US-Azerbaijani Youth Forum kicks off in Virginia PHOTO

The 2nd American-Azerbaijani Youth Forum has officially opened at George Mason University in Virginia, US, with support from the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan House organization, and the American-Azerbaijani Youth Federation (AAYF).

Held under the theme “Uniting Youth for Future Leadership,” the forum brings together Azerbaijani students, scholars, and diplomats from 37 universities across 23 U.S. states and cities, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The opening ceremony featured the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States, followed by a moment of silence honouring those who sacrificed their lives for their homeland. The event was organized by Nigar Ibrahimova, coordinator of Azerbaijan House in Virginia, and Nurlan Shukurlu, president of the Northern California Cultural Society.

Key participants included Sevda Tahirli, co-founder of Azerbaijan House; Elshad Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora; Toghrul Aliyev, First Secretary of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the U.S.; Professor Sevil Suleyman of George Mason University; and Leyla Aslanova, Chairperson of AAYF.

They highlighted the forum’s importance, noting how earlier generations of Azerbaijani immigrants have facilitated smoother integration for newer generations, the critical role of youth networking, and future goals for collaboration. Both community organizations and the Azerbaijani government reaffirmed their ongoing support for youth development.

The forum included two panel discussions focusing on the intergenerational experience’s role in youth development and opportunities for global cooperation.

Attendees also viewed a video titled “Karabakh is Azerbaijan” and enjoyed a brief musical performance. In the afternoon, Professor Brenda M. Zollitsch from the University of Southern Maine led a workshop on “Developing Personal Resilience as a Young Leader.”

Scheduled for June 28-29, the forum aims to strengthen ties between Azerbaijani and American youth, foster global cooperation, and enhance leadership skills among young participants.

By Khagan Isayev