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UNESCO to celebrate 550th anniversary of Ashig Dirili Gurbani

UNESCO has included the 550th anniversary of the birth of Ashig Dirili Gurbani to its jubilee program, Azernews reports.

This was announced by the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO on X Platform.

According to the information, the decision was approved at the 43rd session of the General Conference.

Audit Chamber calls for improvements to Azerbaijan’s budget system law

Certain provisions of Azerbaijan’s draft law ‘On the Budget System’ require further improvement, according to Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Accounts Nasir Sadigov.

As reported by Azernews, Sadigov made the statement during a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Committees on Youth and Sports, Public Associations and Religious Organizations, and Culture.

He noted that the Chamber of Accounts had analyzed the indicators presented in the draft 2026 state budget law in accordance with Article 16.1 of the Budget System Law.

‘As a result of the analysis, it was concluded that some articles of the draft law should be refined. At the same time, I would like to note that during the recent amendments to the Budget System Law related to the next year’s state budget, the recommendations previously made by the Chamber of Accounts were taken into account,’ Sadigov said.

He added that these improvements contribute to enhancing transparency in the budget process, increasing the efficiency of financial management, and ensuring the targeted use of public funds.

According to the deputy chairman, no significant risks are expected in achieving the projected revenues from the main sources of tax income in the state budget.

‘Analyses show that tax elasticity is expected to increase in some revenue sources. The trend of maintaining strict control over customs revenues has continued. Provided that there are no significant changes in the economic indicators used during the revenue forecasting process, the established projections are likely to be fulfilled,’ Sadigov emphasized.

Farid Kazakov claims victory at Istanbul Autumn Festival [PHOTOS]

Istanbul Autumn Festival has united incredibly talented dancers from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Iran, Russia, Georgia, and other countries.

Azerbaijan was represented by the renowned dancer, choreographer, ballet artist, and world dance champion Farid Kazakov.

He participated in the Modern Dance category with his new performance “Sentimientos a través del tiempo” and once again claimed first place, winning the admiration and love of the audience.

The dancer shared his joy of the victory with AZERNEWS, expressing how deeply honored and proud he was to represent Azerbaijan on the international stage once again:

“I am proud and happy to have brought another victory to Azerbaijan on the international stage, showcasing the high level of choreography in our country! All of my creative work is focused on representing Azerbaijan at the highest level and promoting our art abroad!”

It is worth noting that students from Kazakov’s academy, “Kazakov International Academy”, also achieved success, winning in their respective categories at the festival.

The talented dancer is now preparing for the 6th International Multicultural Festival named after Farid Kazakov to be held on December 21 in Istanbul, Turkiye.

During the event, young talents will delight the audience with their performances.

Farid Kazakov is a renowned Azerbaijani and Russian dancer, choreographer, ballet artist, and world dance champion, having won the title at the World Dance Olympiad.

He is a three-time Best Soloist of Russia, a recipient of the prestigious global award Most Fashionable Awards, and a finalist of the international talent show Central Asia’s Got Talent. Kazakov is a two-time laureate of Azerbaijan’s national awards and has earned the title of |Most Talented Dancer of Turkiye” as well as the “Turkiye Zirve Ödlleri*” national award.

A highly esteemed educator, Farid Kazakov is a distinguished member of the European Cultural Association, serving as an ambassador for both Azerbaijan and Turkiye.

He is a graduate of the Baku Choreography Academy and the Moscow State Institute of Culture.

Kazakov has been a multiple winner and Grand Prix holder of international, national, and republic-level competitions.

His contributions to the arts have earned him a place in the book ” Zirv?d?ki Az?rbaycanlilar”, recognizing him as one of the outstanding representatives of Azerbaijani youth in the 21st century.

Throughout his career, Farid Kazakov has consistently showcased his artistic excellence while also fulfilling his role as a mentor, guiding and inspiring the next generation of dancers at his “Kazakov International Academy”.

Brazil launches Amazon transport alliance

Brazil announced the creation of the Alliance for Sustainable, Resilient, and Integrated Transport in the Amazon, a regional initiative designed to enhance connectivity, reduce emissions, and foster sustainable development across the rainforest, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Supported by the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, the initiative was unveiled by Brazil’s Ministry of Ports and Airports during the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP30. The alliance brings together Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname, signaling a unified regional approach to Amazonian transport challenges.

Silvio Costa Filho, Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, described the alliance as a milestone in regional cooperation, emphasizing that it demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to efficient, low-carbon, and climate-resilient transport, ‘placing the Amazonian biome at the heart of global climate action.’

