On December 11, 2025, an academic-practical conference titled “The Strategic Importance of the Heritage of Heydar Aliyev: Sustainable Development Perspectives” dedicated to the Commemoration Day of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, was held at Mingachevir State University. The conference was jointly organized by the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, Mingachevir State University, and the New Azerbaijan Party.

The conference held at the university was attended by the Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority Ilham Ismayilov, Chairman of the Mingachevir City Organization of the New Azerbaijan Party Bakhtiyar Mustafayev, Chairman of Mingachevir Municipality Anar Ismayilov, invited guests, the academic and administrative staff of MSU, professors, teachers, students, and master’s degree students.

Initially, flowers were laid in front of the bust of the great leader located at MSU, and his cherished memory was commemorated with deep respect and reverence.

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

Afterwards, a video dedicated to the life and activities of the Great Leader was presented.

Opening the event with an introductory speech, Ilham Ismayilov emphasized the exceptional historical services of Heydar Aliyev in the formation and strengthening of Azerbaijani statehood. He noted that the political course defined by Heydar Aliyev in determining the country’s long-term development strategy continues successfully today and plays a decisive role in the socio-economic development of the regions. Ilham Ismayilov also highlighted that the state programs, urbanization projects, and social infrastructure initiatives implemented in Mingachevir are real outcomes of the development strategy established by the Great Leader.

Later, the Rector of MSU, Anar Eminov, stated that Heydar Aliyev’s educational policy played a decisive role in shaping a modern higher education model in Azerbaijan based on science and innovation. He emphasized that the strategic decisions initiated by the Great Leader regarding enhancing the status of teachers, adapting education to international standards, and supporting the intellectual development of youth continue to remain priorities in the country’s education system.

Then, Bakhtiyar Mustafayev noted that Heydar Aliyev’s political course constitutes the main ideological line forming the foundations of Azerbaijani statehood. He stated that the New Azerbaijan Party operates on the basis of the political heritage created by the Great Leader to strengthen stability, development, and national solidarity in the country.

Afterwards, Anar Ismayilov stated that the balanced socio-economic policy implemented by Heydar Aliyev created a new stage in regional governance. He stressed that the conceptual foundations laid by the National Leader in the development of local self-government, provision of modern infrastructure to cities and settlements, and expansion of social welfare projects remain relevant today.

The conference continued with presentations according to the program. Among the MSU staff members, senior lecturer Vusala Movlayeva delivered a presentation titled “The Heydar Aliyev Phenomenon: Intelligence, Willpower, and a Model of Leadership,” senior lecturer Saadat Agakishiyeva presented “An Unforgettable Life: The Image of Heydar Aliyev Living in the Hearts of the Azerbaijani People,” senior lecturer Parvin Huseynova spoke on “Heydar Aliyev: The Architect of the Strategic Development of Education,” and lecturer Fakhriya Isayeva delivered a presentation titled “From Idea to Victory: The Genius Preserving National Heritage.”

The presentations were met with great interest by the participants.

It should be noted that a series of events dedicated to the Commemoration Day of National Leader Heydar Aliyev are being held at MSU and across Mingachevir.