The Azerbaijan State News Agency

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament addresses 150th IPU Assembly

Baku, April 6, AZERTAC

On April 6, during her working visit to Uzbekistan, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova addressed the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held in Tashkent, on the theme "Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice."

Speaker Gafarova congratulated participants on the occasion of the IPU’s landmark 150th Anniversary Assembly and expressed gratitude to the Government and Senate of Uzbekistan for the excellent organization and hosting of this historic event in brotherly Uzbekistan.

She emphasized the importance of the theme of the General Debate, noting that ongoing conflicts, geopolitical tensions, economic inequalities, environmental crises, and other global challenges significantly hinder social development. Citing recent assessments, she pointed out that progress on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is severely off track, with only 17 percent of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets currently on course.

Speaker Gafarova underlined that social development is a matter of direct relevance to all parliaments. Since people are at the center of social progress, parliaments—as elected representatives of the people—bear a fundamental responsibility in this regard.

She noted that, ahead of the Second World Summit for Social Development scheduled for November, the General Debate presents a timely opportunity to share experiences, best practices, and national positions. Gafarova proposed several key approaches: implementing the SDGs through a comprehensive lens without prioritizing the economic pillar over others; strengthening the welfare state and its protective role through legislative updates and enhanced government social policies; and recognizing social development as a global issue requiring collective international action.

In her remarks, Speaker Gafarova also highlighted Azerbaijan’s national efforts and achievements in the area of social development. She noted that Article 16 of the Constitution of Azerbaijan defines the general framework: “The State of Azerbaijan takes care of the improvement of the well-being of all people and each citizen, their social protection, and proper standard of living.” Accordingly, the Milli Majlis has enacted key legislation covering various aspects of social policy, with a continued focus on adapting laws to meet evolving demands.

Gafarova emphasized that Azerbaijan’s strategy is built on the principle that a strong economic foundation enables effective social policy. Quoting President Ilham Aliyev, she said: “Our policy is centered around the people of Azerbaijan, and the principles of social justice have always been important to us.”

She highlighted the following achievements: Unemployment and poverty have been reduced to 5.5 percent; Four major social reform packages implemented in the past five years have covered 40% of the population; The minimum wage has increased 2.7 times; The total salary fund has grown 2.6 times; Social benefits and pension payments have increased fivefold.

Speaker Gafarova also noted that over the past 30 years, the social inclusion of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been a national priority. As a result of Armenia’s occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory for three decades, one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs, with over 250,000 expelled from Armenia alone. The occupation led to the total destruction of nine cities, hundreds of villages, and numerous cultural, historical, and religious sites.

Despite the immense social and economic burden, the Azerbaijani government took comprehensive measures to support refugees and IDPs. Since the liberation of the occupied territories in 2020, Azerbaijan has been actively rebuilding these regions, demining land, reviving economic activity, and launching green energy initiatives.

To date, approximately 10,000 former IDPs have returned to their homes. By the end of 2026, this number is expected to reach 140,000—demonstrating Azerbaijan’s integrated, people-centered approach to sustainable development.

In conclusion, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova reiterated that social development should not be viewed solely as a national issue. She referred to the Copenhagen Declaration, which underscores the vital role of collective international commitments. In this context, she noted that Azerbaijan has provided $330 million in humanitarian, financial, and technical aid to more than 140 countries over the past five years—highlighting the country’s strong commitment to global efforts supporting social development.

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

U.S. Senator: Azerbaijan, Armenia, and other regional countries will benefit from TRIPP project

India poised to sharply cut Russian oil imports after sanctions, sources say

Mukhtar Babayev: Environmental problems of the Caspian Sea will be a major focus at COP30

Working Group session as part of 2nd meeting of OTS Ministers of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation held in Baku

Azerbaijani Officer Awarded the "Students' Sword of Honour"

Michael Doran: Trump administration understands that South Caucasus is no longer a peripheral theater

Gori hosts meeting involving leadership of Azerbaijani, Georgian, and Turkish National Defense Universities

Miami Heat’s Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers’ Billups arrested in gambling probe, sources say

9th Session of the Joint Commission between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Serbia and Azerbaijan-Serbia Business Forum held

Azerbaijani wrestler to fight for bronze at U23 World Championships

Two-day trip of international travelers to Karabakh and East Zangezur concludes

SOCAR President meets with ABB Senior Vice President for Northern Europe

Azerbaijan’s Central Bank explores development momentum of financial sector

Zangezur Corridor emerges as one of the most strategically important initiatives in the South Caucasus

Pope Leo XIV, King Charles III pray together in Sistine Chapel making history

Bayern all smiles as Jamal Musiala returns to training on the pitch

COP30 preparations underway

Egypt, EU sign €4B financial support package during Brussels summit

Victim: Armenians killed my fellow inmate while playing Russian roulette

Shusha–Khankendi tour organized for participants of international conference

Reeves considering tax hike for lawyers and accountants

ANAMA joins international conference on mine action

State Oil Fund announces revenues from Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz fields

