Diplomacy is one of the most important areas of activity that carries the mission of enabling a state to make its voice heard in the international arena, protect its national interests, build reliable partnership relations, and contribute to peace and security. The achievements Azerbaijan has gained in the international arena in recent years are an important result of our country’s growing reputation, its recognition as a reliable partner, and the consistent, independent, and principled foreign policy course carried out under the leadership of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev. Looking back, we can see that the path taken by Azerbaijani diplomacy has not been simple or easy. At a time when our lands were under occupation, we were either not sufficiently represented on international platforms, or our words were conveyed by others in a distorted form. Azerbaijani diplomacy, which was formed after passing through such a difficult and contradictory stage, has reached its current position today as a result of great effort and struggle.

Today, when looking at the achievements of Azerbaijani diplomacy, it is also necessary to remember the complex and honorable path that began in the first years of our independence. It was not easy to convey Azerbaijan’s just voice to the world, defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country, and make the international community accept the realities created as a result of Armenia’s aggression. For many years, our diplomats, state institutions, and compatriots operating abroad carried out this struggle under very difficult conditions.

As the head of a civil society organization with General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and as someone who has been active in the UN system and other international platforms for more than twenty years, I have witnessed one truth many times over these years. Empty seats in international organizations are always filled by others. If you are not at that table, others will speak about you. If you do not speak your own truths, forces that do not wish you well will often do so in a way that serves their own interests. For many years, we have experienced the bitter consequences of this. We have repeatedly witnessed Armenia and the circles supporting it trying to spread false information about Azerbaijan in various international organizations, committees, and forums. In such cases, only the joint activity of professional diplomacy, a strong state position, and active civil society made it possible to defend the truth. Wherever Azerbaijan is represented, our truths are voiced more confidently; wherever it is not represented, others will certainly try to fill that gap. That is why active participation in international organizations is not a choice for us, but a strategic necessity.

The election of all candidates nominated by Azerbaijan to the elective bodies of international organizations in 2025, and the victory achieved in each of the 14 candidacies, is a clear example of this. This success shows that Azerbaijan has achieved a one hundred percent result in international election diplomacy. At the same time, the successes achieved in the elections held in June 2026 to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Human Rights Committee (ICCPR), and the Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC), as well as our country’s representation in the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the Committee on Migrant Workers (CMW), have made Azerbaijan one of the few states represented in five of the ten UN human rights treaty bodies. This demonstrates the strength of our country’s multilateral diplomacy and the high level of international trust.

Today, Azerbaijan is already among the states contributing to the formation of the international agenda. Chairing the Non-Aligned Movement, hosting such prestigious global events as COP29 and WUF13, the growing reputation in the UN, UNESCO, and other international organizations, regional cooperation, and peace initiatives show that Azerbaijan’s international position has significantly strengthened.

After the liberation of Karabakh from occupation, new and more responsible tasks stand before our diplomacy. Today, the main goal is the restoration of the liberated territories, keeping the humanitarian problems caused by the mine threat on the international agenda, supporting the safe return of former internally displaced persons, ensuring lasting peace in the region, and correctly conveying Azerbaijan’s new realities to the world community. Indeed, after the Second Karabakh War, the picture that had been formed over the years changed completely. In this direction, alongside state diplomacy, the activities of parliamentary diplomacy, civil society, the media, academic circles, and diaspora organizations are also of special importance. In the modern era, diplomacy, while being the work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has also become a major responsibility in defending the national interests of the country.

I am confident that Azerbaijan’s independent, principled foreign policy based on national interests will continue to further strengthen our country’s international positions. Thanks to the professionalism of our diplomats and the growing reputation of our state, our tricolor flag will wave even more confidently in the world’s most prestigious international organizations. On the occasion of Azerbaijan Diplomacy Day and the professional holiday of employees of diplomatic service bodies, I sincerely congratulate all our diplomats, veterans of the diplomatic service, and everyone who contributes to this sacred mission by defending our country’s national interests with great responsibility in different countries of the world and in international organizations. I wish them good health and new successes.

Diplomacy is the reputation of the state, the voice of the people, and a reliable guarantee of the future. July 9 – Happy Azerbaijan Diplomacy Day!

Author | Umud Mirzayev - President International Eurasia Press Fund