"Properly assessing the experience gained in a changing world and turning it into future opportunities is one of the key conditions for development. In the modern era, knowledge, skills and experience are not only individual advantages but also important resources that determine society's development potential."
As reported by İdman.Biz, Azerbaijan's Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov made the remarks in his traditional Minister's Point of View notes.
According to the minister, every international partnership, competition, training programme and youth initiative should be regarded as an investment in the future.
"The international meetings and events held last month once again demonstrated that sustainable development in youth and sports is closely linked to the expansion of our country's international partnerships. Meetings with the delegation of the International Chess Federation visiting Baku and the delegation led by Iran's Minister of Youth and Sports Ahmad Donyamali, the signing of the 2026-2028 Action Plan for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two countries in the fields of youth and sports, as well as discussions with European Volleyball Confederation President Roko Sikirić, were productive," Gayibov said.
The minister also spoke about meetings with athletes and young people who have gained experience on the international stage.
"During our meetings with athletes who achieved success at international competitions, as well as young people who participated in international contests and Olympiads with the ministry's support, we listened to their impressions. Experience gained in different countries and competitive environments broadens young people's outlook, while taking athletes' professional development to a new level. I believe they will make the most of this experience."
Gayibov noted that Azerbaijani athletes continued their successful performances from previous months in August.
"Behind every medal and trophy are an athlete's determination, a coach's hard work, a well-organised preparation process and the opportunities that have been created. Baku hosted the 34th European Women's Volleyball Championship, while the Ganja Cup 2026 swimming competition was held in Ganja with 150 participants, including Paralympic, Deaflympic and Special Olympics athletes," the minister said.
He also highlighted the importance of the "Kürü keçək?!" open-water swimming competition, held in Mingachevir for the fifth time, in promoting mass participation in sport.
"Once again, many women, men, elderly people and children from different age categories came to Mingachevir to swim from one bank of the Kura River to the other. The competition, which we have now held for the fifth time and which attracts considerable public interest, is important both for increasing participation in sport and promoting a healthy lifestyle."
The minister also stressed the importance of introducing new approaches to youth work and involving categories of young people who have previously received less attention in various projects.
"The AVAZ Youth Choir Camp, the inclusive Life Skills camp, the Poliqon military-patriotic youth camp, the fourth Regional Youth Leadership School and the international Wiki Loves Mingachevir camps are not ordinary recreational camps. They are new platforms enabling our young people to realise their potential in different areas," he said.
Gayibov also spoke about discussions with young people on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, technology engineering and other topics held as part of YayFest in Shamakhi, noting that such dialogue contributes to a new stage in the country's youth policy.
"The purpose of this dialogue is to create opportunities for young people to participate in the new stage of youth policy. We develop and implement youth policy for young people and together with young people," the minister stressed.
Gayibov concluded by noting that behind every achievement are the traces of medals won, friendships built, new ideas created, as well as determination and ambition.
