In his recent interview with local television channels, President Ilham Aliyev specifically highlighted the importance of scientific development, alongside priority issues that hold a significant place in the country's development strategy. The head of state noted that in order to achieve scientific progress, it is necessary to ensure the employment of scientific workers, as well as to carry out systematic and profound reforms in this field.
In her statement to Modern.az, Mehriban Valiyeva, a member of the Science and Education Committee of the Milli Majlis, noted that President Ilham Aliyev's interview with local television channels was not merely a report, but a deep analytical review of the path taken and a conceptual presentation of Azerbaijan's long-term development and national security strategy.
“In this interview, the head of state presented two main lines – language, national identity, statehood, and science and education, human capital, sustainable development sequence – as complementary pillars of national security. Furthermore, the issue of language held a special strategic meaning in the President's speech.
Language is not merely a means of communication; it is the fundamental value that makes a nation a nation and sustains statehood. It is no coincidence that language holds a special place among state attributes such as the flag, emblem, and anthem. The message is clear: if language weakens, national identity will be shaken; if national identity is shaken, statehood will be jeopardized.
This approach is a serious warning stemming from historical experience. The Azerbaijani people's centuries-long existence within various empires has fostered a certain colonial psychology, and these influences have not yet been fully eradicated. The preservation of language is precisely the strongest means of resistance against this psychological dependence. Although this burden may weaken as generations change, the process does not occur on its own. Language here is the primary form of expression for self-awareness and self-affirmation”.
The MP also drew attention to President Ilham Aliyev's special emphasis on the historical continuity of the Azerbaijani language:
“Today's Azerbaijani language does not fundamentally differ from the language spoken by our ancestors. This fact is an indicator of our people's cultural continuity and spiritual resilience. Despite strong external influences, our language has not undergone assimilation. Tofiq Hajiyev's statement, “The language of Dede Gorgud is a virgin language untouched by foreign breath,” accurately expresses this truth.
At the same time, the danger posed by “foreign and inappropriate words” was characterized by the President as “silent erosion.” Foreign words do not enrich the language; on the contrary, they gradually erode national identity. Using foreign words does not make a person more educated. The danger is not immediate; it is slow and often invisible, but its outcome is strategic”.
The MP also emphasized that learning foreign languages is a positive and necessary endeavor:
“However, this should not come at the expense of the mother tongue. Foreign languages are functional tools, while the mother tongue is the bearer of identity and statehood. Multilingualism should not overshadow the national language.
The fact that over 50 million Azerbaijanis live worldwide indicates that the Azerbaijani language has global, not just regional, potential. This language transcends borders, serving as an attribute of national unity that connects millions of our compatriots. Rich, melodic, and possessing extensive expressive capabilities, the Azerbaijani language cannot be overshadowed by any other language.
The President explicitly stated that the primary protector of the Azerbaijani language is the Azerbaijani state. This is not only a cultural but also a political responsibility. The language issues of Azerbaijanis living abroad are also a focus of the state's attention, and the establishment of online Azerbaijani language schools is one of the practical mechanisms of this strategy. Language policy is an integral part of state policy.
In this process, a special responsibility falls upon journalists operating in the media space, as well as intellectuals, writers, and poets. The struggle for language is not an individual but a public responsibility”.
M. Valiyeva also noted that the President's messages regarding science and education sounded like a logical continuation of the language issue:
“Science and education are the main factors determining the long-term development of the state. Development is possible not with oil and gas, but with knowledge and intellect. Energy resources are temporary, while human capital is permanent.
The main idea emphasized by President Ilham Aliyev is that the development of science is possible not merely by maintaining existing structures, but through deep and systematic reforms. These reforms should aim at making the scientific structure results-oriented, integrating science with higher education, and aligning research with real needs and national priorities.
This refers to improving scientific management, streamlining funding, commercializing scientific results, and creating new incentives to attract young researchers to science. Strengthening the research environment in higher education institutions, establishing university–science–production links, and expanding international cooperation are also key components of this approach”.
The MP also added that reforms should cover the content of curricula:
“Programs should focus on developing critical thinking, practical skills, innovation, and digital competencies. The professional development of teachers is an integral part of this process.
The establishment of the Ministry of Science and Education is a decision of strategic importance. Science must develop in an integrated manner with higher education, which indicates the beginning of Azerbaijan's systematic preparation for the post-oil era”.
M. Valiyeva noted that the President explicitly stated that structural and personnel reforms are inevitable:
“The optimization of scientific institutes, rejuvenation, and results-oriented activity were presented as key priorities. The idea that “the goal is not to preserve jobs, but to achieve real scientific results” indicates the formation of a new approach in the field of science. Scientific activity should be evaluated by international criteria, and quality should be the main measure.
Youth and human capital are at the center of the state strategy. Young people who have studied abroad and returned to the country, and participants of the “Yüksəliş” program, are the tangible results of this strategy”.
The MP emphasized that the main message conveyed in President Ilham Aliyev's interview is not only clear but also conceptual in nature:
“Language and education are the two main lines of defense for national existence.
Language protects identity, education secures the future”.
