BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 3. The Center for Social Studies hosted a roundtable discussion on “Social and Political Sciences in the Face of Modern Challenges: Think Tanks, the Tasks of Academic Science and Universities,” dedicated to President Ilham Aliyev's speech on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
The event featured extensive discussion of the main challenges facing social and political sciences in the modern era, the coordination of scientific research with state policy, the role of science in shaping strategic decisions, and the responsibility of the academic community in the context of global processes.
The round table was opened with an introductory speech by the chairman of the board of the Center for Social Studies, Deputy Zahid Oruj.
He noted that President Ilham Aliyev's speech at the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences was intended to convey to our scientists the bright chronicle of the 5th anniversary of Victory in the Second Karabakh War, the spirit of Victory, and to direct our victory towards future scientific goals:
Indeed, one of the reasons for our defeat in the 1990s was that our scientists, like scientists in all fields, were unprepared for war with Armenia. They were unable to become a united force. Scientific mobilization began only with the return of the Great Leader to power.
Heydar Aliyev's unparalleled role in the formation and development of Azerbaijani science during the Soviet period laid the foundation for the legitimacy and subsequent successes that brought him to power. Heydar Aliyev's arrival at the Academy on September 21, 1993, showed that he trusted the scientists he had once trained to lead our country out of chaos. The Great Leader considered science to be an inexhaustible resource for building an independent state, the foundation of national culture and intellectual identity, a guarantee of economic, technological, and political sovereignty, and a strong army in the fight against the enemy. Now our sovereignty is passing from our glorious army to national universities, research institutes, and scientists. This is an honorable mission.
Other participants in the event noted that President Ilham Aliyev's speech particularly emphasized the importance of preserving the Azerbaijani language. As the head of state noted, preserving the purity of our language is the duty of every citizen of Azerbaijan. The state, scientists, linguists, writers, poets, journalists, and politicians must take this issue seriously.
The event also assessed the 80 years of activity of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS). It was noted that the academy has played a leading role in the development of science in Azerbaijan. The great leader Heydar Aliyev always supported scientists, improved the activities of the Academy, and created new research institutes.
The issue of preserving place names was also discussed.
The event also featured extensive discussion of President Ilham Aliyev's emphasis on the importance of technological development in the post-war period.
The event participants noted that the strategic directions outlined by President Ilham Aliyev strengthen Azerbaijan's scientific potential. These directions should become the main priority in the activities of young researchers, university teachers, and academics.
In conclusion, it was emphasized that scientific activity is both a source of knowledge for young researchers and one of the pillars of national development. At the same time, it was stressed that President Ilham Aliyev's appeal to scientists should always serve as a guide for all researchers.
