Dear SABAH Group graduates,

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of your completion of your higher education. Today you are completing your education, which is the main stage of your individual development, and stepping into a more important stage of your life – professional development. You will reap the fruits of what you have learned so far by applying it in reality. SABAH groups created a new and diverse academic environment in higher education institutions to produce well-educated, highly-qualified specialists who meet the demands of the labor market. To graduate by taking advantage of these conditions is a success and will play an exceptional role in your professional development. I am convinced that each of you will be able to benefit from this opportunity and engage in your desired professional activity.

Dear friends,

I can confidently say that as a strategic and priority area, education is always the focus of our state. According to the State Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan signed by Mr President Ilham Aliyev in 2013, a number of major reforms have been carried out in the country's education system, and this process is still ongoing. One of our main goals is to improve the quality of teaching in universities and to produce graduates who meet the demands of the global labor market. Guided by "Education is the future of the nation" motto, we have made a number of high achievements in the field of education in recent years under the country's leadership. Literacy is close to almost 100 percent in Azerbaijan today. Such an environment first of all creates many opportunities for you – young people. Naturally, our country has been developing in all areas in recent years. As Mr President Ilham Aliyev says, we should ensure that this development is sustainable. To achieve this, of course, young people should be knowledgeable. This undoubtedly defines our vision of the future and our goals.

Dear young people,

The achievements of our country in the field of education are not accidental. Particular attention has been paid to education in Azerbaijan since the early years of the history of our statehood. This year, which is remarkable for milestone events, we mark the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which played an indispensable role in the establishment of our statehood, formation of our national identity and national interests, made countless achievements that we have been proud so far. I think that one of the greatest achievements of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic made in a short span of time was the application of innovations in the field of education. Outstanding steps were taken such as the launch of education in Azerbaijani language, establishment of the first university and provision of support to young people's education abroad. But we should work together to maintain our achievements and to reach even higher peaks. It is impossible to achieve this without every citizen of Azerbaijan, especially without you - young people.

Dear graduates,

I would like to express my special gratitude to your teachers and parents for their crucial role in your today's success. They are also proud on this remarkable day as much as we are. I believe that by using the knowledge and skills you have gained, you will be able to contribute to your personal development as an individual and to the development of our homeland as a citizen. I wish each of you good health, happiness, as well as successes in the next stages of education process and in your future activities. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Mehriban Aliyeva

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 5 July, 2018