Otto Luiz Burlier da Silveira Filho, National Secretary of Waterways, highlighted the alliance as a strategic step for the region’s future, noting that it ‘strengthens river transport as a cornerstone of regional integration and social inclusion’, while ensuring infrastructure development aligns with climate objectives.

The alliance seeks to address long-standing transportation challenges in the Amazon and transform the sector into a catalyst for sustainable development and improved quality of life for local communities.

Its strategy is built around four key pillars:

Expanding access for remote and underserved communities.

Developing multimodal transport networks anchored in river transport and the bioeconomy.

Investing in nature-based green infrastructure to safeguard the rainforest.

Upgrading passenger and cargo systems to improve safety, efficiency, and resilience.

As part of the initiative, the signatory countries and partner institutions will collaborate on a 2026-2030 Regional Action Plan, which will establish concrete targets and investments to transform Amazonian transport into a model of sustainability, innovation, and regional integration.

The alliance also opens the door for integrating emerging technologies, such as electric riverboats and smart logistics systems, which could redefine how the world balances economic development with rainforest conservation.

President Ilham Aliyev appoints Natig Aghayev head of Balakan District Executive Power

Natig Aghayev has been appointed head of the Balakan District Executive Power, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

President Ilham Aliyev appoints Elkhan Ibrahimov head of Baku’s Nasimi District executive power

Elkhan Ibrahimov has been appointed head of the Nasimi District executive power of Baku city, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

President Ilham Aliyev receives newly appointed Presidential Representative in Nakhchivan and heads of several district executive authorities [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On November 12, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Jeyhun Jalilov on his appointment as Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Elkhan Ibrahimov as Head of the Executive Authority of Nasimi District of Baku city, Natig Agayev as Head of the Executive Authority of Balakan District, Orkhan Mursalov as Head of the Executive Authority of Goychay District, Elvin Pashayev as Head of the Executive Authority of Gakh District, Vugar Novruzov as Head of the Executive Authority of Goygol District, and Elshan Hasanli as Head of the Executive Authority of Kurdamir District, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– I am appointing you to various leadership positions in the regions of our country. Great confidence has been placed in you, and I am sure that you will live up to it and will spare no effort to fulfill the tasks ahead through hard work and dedication.

Of course, great responsibility is required for great tasks. First of all, you must fulfill all my instructions. Every time I appoint someone to leadership positions in the regions, my instructions should be the key guiding principles for them -above all, to serve the people and stay close to them. Every person working in a leadership position, every official must be humble. In life, in everyday activities, both they and their close relatives must behave in such a way that our common cause draws no criticism. Unfortunately, in some cases, officials cannot behave properly in society, show excessive arrogance, try to place themselves above others, thereby damaging their own reputation and tarnishing our state and its policy. At the same time, in some cases they get involved in corruption and bribery. The people of Azerbaijan are well aware that every civil servant who goes astray will ultimately be held accountable before the law. Unfortunately, such cases still exist today. However, it is also clear to society that no illegal actions will go unpunished. Therefore, my request to you is to seriously combat unpleasant situations, select reliable, professional and morally upright people to our team and prove through your work in the regions you will lead that my choice is correct. Otherwise, of course, necessary measures will be taken.

The key infrastructure projects in our regions are almost complete. A positive turnaround has been achieved by the state in recent years, through state investment programs. The implementation of several regional development programs has been successful. We can say that the situation with electricity – the primary area of infrastructure development – has been fully normalized in almost all our regions. Of course, there are still some issues related to renovating and repairing outdated infrastructure, but this is no longer as a serious problem. The establishment of electrical infrastructure in all our regions, including the liberated territories, has created strong potential.

Highways fully meet modern standards. Intercity roads are in good condition as well. Necessary funds are allocated on an annual basis for the construction of rural roads. I cannot say we have achieved the desired 100% result yet, but in many regions roughly 70-80% of rural roads are repaired and of good quality.

Drinking water projects are well underway in all our cities. Necessary measures have been taken in the villages in terms of drinking water. Irrigation projects are underway, there is construction of new reservoirs and water canals, and the situation with irrigation is generally changing for the better. All other infrastructure projects, including social infrastructure ones, the construction of schools, hospitals and sports facilities are also progressing. In other words, we are addressing all these issues in the regions of Azerbaijan. A modern hospital is operating in every city, and all this, of course, requires both major funds and daily attention. Let me repeat that we have resolved these issues through state funding, as a result of the implementation of regional socioeconomic development programs at the expense of the state budget.

