Today, volunteering in our country has become not only a major area of activity for young people but also a way of life. One of the key directions of Azerbaijan's successfully implemented youth policy is the involvement of young people in volunteer activities. The distinguishing features of Azerbaijani youth are their love for the homeland, commitment to values, and heartfelt humanitarianism.

As a continuation of the youth policy established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Volunteer Activities," approved by President Ilham Aliyev in 2009, and the declaration of 2020 as the "Year of Volunteers" in Azerbaijan provided significant impetus to ongoing and future initiatives.

Currently, various groups, institutions, and independent organizations consisting of volunteer youth have been established in our country across different fields. Among them, "BDU Volunteers" holds a special place. The organization, which enjoys a high reputation among nearly 25,000 students, over 3,000 staff members, and approximately 1,500 professors and teaching staff at Baku State University (BSU), unites around 1,500 active student volunteers. For the past five years, the organization has contributed to the success of BSU, the flagship of higher education in the country. "BDU Volunteers" has become a favorable platform for students' development by creating opportunities for them. In 2024 alone, more than 13,000 volunteer students participated in over 300 events and activities organized by "BDU Volunteers."

As part of the "For a Green World" program, organized in connection with the declaration of 2024 as the "Year of Solidarity for a Green World," 18 events were held, increasing youth awareness of sustainable development principles and ecosystem protection.

The "BDU Volunteers" organization also collaborates with various volunteer youth organizations and implements joint projects. This year, 706 volunteers represented BSU at events organized by the Azerbaijan Volunteer Organizations Alliance (AVOA). These events were aimed at fostering social values and promoting sustainable strategic approaches.

"BDU Volunteers" also played an active role in one of the world's largest events, the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Azerbaijan this year. A total of 74 BSU volunteers supported the event's organization and contributed to its success by promoting awareness of climate change issues and solutions.

Additionally, through the "Experience Volunteers" program, BSU volunteers gain practical experience in various university structures and faculties, achieving significant progress in their career development. To date, 18 BSU volunteers have secured employment at the university. Many others work in various youth organizations, effectively applying the experience gained at BSU in their activities.

These facts summarize the activities of the five-year-old volunteer organization of Azerbaijan's oldest and 105-year-old university. The fact that our university, which takes pride in having the National Leader as its graduate and embodies both tradition and modernity, remains at the pinnacle, serves as the greatest source of motivation and pride for "BDU Volunteers." We firmly believe that our volunteers, who are deeply devoted to our homeland, state, and BSU, will continue to achieve success through their dedicated activities. 

The chairperson of the "BSU Volunteers" organization