foreign foundations, NGOs and voluntary organizations;
  

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  to provide assistance in tackling social problems in various parts of the country, as well as to help vulnerable groups of the population;
  

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  to help people discover their creative potential, skills and knowledge and to help talented individuals display and develop their skills;
  

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  to assist in promoting the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, including the promotion of Azerbaijani mugham, and in preserving the country’s healthy spiritual values;
  

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  to help children and young people become well-informed citizens;
  

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  to help activities aimed at raising the international influence of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
  

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  to assist the dissemination of accurate information about Azerbaijan to the international public;
  

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  to cooperate with national and international educational institutions;
  

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  to assist scientific research;
  

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  to arrange exchanges of scholars with leading research centres and to assist the creative and scientific potential of the country;
  

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  to develop the infrastructure of child care institutions;
  

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  to develop medical and healthcare institutions;
  

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  to support important environmental studies and promote­ a healthy life style;
  

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  to arrange workshops and conferences on topical issues in Azerbaijan and abroad;
  

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  to organize exhibitions of the work of talented children, young people and established artists.
  

The expansion of cultural relations with other countries and the holding of days of culture and art exhibitions in reputable art galleries around the world and concerts of Azerbaijani musicians all illustrate the Foundation’s work to integrate Azerbaijani culture into the world. The Foundation’s President, Mehriban Aliyeva, has played an important role in the popularization of Azerbaijani culture around the world.

Strengthening intercultural relations is an aspect of multiculturalism and occupies a special place in the Foundation’s­ carefully considered work. Various projects, including­ ‘Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-cultural Dialo­gues’, ‘The Role of Cultures in Globalization’, ‘Peaceful Coexistence in a Multicultural World’ and ‘Azerbaijan – Land of Tolerance’ have been implemented on the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva. The world community is very appreciative of the events to develop cross-cultural dialogue organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

In implementing the policy of multiculturalism, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation supports Azerbaijan’s integration into the world community, religious tolerance, the development of civil society and the preservation of national-spiritual values. It benefits from the rich heritage of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev as it carries out various programmes and projects in this regard.

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