It is now time to resolve the issues still existing in the regions and worrying our people. Here too, the main principle should be one of social justice. In every region and village, people should see and know that justice always prevails. Previously, processes in our regions took a negative turn precisely because of the improper actions and directives of certain officials in central executive bodies. There is no trace left of those officials, so to speak. As a result of the personnel reforms carried out in Azerbaijan, especially in central executive bodies, the situation has significantly improved. Therefore, I am absolutely convinced that from now on you will not receive any illegal instructions from the center. Such cases occurred in the past; the officials who issued those unlawful directives and treated illegal enrichment as their primary goal are now answering to the courts. In a number of cases, there have been cases of inefficient use of land, land was often seized and the categories of land were changed. Some officials built residences on land suitable for cultivation – and, of course, all of this constitutes illegal action.

However, I also know that some regional officials were forced to carry out those illegal acts. Of course, the responsibility that fell on them required a completely different approach. At the same time, it is true that in some cases these illegal acts were carried out on the orders of corrupt, greedy and insatiable officials sitting in the center. But again I say: as a result of the policy of reform and cleansing, I am now confident that no one will give you illegal instructions. If anyone does give such instructions, inform me immediately, and serious measures will be taken against those people.

In the regions, of course, employment issues are a top priority. Overall, Azerbaijan has carried out major employment reforms in recent years, and the unemployment rate has fallen. However, it is also true that migration from the regions to Baku and other large cities still persists. There are various reasons for this. The migration – people leaving villages for cities – is not unique to our country; it is observed in developed countries as well. Naturally, opportunities in big cities are greater and the standard of living is higher. All of this is understandable. Yet one of the reasons for migration from the regions to the cities is unemployment. The government is now taking various steps to provide people with jobs in the regions. We are creating enterprises, entrepreneurs are provided with low-interest loans, and a self-employment program has been successfully implemented. Tens of thousands of people have already been covered by this program. Therefore, my demand from local leaders is that they work to create jobs and favorable conditions for business people. Of course, businesses need support. Because the development of local production not only paves the way to employment but also strengthens local production. Many important steps have been taken by the state regarding agriculture and tourism in recent times. This needs to be expanded further, especially in regions that are attractive for tourism. This should be the main factor of the economy, the regional economy, along with agriculture.

The environmental balance in the regions must be protected. Great attention must be paid to the environment. In principle, there are no serious problems with ecology in our regions. The main problems were in Baku, and we are successfully addressing them. The new panorama of Baku is clear evidence of that. There used to be an ecological disaster here. Both Baku and Sumgayit were considered the most ecologically polluted cities. Today, however, this is not the case. Baku and Sumgayit are now cities of parks. We have relocated obsolete enterprises, improved oil-polluted areas, rehabilitated them, built parks. We have turned the Black City into the White City. Of course, there are other methods to ensure ecological balance in the regions. Illegal activities there are causing even more environmental damage than the oil and gas industry. Therefore, in order to curtail and eliminate illegal activities, I gave relevant instructions to the Presidential Administration, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The altering of river courses and the extraction and production of illegal building materials must be regulated – all such illegal activities must be stopped.

In other words, the regions of Azerbaijan must meet the highest standards today. Let me repeat that every citizen of Azerbaijan can clearly see the revival of the regions as a result of the work carried out in recent years – nine international airports, renovated, repaired and newly built railways, highways, electrical infrastructure, irrigation and drinking water projects, gasification. In other words, we have done all this work in recent years so that people can live better. It is necessary to pay attention to people, live with their concerns and always be by their side. Visit all the villages one by one and contact people there – in the villages. In other words, these are my requirements. Every time I appoint someone, be it the head of executive authority or another senior official, my instructions are approximately the same. But, alas, despite the trust I place in them, some officials – instead of following these instructions – prefer to line their own pockets and engage in illegal enrichment. I am sure that you will live up to this high trust with hard work. A great responsibility rests on your shoulders. Some of you have already worked in senior positions and have experience. Some have been appointed for the first time. Therefore I am confident you will justify this trust by your work and win the people’s respect. I wish you success. Thank you.

Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Jeyhun Jalilov: Dear Mr. President, first of all, we would like to express our deep gratitude to you for the high confidence you have placed in us. In recent years, there has been a special stage in the development of all the regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This is the result of your attention and care. We want to assure you and promise that we will duly fulfill all your tasks and instructions in order to live up to your confidence in a timely manner and ensure the implementation of these tasks.