To the participants of the international conference on “The Policy of Modernization: new economic and social challenges”

Let me cordially salute the participants of the international conference on “The Policy of Modernization: new economic and social challenges”, which is under way in Baku on the initiative of the party “Yeni Azerbaijan Party”.

The first decade of the 21st century has revealed that human society has entered a qualitatively new stage in its development. It is universally recognized that the global challenges facing humanity require revision of the traditional model of economic and social development. The life of future generations in an atmosphere of development and prosperity largely depends on finding the right answers to present-day challenges. Therefore, I consider the organization of an active dialogue on the mentioned challenges with representatives from more than 30 countries around the world as a commendable event.

We have was recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration of state independence of Azerbaijan. The politicians, scientists and public figures who have gathered in Baku to exchange views on new economic and social challenges that have become urgent problems of our time have the ability to visualize the reforms ongoing in our country and their results.

Modernization and renewal form the core of our policies and the general course leading us to development. In this sense, Azerbaijan can be considered a good venue for the discussions on “The Policy of Modernization: new economic and social challenges”. I believe that the presentation of different national experiences can provide significant support for the efforts to address issues of concern for contemporary society.

I wish the conference participants a useful discussion, good health and a good mood.

Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 20 December 2011