Leyla Aliyeva: “We all must feel responsible for our planet.”

On January 17, the exhibition “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art” will open in London.

On the eve of this event, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder of the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Protection) campaign, and head of the Russian Azerbaijani Youth Organization, met with representatives of several national online media. The few hours of discussion with the new media allowed for an interesting and open interview. Here is the full text of that interview:

Hello, Ms. Aliyeva. Thank you for meeting with us and discussing the results of last year and the plans for the current year. I will start our conversation directly. At the beginning of 2012, we would first like to know: how do you assess the results of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s activities in 2011?

First of all, I would like to note that 2011 was a historically significant year for us. Not only because last year will be remembered for our victory at Eurovision and Azerbaijan’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, but also because in 2011 our country celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration of state independence. This significant date allows us to look back, analyze the path taken, and, of course, think about the future.

In this regard, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation held truly unforgettable events in the capitals of European countries. In London, Paris, Moscow, Berlin, Rome, and the Vatican, a series of concerts, exhibitions, and presentation ceremonies were organized, dedicated to ancient Azerbaijani history and culture, contemporary Azerbaijani art, and uniqueness. The projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to promote Azerbaijan more widely in the world have created conditions for the successful promotion of our national culture.

It should also be noted that in recent years the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has gained extensive experience in organizing music festivals. These festivals, featuring world-renowned musicians, have become a platform where the future stars of classical music and mugham art shine. The international music festival held annually in Gabala, the international mugham festival in Baku, the international festival named after M. Rostropovich, and a number of other events have become a traditional meeting place for world stars with the younger generation and attract the most discerning music lovers from all over the world.

One of the Foundation’s key areas of activity is education. This area ensures the successful development of our country in the future and shapes a new generation of management personnel. Since its inception, the Foundation has been implementing the “A New School for a Renewing Azerbaijan” program. In 2011, within the framework of this successfully continuing program, we managed to build and fully renovate about 400 school buildings across various regions of Azerbaijan.

Last year, the Foundation, together with the “Icherisheher” Administration, organized the Second International “Maiden Tower” Art Festival. Twenty-five well-known artists from 20 countries participated in this festival. The festival helps popularize the Maiden Tower, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest monuments, opens discussions about our history and culture, and, of course, provides opportunities for young talents to showcase themselves.

As you can see, the number of projects of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation is only increasing. Accordingly, our organization’s experience and skill in implementing projects in various fields are also growing. Therefore, we are determined to further expand the geography of our activities and continue to promote national culture, traditions, and Azerbaijan around the world. This is our priority task.

Recently, you launched a new global youth ecological campaign – IDEA. Within this campaign, the first steps have already been taken: an agreement was signed with the UN Development Program, and an international camp for young ecologists was held in Gabala. How do you assess public interest in these events? To what extent has your idea resonated among young people?

IDEA is an initiative responding to the challenges of the modern era. Everyone talks about ecology and environmental protection nowadays. But our initiative is not just a trend; it is a desire to do something real and tangible. I believe today’s youth should be concerned about one thing: How will we live in the world tomorrow? What awaits us, and what consequences might ecological problems have? We must feel responsible for our planet and contribute collectively to the protection of biodiversity and everything that makes our life not only healthy but interesting and colorful.

With this in mind, we launched the IDEA global youth ecological campaign. I can say that the results of this campaign have exceeded my expectations. In a short time, we were able to lay a broader foundation for future activities.

Thus, on October 21, 2011, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation signed an agreement with the UN Development Program to mobilize Azerbaijani youth in preparation for the “Rio+20” summit. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the first “Earth Summit,” which laid the foundation for sustainable development and global ecological security. The signed document provides for cooperation with the UN for one year.

Within this project, many events will be held to inform young people about the goals of the “Rio+20” summit. Until July, we will work in secondary and higher education institutions and hold “round tables” with civil society. In short, today we will discuss all issues that should concern us in improving the environment.

