Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Azerbaijan have a unique way of development. Starting in the early 1990s, non-governmental organizations began to play a key role in the country's socio-political life in the most difficult times of Azerbaijan. Over time, some NGOs have become prominent community leaders to promote civil society development, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen international partnerships.
NGO is the most important institute of civil society. The NGO Forum which was established in the late 1990s was an important step to deal with the problems of civil society and the creation of a common NGO family.
2001 was the beginning of a new phase in the NGO field. In that year, a law on NGOs’ activity was adopted and legitimated the role of civil society organizations in our country. The adoption of the Concept of State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was a fundamental document to develop the NGO sector in the country.
The Council on State Support to NGOs under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was established by the Order No. 674 of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 13 December 2007 regarding the execution of goals and objectives set forth in the Concept. After the president appointed 11 members of the Council by the order in 2008, NGO representatives elected Chairman of the Council.
The Council which nowadays marked its 10th anniversary has made great efforts to strengthen public union, increase the importance of NGOs’ activities, develop mutual relationship between the government and NGOs, and support programs implemented in different areas.
Formation of professional staff, use of modern technologies to contribute NGOs’ activities, and the implementation of international projects were the biggest contribution of the Council to our country. The professional team formed in the Council, the Secretariat of the Council, civil society representatives who are closely involved in the Council’s activities take serious steps to increase the NGO sector.
Today, Azerbaijani NGOs increase their role in the development of civil society institutions and opportunities for cooperation. In this context, the Council on State Support to NGOs continues to contribute to the sustainable development in all directions in Azerbaijan. The development of the NGO sector in our country and the increase of efficiency are the result of the state policy.
Department of Public and Political Issues of Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Secretariat of the Council and the representatives of the Council have a special role in this field. For that reason, I congratulate the representatives of all civil society organizations in Azerbaijan, Assistant to the President for Public and Political issues, Head of Department Ali Hasanov, Chairman of the Council on State Support to NGOs Azay Guliyev, Executive Director of the Council Feraset Gurbanov and everyone who contributed the Council on the 10th anniversary of the Council.
Umud Mirzayev
President of the International Eurasia Press Fund
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