Sustainable Development Goals at Baku State University.

Baku State University (BSU) held an event dedicated to Victory Day – 8 November.

The event began with participants laying flowers at the bust of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and at the memorial corner honoring BSU’s fallen alumni in the university’s main academic building.

The ceremony continued with the performance of the National Anthem and a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of our lands.

A video prepared by BSU TV on the occasion of Victory Day was then screened.

Rector of BSU, Elchin Babayev, noted that 8 November is a historic day of pride for the people of Azerbaijan and marks the beginning of a new stage in modern national history. He emphasized that this day symbolizes the realization of the vision once expressed by National Leader Heydar Aliyev: “Our main task is to liberate our occupied lands and restore the territorial integrity of the Republic.” He honored the memory of all soldiers and officers who fought, were wounded, or became martyrs for the freedom of the Motherland, stressing that their heroism will forever remain a symbol of courage and devotion in the nation’s memory. Despite 20% of Azerbaijani territory remaining under occupation for nearly 30 years, the people of Azerbaijan never lost faith in justice. Under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, the country strengthened its statehood and military capabilities, laying the foundation for national revival and development. This strategic path was successfully continued by President Ilham Aliyev, who led Azerbaijan to historic victory.

Rector Babayev underlined that after the victory, Azerbaijan entered a new historical stage – the era of revival. He highlighted that large-scale reconstruction in the liberated territories, guided by the principles of sustainable development, innovation, and high culture, demonstrates that Azerbaijan is victorious not only in war but also in peacebuilding. The “Great Return”, “Smart City”, and “Green Energy Zone” programs show the world that Azerbaijan is restoring life, science, education, and culture in its rightful homeland. He expressed pride that BSU alumni made valuable contributions to the Victory and emphasized that the glorious triumph achieved five years ago has been eternally engraved in the nation’s history.

Vice-Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law at BSU, Professor Ziyafat Asgarov, stressed that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has entered a new phase of development and strength. He noted that Victory Day symbolizes the power of the state, national unity, and eternal remembrance of martyrs. This historic day will continue to instill patriotism, the spirit of freedom, and the value of independence in future generations.

Other speakers — Member of Parliament Rizvan Nabiyev, Colonel of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and Hero of the Patriotic War Anar Mirzayev, BSU Journalism Faculty graduate and war participant Dashgin Azizov — stated that Azerbaijan proudly celebrates the fifth anniversary of its historic victory as a symbol of great return, renewal, and the revival of Karabakh. They emphasized that Victory Day will forever remain a page of honor in national memory and that Azerbaijan will continue to grow stronger with the spirit of this triumph.

The event concluded with an artistic program prepared by the BSU Culture and Creativity Center.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)