BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 2
Trend:
If we return to our traditions, the people of Azerbaijan have always helped those in need. This is our national feature. That is why volunteering is in our blood, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said while answering questions of young people at a Youth Forum dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Day of Azerbaijani Youth, Trend reports.
“The volunteer movement is already expanding in Azerbaijan, and as you know, this movement started in our “ASAN xidmət” centers. “ASAN” volunteers were our first volunteers. But I must say that again that, if we return to our traditions, the people of Azerbaijan have always helped those in need. This is our national feature. That is why volunteering is in our blood. Certain organizational steps simply had to be taken to bring it into action, and they were taken. Now, after “ASAN xidmət”, there are groups of volunteers in several other government agencies, and I welcome that. This is very important for both young people and the country. Because young people gain extensive experience. The number of “ASAN xidmət” centers has reached 22. Recently, the 22nd was opened in Ganja, and more than 80 volunteers are already involved there. In general, since the establishment of “ASAN xidmət”, perhaps tens of thousands of volunteers have worked in these centers, and many of them later proved themselves in life. Because the work experience gained there, as well as the cultured behavior and kindness promoted there, of course, enhance the qualities of each young person. So I repeat that the volunteer movement in Azerbaijan has now expanded and gained momentum,” Azerbaijani president said.
“I have ordered that groups of volunteers be created in government agencies. I think that private companies should also be involved in this work. In fact, it is a very noble deed. It is a very noble deed to help someone free of charge. Going back to these public services, I would like to say that the public services sector was usually the most painful, problematic, corrupt and rude. Therefore, the new approach revitalizes society. It not only frees us from corruption and bribery, but also increases the purity of society. Because the Azerbaijani people have always been a civilized people. Our rules of conduct in society are quite unique. This is why foreigners visiting Azerbaijan fall in love with our city and Baku. At the same time, I have heard from many that it is the attitude of the people that impresses them the most. So it is a reality, it is our great asset. We must protect it. Where does this come from? First from traditions and second from public policy. Because our policy also depends on traditions. We are hearing and seeing in some places, for example, that the attitude to foreigners is different, that it is not so pleasant, on the contrary, there are some contradictions and conflicts. We cannot have this at all. Volunteering is also a new manifestation of other traditional rules of conduct. Therefore, I look at this movement very positively in terms of the organization of young people, uniting them for a cause, the purification of society and the training of human resources. Therefore, I am sure that this movement has a great future in Azerbaijan,” the head of state said.