February 2 is the National Youth Day in Azerbaijan. This holiday celebrated for 26 years as one of Azerbaijan's important days, was gifted to our youth by the founder of the modern Azerbaijani state, national leader Heydar Aliyev. New generations with a strong sense of morality and patriotism are growing as a result of the state youth policy set forth by the national leader and continued by President Ilham Aliyev.
The 44-day Patriotic War, which went down in history as a glorious victory, showed the world the patriotism, self-sacrifice, and heroism of Azerbaijani youth. We can proudly say that among those who sacrificed their lives for this victory are young people working in the field of culture. We respectfully remember our fallen heroes who died for our homeland. Dozens of our young people who served in the Patriotic War are now working alongside us in the system of the Ministry of Culture.
The state provides close care and attention to Azerbaijani youth, including those involved in culture and the arts. Programs are carried out to show and promote their knowledge and skills, and gifted young people are awarded presidential bursaries and prizes. The state provides opportunities for young people to receive top-notch art education, participate in international festivals and contests, and have their voices heard on the world's most prestigious art stages. Young people play a critical role in all aspects of life in the country, including culture and art, and their future success is essential for the future of Azerbaijan. Professional, responsible, and patriotic young individuals are the future of our country.
On behalf of the staff at the Ministry of Culture, we extend our warmest congratulations to our young colleagues and, through them, to all the youth of Azerbaijan on this important day. We wish them good health, joy, continued success in their professional pursuits, and creativity as they work to serve the state and its people.