I want to specifically note that the IDEA campaign has already been supported by several ecological organizations. Almost all large organizations participate in events held under the IDEA initiative. This confirms our motto “One Planet – One Future.” In this regard, by working to make our planet greener, we plan to plant about 300,000 trees in Azerbaijan by the Rio de Janeiro summit in June. IDEA has already started implementing this initiative. Currently, our volunteers continue planting approximately 20,000 trees along the Zigh highway.

We are also keeping pace in the information and communication field because it is impossible not to actively use the internet in today’s world. The campaign website www.ideacampaign.org
is already operational. Hundreds of young ecologists from around the world contact us through this site, write letters showing support, and propose numerous initiatives. I should mention that IDEA actively uses social networks to promote various initiatives and projects. By the way, based on received letters, our team has started working on a project to create a special shelter for stray animals. This pressing issue is sometimes highlighted in the national media as well. Therefore, we decided to contribute to solving it.

Additionally, IDEA has identified five animal species in Azerbaijan, called the “Great Caucasus Five,” which face the threat of extinction: the bear, eagle, wolf, gazelle, and Caucasian leopard. We aim to inform the Azerbaijani and global public as much as possible about this issue and implement concrete projects to protect these endangered species.

For example, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, together with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, has implemented a project to protect Azerbaijani gazelles and relocate them to their natural habitat. Special sensor devices allow monitoring of these beautiful animals, tracking illegal hunting, and taking preventive measures to ensure their preservation. I cannot fail to mention another interesting process related to rare animals and their habitats in Azerbaijan.

Many know that the Maiden Tower, a symbol of Baku, is also a habitat for swifts. Like swallows, swifts are migratory birds that move toward Southern Africa during the winter. In summer, they return to Baku, and about 200 nests are located on the ancient tower walls. When the conservation process of the Maiden Tower began, these nests were at risk. Therefore, under the guidance of the “Icherisheher” Historical and Architectural Reserve and the IDEA campaign, special nests for swifts were built directly near the historical monument to ensure they do not change their traditional habitat during summer.

As you rightly noted, one of the most important events within the IDEA project was the organization of an international camp for young ecologists in Gabala. This camp allowed IDEA’s goals to spread on a more global level and turned Gabala, one of Azerbaijan’s oldest regions, into a regional center for environmental discussions.

Last year, 85 ecologists from 35 countries participated in the camp. The new project inspired young ecologists so much that they adopted the special Gabala Declaration, which calls everyone worldwide to take personal responsibility for the ecological situation. This year, we again plan to gather young ecologists from around the world to discuss necessary measures to protect our planet.

What are your main plans for this year within the IDEA campaign? Are there plans to hold events directly in Baku, involving many members of Azerbaijani society?

I must admit that IDEA has extensive plans for 2012 and the following years. Among the major global projects, along with the events I mentioned, we plan to organize a photo exhibition in various European countries dedicated to the “Great Caucasus Five.” The main goal of this exhibition is to draw the global community’s attention to the problem of species on the verge of extinction in the Caucasus and Azerbaijan.

Together with world-renowned photojournalist Reza Deghati, who has collaborated with National Geographic for several years, we plan to publish a quarterly ecological magazine for children. This magazine will convey our ideas and goals targeted at children’s thinking. The magazine will be published in Azerbaijani and English. Reza Deghati will also be the driving force behind the upcoming “EYE DEA” international photo competition. The submitted works will be exhibited in European cities and later in the streets of Rio de Janeiro during the “Rio+20” global summit.

In the coming days, we will launch a new project for Azerbaijani students – an essay competition titled “Deliver Your Message to Rio+20.” This will be an additional signal for young people to learn more about the goals of the global summit and the challenges of sustainable development. As you can see, there is a lot of work, and we hope that this competition will attract new forces and strengthen IDEA’s position among youth.

