President Ilham Aliyev Unveils Strategic Vision for Azerbaijan’s Future

On November 3, 2023, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered an impactful address at the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), outlining a strategic vision that intertwines science, policy, and national ideology. Political analyst Azer Garayev emphasized that the speech provided a thorough evaluation of the historical progression of Azerbaijani science and set a course for its future.

During his remarks, President Aliyev highlighted pivotal moments in Azerbaijan’s scientific advancement, crediting national leader Heydar Aliyev for his instrumental role in fostering this growth. Garayev noted that President Aliyev pointed out modern fields such as technology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and energy as priorities for the nation. He asserted that Azerbaijani scientists are vital contributors to national development, with expectations for their roles to expand significantly in the coming years.

Investment in Technology and Education

President Aliyev dedicated a significant portion of his address to the legacy of Heydar Aliyev, who, during the 1970s, bolstered the operations of ANAS, founded new research institutes, and increased funding for scientific endeavors. Thousands of Azerbaijani students were sent to prestigious universities across the Soviet Union, enhancing the country’s intellectual capacity. This commitment continues today, as numerous Azerbaijani scholars pursue education at top global institutions before returning to contribute to their homeland.

“Technology has become a national priority,” Garayev quoted President Aliyev, who stressed that national security and sustainable development are increasingly reliant on technological capabilities. He urged continued state investment in science and technology, emphasizing the necessity for scientists to fully leverage these opportunities. Notably, Aliyev’s remarks on AI represented a significant acknowledgment of its importance in future advancements.

The president also addressed the significance of digitalization and cybersecurity, characterizing the establishment of the Cybersecurity Center as a critical initiative. He called for collaboration between the state and the scientific community to ensure Azerbaijan remains competitive in this essential area. The discussion included the country’s nascent defense sector, with Azerbaijan beginning to export defense products and advance local production of unmanned aerial vehicles.

Azerbaijan’s Economic Landscape and Historical Justice

In addition to scientific advancements, President Aliyev shared insights on Azerbaijan’s economic landscape, noting that the non-oil sector has emerged as the primary driver of economic growth. Currently, the country boasts foreign exchange reserves exceeding $80 billion, while its foreign debt remains low at just over 6 percent of gross domestic product. These indicators reflect Azerbaijan’s economic independence and resilience.

Significant reconstruction and energy projects are underway in the liberated territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, with over 30 hydroelectric power plants already constructed. The president projected that solar and wind energy generation capacity would reach 6,000 megawatts by 2030, forming the foundation of Azerbaijan’s green energy strategy.

Garayev also highlighted President Aliyev’s remarks regarding the restoration of historical justice, particularly the return of Azerbaijanis to present-day Armenia. The president referenced historical maps from the Tsarist era to illustrate that many place names in modern Armenia have Azerbaijani origins. He underscored the need for rigorous scientific research to counter historical inaccuracies and urged scholars to produce more academic work to bolster Azerbaijan’s historical narrative.

In concluding his address, President Aliyev remarked on the significance of the Azerbaijani language as a symbol of national identity. He reflected on the upcoming military parade in Freedom Square, marking the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, which he described as a representation of the pride, strength, and unity of the Azerbaijani people.