Leyla Aliyeva spoke as the chair of the round table titled “Sustainable Development and Ecological Civilization” at the Baku Humanitarian Forum

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, spoke as the chair of the round table titled “Sustainable Development and Ecological Civilization” at the Baku Humanitarian Forum.

While addressing the participants of the event about Azerbaijan’s history, culture, and nature, Leyla Aliyeva highlighted the country’s location between East and West, along the historical Silk Road, and noted that this factor has influenced the formation of Azerbaijan’s rich culture.

According to Leyla Aliyeva, although environmental protection is a primary responsibility of the government, the participation of non-governmental organizations, particularly youth, in this process is essential. Speaking on behalf of civil society representatives, youth, and environmental protection activists, Leyla Aliyeva provided information about the activities and achievements of the IDEA Public Union, founded in 2011, including raising awareness among young people, planting over 5 million trees in the country as part of the organization’s projects, and measures taken for biodiversity conservation. It was noted that IDEA’s slogan “One Planet – One Future” unites young people not only in Azerbaijan but also beyond its borders in the name of protecting nature.

Touching on the topic of the round table “Sustainable Development and Ecological Civilization,” Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that nature has been exploited by civilizations for millennia and, as a result, our planet is currently under threat. She stated that regardless of race, religion, or traditions, everyone shares the same planet and common future, and environmental problems know no borders.

Leyla Aliyeva drew attention to the fact that losses of nature are now measured not in years but in minutes, and spoke about the destruction of biodiversity due to human activity.

Despite the observed ecological threats, she noted that in recent years the international community has taken significant steps toward environmental protection and biodiversity conservation, including achievements under the Paris Declaration and the sustainable development goals. Among the successes achieved, it was mentioned that the panda population has increased and this species has been removed from the “endangered” category.

Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that similar success has also been achieved in Azerbaijan. Five years ago, as a result of the program started by IDEA and its partners for the reintroduction of gazelles, their population increased several times over a few years, reaching 6,000 and saving them from the threat of extinction. She noted that work is also being carried out to protect the currently endangered Caucasian leopard and Caspian seal species.

During her speech, Leyla Aliyeva also spoke about FAO’s “Zero Hunger” initiative, of which she is a Goodwill Ambassador. She emphasized that to eliminate poverty and hunger, which have become global problems, and to ensure that children do not suffer from food and water shortages, it is necessary for all countries to make joint efforts.

Leyla Aliyeva called on everyone to use natural resources efficiently and to be caring toward nature in order to ensure a green and safe planet for future generations.