Azerbaijani judokas aim for ‘medal rush’ at Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games

India limits content takedown powers to fewer officials after spat with Musk's X

Azerbaijan repatriates six more citizens from Syria

International travelers arrive in Fuzuli district

12 families relocated to Tazabina village in Khojaly district receive house keys

Japan will breed cloned pigs for human organ transplants

23 October marks International Day of Snow Leopard

Better data driving action on methane emissions, but more work needed

DOST Agency holds meeting with Serbian delegation

Azerbaijan–Estonia trade more than doubles

Climate science and early warnings key to saving lives

12 killed in road accident in Kazakhstan

® Azerconnect Group participates in Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Business Forum

SOFAZ reports investment returns and extra-budgetary revenues

President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Kazakhstan: A strategic stage in Turkic unity - COMMENTARY

SOFAZ announces revenues from oil and gas agreements

Azerbaijan’s ADA University, Ecuador’s Diplomatic Academy sign MoU

You don't need to be very happy to avoid an early death from chronic disease, study finds

Champions League top scorers: Harry Kane draws level with Kylian Mbappé

China's Zhuque-3 reusable rocket completes final major tests before maiden flight

International travelers tour Shusha

ICESCO Director-General meets Azerbaijani youth

Gold price nears $4,130 on global market

Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan advance toward laying green energy cable beneath Caspian Sea

Azerbaijani wrestler crowned world champion

A beautiful and calm location, idyllic setting – Philharmonic Garden VIDEO

A beautiful and calm location, idyllic setting – Philharmonic Garden VIDEO

The autumn serenity and rebirth: Jabrayil – A new destination for tourists VIDEO

The autumn serenity and rebirth: Jabrayil – A new destination for tourists VIDEO

Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center implements projects to strengthen national cybersecurity system and resilience

President Ilham Aliyev: Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary is deepening day by day

To His Excellency Mr. Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary

Physical activity raises daily calorie burn without conserving energy used elsewhere, study finds

Azerbaijani oil price surges in global markets

Oil prices rise in global markets

Liverpool rebounds with 5-1 win at Frankfurt in Champions League; Chelsea and Bayern also win big

Azerbaijan’s sustainable economy highlighted at UNCTAD16

International travelers familiarize themselves with historical and cultural landmarks in Karabakh and East Zangezur regions

Azerbaijani parliamentarians visit Colombia

Jaguar Land Rover hack has cost UK economy £1.9bn, experts say

Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker meets with Estonian Foreign Minister

International travelers visit Lachin

Villa Mussolini in Riccione up for sale

Azerbaijani delegation attends 25th Meeting of Steering Group (SG25) – WOAH Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe

Dushanbe hosts 35th meeting of CIS General Prosecutors’ Coordination Council

President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Astana in spotlight of Kazakh media outlets

Azerbaijan, Israel explore cooperation in family, women, and children affairs

Morocco to host 14th Larache International Festival of Intercultural Interaction

Azerbaijani Parliamentary delegates deliver speeches at 151st IPU Assembly debates

AzerGold CJSC delegation participates in LME Week

Minister: Western countries that previously viewed the Middle Corridor with skepticism are now showing interest

Presidential Library presents "Uzeyir Hajibeyli" project

ASAN Service of Azerbaijan and collaboration with Pakistan: An analytical overview

International symposium on modern religious models commences in Baku

Estonian Foreign Minister visits Victory Park in Baku

Azerbaijan, Estonia discuss bilateral and multilateral cooperation

Project “Heavenly Religions” presented at the Vatican

France's Macron orders tighter security as Louvre reopens doors

AzerGold CJSC holds meeting with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank representatives

Azerbaijan’s tomato exports surge 23% in first nine months of 2025

Ali Asadov: Azerbaijan demonstrates its commitment to restoring environment of cooperation and trust in region

Thousands protest in Berlin against chancellor's controversial remarks about migrants amid growing backlash

® Silk Way Group and dnata launch landmark joint venture to create aviation services hub in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani publishing houses participate in Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

Baku hosts working meeting between Azerbaijani and Georgian delegations

TURKPA Secretary General: Only through joint efforts can we translate humanitarian commitments into real and effective measures on the ground

Proposed Villarreal-Barcelona clash in USA cancelled

Estonian FM commemorates Azerbaijani martyrs in Baku

Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia discuss prospects for military cooperation between defense institutions

Number of Azerbaijani citizens studying at Estonian universities announced

100th anniversary of First Turkological Congress to be celebrated ORDER

Azerbaijan wins “Best Culinary Destination” award in Brussels

Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler crowned world champion

® Hurry and join now! 100,000 participants have already got the chance to win a Toyota Corolla and hundreds of bonuses

Baku hosts meetings of International Transport Forum

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: Peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan will bring prosperity and development to the Caucasus

Estonian FM: Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in the region

President Ilham Aliyev presented “Istiglal” Order to Yagub Eyyubov VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev presented “Istiglal” Order to Yagub Eyyubov VIDEO

Estonian Foreign Minister: A full-fledged embassy will soon open in Azerbaijan