Dear Forum participants!
Dear youths!
I would like to salute you, participants of the 6th Azerbaijani Youth Forum and all our youths in general, and wish each of you good health, happiness and every success in your activities in the name of the future of our country.
Azerbaijan is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the restoration of its independence in 2011, a year remarkable for all of us.
Most our youths can proudly say that they belong to a generation that has grown up in the years of independence. This generation has been raised on the ideology of Azerbaijanism, has played an important part in the economic and cultural development of our state and is acquiring extensive opportunities to unlock their potential. I am sure you will review these opportunities at the forum and highlight within the framework of your discussions, the significance of human resources for the development of a knowledge-based global economy.
In July this year, I signed an order to approve the "State Program on the Azerbaijani Youth covering the 2011-2015s". The existence of such a program is clear evidence of the state's youth policy. The key objectives of the program include, inter alia, active participation of our youths in various spheres of public life, their worthy place in society and international recognition. I am hopeful that the forum will facilitate a successful implementation and further enrichment of the said program.
The developments associated with the emergence of an information-oriented society clearly show that where there are modernity and creativity, quality education and a businesslike atmosphere, the innovative thinking characteristic of the youth can change the appearance of civilization completely. I am confident that a number of global challenges we are currently faced with will be resolved thanks to the inexhaustible energy and determination of young people.
I wish the forum every success and the fulfillment of your dreams to each of you. {nl}

Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 24 October 2011