BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 23. President Ilham
Aliyev addressed the participants of the 9th Congress of the
Council of Elders of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.
“Dear congress participants,
I sincerely congratulate you on the commencement of the 9th
Congress of the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan.
The tradition of eldership, rooted in the ancient moral and
ethical values of the Azerbaijani people, is one of the most
important pillars of our national heritage. Respect for elders has
always held a prominent place as a fundamental value both in
Azerbaijani oral folk literature and in written literature. It is
no coincidence that in the epic Book of Dede Korkut, which reflects
the historical past and customs of our people, respect for the
advice and words of elders is portrayed as the highest moral
quality.
Guided by the historical traditions of our people, our elders,
who have always successfully fulfilled the important mission
entrusted to them, serve in society as guarantors of preserving
moral and spiritual values and ensuring intergenerational
continuity. At the same time, our elders have exceptional merits in
continuing national statehood traditions and strengthening civic
solidarity.
It was precisely our youth, raised in the spirit of patriotism
and self-sacrifice by our elders, who played an important role in
achieving our glorious Victory in the Patriotic War. Thanks to the
national pride and love for the Motherland instilled in the younger
generation by our elders, who had lived for more than 30 years
longing for their lands and had witnessed the pain and suffering of
war, a new page was written in the modern military history of our
people.
It is gratifying that today our elders actively participate in
all spheres of the country’s life. The growing threats in the
world, especially the erosion of national and spiritual values and
family values in many countries as a result of globalization and
the harmful influence of social media platforms, further highlight
the significance and role of the institution of eldership existing
in Azerbaijan. One of the main tasks facing our elders is to raise
our youth in the spirit of national patriotism and attachment to
their roots and to guide them onto the right path.
Founded at the end of the last century and bringing together
distinguished figures who have devoted their lives to serving
society, the Council of Elders of Azerbaijan has come a long way
and continues today to contribute to the development of our
country. The Council takes part in the country’s socio-political
and humanitarian development, in resolving current issues of public
life, and in the upbringing of the younger generation.
I am confident that the discussions to be held and the decisions
to be adopted at the 9th Congress will serve to improve the
activities of the Council of Elders and further strengthen the
organization’s role in the socio-political life of the country.
I wish the Congress every success and each of you strong health,
long life, and success in your valuable public activities,” the
address reads.