Ms. Aliyeva, how do you assess the past year in terms of the activities of the Russian Azerbaijani Youth Organization (RAGT) you lead?

This year RAGT turns 5. It is already a mature and very active organization. Today, our organization covers more than 70 regions of Russia. Azerbaijani student clubs have been established in more than 25 universities in Moscow. The main goal of the organization is to unite Azerbaijani youth in Russia and their friends. I can confidently say that RAGT successfully fulfills this mission and is the driving force of Azerbaijani youth in Russia today.

In the last three years, we have organized health-related campaigns – “Blood Has No Nationality!”, “Ensure You Are Healthy, Say No to Disease!”, free medical check-ups. For example, hundreds of young people participate in the annual blood donation campaign, and the collected funds are used for the treatment of children suffering from oncological diseases.

Since 2011, RAGT has organized numerous actions, including football tournaments, conferences in St. Petersburg, the release of RAGT’s magazine, various scientific conferences, flash mobs, and meetings with students.

Additionally, in 2011, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation opened the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Moscow. Located in the M.I. Rudomino State Library for Foreign Literature, this center houses books, films, discs, and all information about Azerbaijan. Visitors can learn about the works of great Azerbaijani writers, poets, artists, and composers, as well as see the natural beauty of our country and Baku’s unique architectural landmarks. We plan to hold creative evenings, exhibitions, seminars, and meetings with interesting and famous Azerbaijanis at the center. Of course, Azerbaijani language, history, and literature lessons will also be organized there, taught by teachers invited from Baku who are native speakers.

You are the chief coordinator of the OIC Youth Forum on intercultural dialogue and actively promote initiatives that unite youth from OIC member countries. The campaigns you mentioned above are proof of this. Are new campaigns and actions expected this year? In your opinion, what will be the main and most relevant directions of activity in the near future?

I have been serving as the chief coordinator of the Youth Forum since 2007. During these years, we have strengthened the structure of the forum and successfully implemented several major events and numerous projects.

I should note that Azerbaijani youth are among the most active in terms of geographic coverage within OIC member countries. Numerous ethnic groups and religions coexist peacefully in Azerbaijan, and our country’s tolerant environment is worthy of pride and admiration.

In the context of the Youth Forum, April 2011 in Baku was marked by the first congress of the Global Youth Movement for the Alliance of Civilizations. After four years of work, we established the Global Youth Movement and institutionalized it. This is very important as it ensures the consistent implementation of set tasks.

At the end of the year, on November 22-23, the Young Entrepreneurs Network of OIC member countries was established in Baku. Its main goal is to develop cooperation among young entrepreneurs in the Muslim world. This network serves as a platform for experience exchange and creating new connections. Young entrepreneurs are the most active social group in every country, and targeting this group within the forum provides favorable conditions for more effective consolidation. Notably, Baku became the capital of this initiative.

Overall, the Youth Forum is one of the most active youth organizations globally and actively participates in global ecological initiatives, including the IDEA project. We have also established the “10 Young Muslims” award, which will contribute to popularizing creative and interesting ideas among the younger generation and stimulate activity among youth in the Islamic world. 2012 will also be the first year of the student exchange program within the OIC Youth Forum, bringing dynamism and ensuring continuous development in the coming years.

Recently, the English version of the “Baku” magazine has been published. It is no secret that the Russian version is very popular in Russia and beyond. What do you think about the prospects of the English version?

The idea of publishing the magazine in English had been on my mind for a long time. I first thought about it after the presentation of the Russian version, at a time when many people were curious whether an English version would exist.

The Russian version of “Baku” has gradually expanded its readership over about four years. During this time, our team studied markets and consulted with various companies that could help. Naturally, I also prepared, as all this requires dedicating both time and full physical and intellectual effort.

2011 became the starting point. We began publishing the magazine in English. Today, “Baku” is read not only in the United Kingdom but also in other European countries. It is too early to speak about sales results, but I promise to share updates soon.

