Leyla Aliyeva has launched a global youth environmental campaign.

On July 12, during her speech at the opening of the exhibition “Azerbaijan Through Foreigners’ Eyes” at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Baku, Leyla Aliyeva announced the launch of the IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) campaign.

Within the framework of IDEA, a number of initiatives are planned to engage young people and the international community in environmental protection. Leyla Aliyeva also noted that the first initiative has already begun. This is a photo contest dedicated to the nature and ecology of Azerbaijan. The results of the contest will be announced during an exhibition opening at the Museum of Contemporary Art in October.

It should be recalled that by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, 2010 was declared the Year of Ecology. Based on this decree, large-scale ecological programs have been implemented, including greening of the Absheron Peninsula, forest restoration, waste management, cleanup of oil-polluted areas and the Baku Bay, improvement of drinking water quality for the population, development of national park infrastructure, and protection and restoration of biodiversity, among others.

Currently, numerous projects are being carried out in the country on the use of alternative and renewable energy sources.

The photo exhibition “Azerbaijan Through Foreigners’ Eyes,” opened at the Museum of Contemporary Art, was organized with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme. The exhibition showcases photographs taken by diplomats and foreign citizens currently living and working in Azerbaijan.