Azerbaijan, Baku, 26 August /corr. Trend R.Novruzov / The First Lady of Azerbaijan, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Good-Will Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESKO, Member of Azerbaijan Parliament, Mehriban Aliyeva, marks her birthday on 26 August.
Mehriban Aliyeva was born in the family of well-known intellectuals in Azerbaijan. Her father, well-known scientist, academician, Ph.D in Physics and Mathematics, Arif Pashayev, is the Rector of National Aviation Academy. Her Mother, Aida Imanguliyeva, was Ph.D in Philological Sciences, Orientalist.
Heydar Aliyev Foundation was established on 10 March 2004. Its goal is to study the rich heritage of the Nationwide Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and train the new generations in the spirit of ideas of national statehood created by him; implement programs and projects in the sphere of science, education, culture, health, sport and ecology; contribute to restoration of religious tolerance, establishment of civil society; preserve national and moral values in the process of integration and worldwide globalization.
Up to now, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has realized tens of projects in the sphere of education and maintenance of the health of the next generation, and also cultural heritage, etc. In August 2004 for her services with regards to preservation and development of national literature and musical heritage of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the honorable title of Good-Will Ambassador of UNESCO.
According to the decision by the 120th session of the Executive Committee of the World Health Organization (WHO), Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded by the WHO "For the exceptional services in protection and strengthening of the health of mother, child and family". The award was presented to Mehriban Aliyeva in May 2007 in Geneva during the Worldwide Health Assembly with the participation of representatives from 193 member-countries of the organization. In June 2005 the First Lady was awarded an order "Ruby Cross" of the International Charitable Foundation "Maecenas of Century" for her public support and charity activities, considerable contribution to the support of the educational and cultural institutions, strengthening friendship between the peoples of Russia and Azerbaijan,
For her large-scale and selfless activity in different spheres, including the dialogue among civilizations, for the attention to the children in need of care, improvement of their living conditions, for the large support to education and projects, realized in the Islamic world, in November 2006 Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the honorable title of Good-Will Ambassador of ISESKO.
For her charity activities, the salient achievements in the service to the highest ideals of humanity, in May 2007 Mehriban Aliyeva was honored an International award "Gold Heart".
Since 2002 Mehriban Aliyeva has been the President of the Federation of Gymnastics of Azerbaijan, demonstrating herself as an excellent organizer in this position. Today the team on rhythmic gymnastics of Azerbaijan was recognized in a world scale, and Azerbaijani gymnasts occupy the leading positions at the international tournaments. The International Federation of Gymnastics made a decision to conduct World Cup on artistic gymnastics in Azerbaijan in 2003 and 2004 and also the World Championship in 2005. In November 2005 Mehriban Aliyeva was elected member of Azerbaijan Parliament.
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