This year, we plan to present the magazine in the United States. In the future, we aim to promote Azerbaijan not only there but everywhere our embassies and diaspora representatives are located. This magazine is another opportunity to actively promote our ancient history, culture, traditions, music, and literature to the global audience.

Are there plans to publish the magazine in other languages?

Currently, our goal is to improve the English version as much as possible. Therefore, we are not yet considering publishing it in other languages. Perhaps in the future, if the English version becomes as popular as the Russian one, it will be worth considering.

From January 17 to 29, 2012, the exhibition “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art,” featuring numerous contemporary artists, will be held in London. Notably, your name is listed among the participants. Who came up with this idea? What is the main purpose and objective of the event?

I have been thinking about such an exhibition for several years. In recent years, many talented young people have emerged in Azerbaijan. Like previous generations of artists, sculptors, and musicians, these young people can contribute to the world art treasury. Today, the situation in Baku creates all conditions for the development of contemporary art and allows for the preparation of high-quality international exhibitions.

The “Flight to Baku. Contemporary Azerbaijani Art” exhibition will feature hundreds of works by 21 authors in various fields, including visual arts, graphics, sculpture, photography, and video.

The exhibition’s directors and chief consultants are highly knowledgeable in the art world – curator Hervé Mikaeloff and organizer Simon de Pury. I thank them for their work! The main idea and concept of the exhibition, which opens in London on January 17, belong to them.

We hope that the works of Azerbaijani authors will find their audience and that this exhibition will create opportunities for talented young Azerbaijani artists to enter global art platforms. This exhibition is another opportunity to showcase our culture and national uniqueness.

Are there plans to hold similar exhibitions in other countries and cities, as well as in Baku, showcasing young artists alongside Azerbaijani master craftsmen?

At this stage, we are preparing thoroughly for the London exhibition because it will be the first large-scale exhibition covering multiple directions. Representing Azerbaijan in such a prestigious venue is a very responsible task.

No doubt, after the exhibition’s successful completion in London, we plan to showcase the works in Berlin, Paris, Rome, possibly New York, Moscow, and other cities considered contemporary art centers. Of course, we also plan to hold an exhibition in Baku, but we want to do that at the very end. For us, Baku is both the beginning and the end of our projects and goals.

Ms. Aliyeva, I would like to move slightly away from formal questions. You are always busy, have many projects and initiatives, yet you also paint. How do you find time for this, and what does painting mean to you?

Painting is truly a great pleasure because it calms a person, I would say it sets everything in order, and the result may or may not appear. Sometimes I do not paint for half a year, but in a month I can complete five or six works. Once I start painting, it is almost impossible to stop and focus on something else. I believe all painters experience these feelings. In short, it is a great pleasure, but when the result is not successful, one must wait for inspiration.

For example, I am currently working on illustrations for a national fairy tale book for children. This book, titled “Once Upon a Time,” will be published in Russian. This idea is very interesting and close to me, and it takes considerable time alongside other tasks. But I want to create something special and fascinating for children.

In recent weeks, I have actively prepared for the exhibition in London. Along with other Azerbaijani artists, I may present five or six works there.

Ms. Aliyeva, many know and have witnessed that you write poetry. Do you continue writing poems?

Yes, I continue. I have many poems, but I no longer publish them. Of course, the idea of publishing a book exists, but it will likely happen in the future. Writing poetry is like painting; one can go a year without writing, then spend a whole week writing intensively.

Ms. Aliyeva, you are always in good shape. We would like to hear from you: how actively do you engage in sports?

Probably too actively (smiles). Sports help a person feel better both physically and mentally. That is why I exercise every day.

By the way, I am currently considering rock climbing. For me, it is something new and very interesting because it involves not only courage and bravery but also the opportunity to conquer another height.

In life, when you start a project, you often have to continue it alongside other projects. Thus, after starting the environmental campaign, I thought about climbing mountains. I began learning to climb rocks and this summer I