A conference titled "The Role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Development of Media" was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, organized by the Media Development Agency, APA reports.
Participants first visited the exhibition “150 Years of Azerbaijani Press: From History to Present”, which showcased historic publications and photographs of meetings between National Leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev, and journalists.
The event began with a video highlighting Heydar Aliyev’s views on the history, development, and future of Azerbaijani media, as well as the media's role in public education and promoting national values.
At the opening ceremony of the conference, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Ahmad Ismayilov, highlighted that the media principles established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev continue to shape the country’s information policy and remain relevant in today's media landscape. He emphasized Heydar Aliyev’s irreplaceable role in fostering independent media in Azerbaijan, ensuring its rapid development, and aligning media legislation with international standards.
During a panel session titled “Media Principles Established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev,” moderated by Deputy Chairman of “Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting” CJSC Rafiq Hashimov, participants discussed Heydar Aliyev’s reforms in the media field and his vital steps in building a free and professional press. It was noted that these principles still serve as the foundation of the country’s current media policy.
Mikhail Gusman, First Deputy Director General of Russia’s TASS News Agency, shared personal memories of Heydar Aliyev, stating that he saved his country and that there is direct evidence of this. Gusman emphasized Heydar Aliyev’s meticulous approach not only to written texts but even to photographs.
He also proposed holding a conference in November dedicated to the role of President Ilham Aliyev in the development of Azerbaijani media, noting that the 26 interviews given by the President during the 44-day war represent a remarkable example of professional journalistic diplomacy.
At the end of the session, a round table was held on the topic "Heydar Aliyev's educational policy: the role of education in increasing journalistic professionalism."
***
12:33
The opening ceremony of the conference on “The Role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Media Development” was held at Heydar Aliyev Center, APA reports.
Before the opening ceremony of the conference organized by the Media Development Agency, participants visited the exhibition titled “150 Years of Azerbaijani Press: From History to Present.”
The exhibition featured photos reflecting meetings of the Great Leader, Heydar Aliyev, and President Ilham Aliyev with journalists, publications with a special place in the history of Azerbaijani media, and significant events that played an important role in the development of the media.
At the opening ceremony of the conference, a moment of silence was observed in memory of our National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of our republic. This was followed by the performance of the State Anthem of Azerbaijan.
The conference also featured a video presentation reflecting the memories of media representatives about National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
At the opening, Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, stated that improving media professionalism and strengthening its economic foundations have been priorities of Azerbaijan’s information policy throughout all stages of the state’s development: “As stated in the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press, the reforms started shortly after our victory in the Patriotic War, including the adoption of the ‘Media Law,’ aimed to adapt media activities to the challenges of the digital age and to improve the country’s information environment.”
The conference continues with panel sessions.
