Azerbaijan’s First Lady attends Antalya panel on protecting education in conflict zones PHOTO

Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva took part in a panel session held as part of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on April 18, focused on protecting education in conflict-affected regions.

The discussion in Türkiye's Antalya, titled “United for Peace in Palestine: Confronting Scholasticide, Protecting Future,” brought together international participants to address the impact of war on children’s access to education.

According to the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), attendees first viewed the stand of the African Cultural House, an initiative launched in 2016 by Emine Erdoğan. The project aims to support African women artisans, promote economic empowerment and strengthen cultural solidarity.

The event, held under the patronage of Emine Erdoğan, opened with a video presentation dedicated to Palestine. Speakers stressed that restoring safe educational environments for children affected by conflict, strengthening support mechanisms and ensuring continuity in education are of strategic importance for the region’s future.

In her remarks, Emine Erdoğan expressed confidence that the messages delivered at the session would offer hope for a renewed life for children impacted by wars worldwide. She highlighted that children and youth represent the future of nations and underscored the importance of addressing even minor factors contributing to violence.

The session concluded with a commemorative photograph, followed by a visit to an exhibition illustrating the destruction of the education system in Palestine as a result of the conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev