On May 7, 2026, a conference entitled “Heydar Aliyev’s Legacy: Strategic Foundations of Modern Azerbaijani Statehood and Vision for the Future” was held on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The event was jointly organized by the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, and Mingachevir State University (MSU).

The conference, held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Mingachevir, was attended by Ilham Ismayilov, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority; Aydin Mirzazade, Member of the Milli Majlis; Bakhtiyar Mustafayev, Chairman of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party; Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University; senior representatives of law enforcement agencies; members of martyrs’ families; employees of city enterprises and organizations; university and secondary school teachers; students and pupils.

First, flowers were laid at the monument to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and the cherished memory of the great personality was commemorated with deep respect and reverence. Afterwards, the participants viewed the exhibits and exhibition dedicated to the life and activities of the Great Leader at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The conference began with a minute of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Then, the documentary film “A Life Turned into a Torch”, dedicated to the rich and meaningful life path of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, was screened.

Opening the conference with an introductory speech, Ilham Ismayilov, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, spoke about National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s exceptional services in shaping Azerbaijani statehood, strengthening national solidarity, and defining the country’s sustainable development strategy. He noted that, as a result of Heydar Aliyev’s visionary political course, the solid foundations of modern Azerbaijani statehood were established and a development model based on national interests was formed. Ilham Ismayilov emphasized that the Great Leader’s political legacy is being successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s international reputation, economic power, and regional leadership position.

Speaking afterwards, Aydin Mirzazade, Member of the Milli Majlis, highlighted Heydar Aliyev’s historic role in the destiny of the Azerbaijani people and his contributions to the development of national statehood thinking. The MP noted that the Great Leader’s political activity served not only a particular historical period but also the formation of an entire school of statehood. He particularly emphasized the importance of educating the younger generation in the study of Heydar Aliyev’s legacy and stated that such conferences serve as an important platform for promoting national and moral values.

Following the opening speeches, the conference continued with presentations.

Bakhtiyar Mustafayev, Chairman of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, delivered a presentation on “Heydar Aliyev Is the Founder of the New Azerbaijan Party”; Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University, spoke on “The Historic Services of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Development of Azerbaijani Education”; and Nurjamal Asgarova, veteran of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, presented on “Heydar Aliyev and Azerbaijani Healthcare”.

The presentations provided a broad analysis of various aspects of the National Leader’s political activity, his historic services in strengthening Azerbaijani statehood, developing the fields of education and healthcare, shaping the national ideology, and raising young people in the spirit of patriotism.

The conference continued with an artistic program. During the program, students of Mingachevir State University, schoolchildren, and young people performed musical pieces and recited poems dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Motherland, and statehood.

It should be noted that the conference was of great importance in terms of promoting National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s rich legacy of statehood, shaping the younger generation in the spirit of commitment to national and moral values, and advancing the ideology of Azerbaijanism.