Baku, December 3 (AZERTAC). The 6th International Junior Science Olympiad has today kicked off in Azerbaijan`s capital, bringing together state and government officials, parliamentarians, local and foreign scientists.

A congratulatory message of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s President, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva was read out in the event.

“Olympiad is a great chance for the students to demonstrate their knowledge and their skills of nonstandard thinking, verify their potentials and to witness the great power of science. I hope this intellectual competition will be an important event for all of you and your knowledge, skills, strength of will, will help you to succeed,” the letter said.

“Right now is a time in your life when you choose the way of your future development. I believe, your interest in sciences is not temporary and will last for a long time. Participation at International Olympiad is important step in your life and often a success in this kind of competition influences a lot your decision about your future development. Also, I am sure that regardless of what sphere of knowledge, work or life you choose, this intellectual competition will be one of the main factors of your success and efficiency, both as a specialist and a person. We believe that in near future, after 10-15 years you will form scientific, technical elite of your countries. I wish you never to stop and always keep going forward.”

“As a Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, I am closely acquainted with the goals of Olympic movement. Unfortunately, there are thousands of children in the world who can not overcome illiteracy and don’t have any access to elementary education. At the same time, the history of humanity proves that intellectual abilities of people play a key role in overcoming crises such as political, economic, diplomatic, military, social, and ecological.”

“Modern Azerbaijan is as young as you are - our independency is only 18 years old. During this historically short period of time, we achieved a lot - the country itself, and its cities and villages, its education and production greatly developed. It became true due to intellect, wide worldview, clear mind, prevision of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Thanks to his unlimited support, even in the period when Azerbaijan was part of Soviet Union, hundreds of young talented boys and girls, had a chance to study at leading universities outside of Azerbaijan. And now we work hard, to support intellectual elite of our country at all levels of education and development. A lot of new schools are being built all over the country; state program of support for students’ education abroad is being implemented; postgraduate and postdoctoral researches of scientists are being supported. Investments into education are considered as a main factor of stable progress of Azerbaijan in future. That is why the Government of Azerbaijan supported organization of 6th International Junior Science Olympiad in Baku. We follow the principle about transformation of oil - black gold into human resources declared by President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Another important factor for us is the children - their health, education, growth, formation as a developed, responsible citizen of country. I would like to mention that the Year of 2009 is declared as a Year of Children in Azerbaijan by the decree of the President. Symbolically, the Year of Children is being completed by such a large-scale and important international event as Junior Science Olympiad, thereby focusing on both priorities of Azerbaijan Government - support to the youth and education,” the letter said.

“Science does not have barriers. Scientific knowledge, especially fundamental sciences can not be limited by governmental, national, cultural or ideological borders. We are confident that communication among the teenagers and leaders during Olympiad, will contribute to improvement of good relations and intercultural dialogue which is being approached by progressive and responsible humanity.”

“The disciplines, under which you are going to compete, form content of animated and unanimated nature and maybe they are most important in comprehension of essence of life progress. Being a doctor of profession I know how hard, but at the same time how interesting are these subjects; how many discoveries were made by great researchers, scientists of those fields; how a lot of things in our life are directly connected with the work and knowledge of those people. Who knows, maybe participation in this interdisciplinary Olympiad with the achievements of modern science and experiments will push you to choose your future profession,” the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation said in her letter.

Azad Rahimov, Azeri Minister of Youth and Sport, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, praised the government`s role in ensuring “high-level organization” of the Olympiad.

“Special Decree of Mr. Ilham Aliyev - the President of Azerbaijan Republic about the organization of 6th International Junior Science Olympiad in Baku, shows the care and interest of government towards this field, and serves for increase of youth’s interest to science, determination of youth’s creativity potential and for establishment of international co-operation.”

“I want to emphasize once again that it is very honoring that this event is taking place in our country. I hope this Olympiad will serve as great science and friendship network for many teenagers from different countries of world.”

“During these days you will get a chance to learn more about Azerbaijan’s history, culture, cuisine, to feel the hospitality of our people and to colorize your life.”

Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, stressed the importance of the event “in terms of the future of its participants”.

“I hope young people who`ve gathered here today will, in future, make their contribution to developing different sciences,” said Pashayev.

Masno Ginting, President of International Junior Science Olympiad, expressed hope the Olympiad would contribute to bringing both its participants and their countries closer to each other. Ginting also praised the Azerbaijani President`s “attention towards developing science and education” and also “the importance he attaches to youth affairs”.

Mahmud Karimov, President of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and Education Minister Misir Mardanov praised President Ilham Aliyev`s and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva`s role in developing science and education in Azerbaijan.

More than 600 pupils and teachers from 49 countries participate in the Olympiad which is held with support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, IJSO and ANAS.

Azerbaijan is the first European country to host the event.

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