HEALTHY FOOD-DIRECT FROM THE FARM

Did you know that according to scientific research, more than 75% of diseases could be easily avoided by having a healthy, normal dietary life, based on natural ingredients?

More and more often is asserted that in XXI century the main problem for humanity will no longer be the search for food or hunger confrontation, as it was until now but insuring food quality.

In other words: the question will no longer be how we obtain our food, but WHAT WE EAT?

Tifesti-Panciu a place blessed by God and mans alike. 

Fortunately the Romanian buyer starts to have the opportunity to select natural based products, respecting old production recopies and offering a true treasure of vitamins and nutrients.

DIRECT FROM THE FARM is a new line of products that is combining the care for consumer health with attention paid to the nutrients and marking to decisive advantages that will catapult here in the first line of natural products manufactures: land and peoples.

DIRECT FROM THE FARM products are taking full advantages from the high quality soil from Vrancea-Panciu region. The land of the region is benefiting from a perfect combination of humidity and solar exposure for more than half of the year, all encompassing a hill inclination that is allowing the accumulation of solar energy and a soil of best possible quality, un-exhausted and full of valuable minerals for human body. The high quality of the land is insuring a high quality of the products and the manufacturing methods are wisely choose as to insure preservation of the vitamins and minerals in order to insure you a healthy, nutrient food.

As I was saying not only the land is blessed but also the peoples behind DIRECT FROM THE FARM are contributing to the success of this food production line.

The managerial team is lead by the astute Daniel Guzu, a man who knows the life values and knows that in order to gain you need to invest first in the health and well being of your family, and wellness can be maintained only by healthy food.

Apple`s gems straight from the orchard: without added sugar, preservatives or additives.   

I was always interested in healthy food and so I come back to the village where I was born: Tifesti-Panciu vineyard-with the idea to establish a small plantation for me and my family. Afterwards I discovered that more and more people are searching for a healthy food and my passion overcome the stage of just a hobby.

Today on the valleys of Vrancea Mountains I supervise 150 hectares of vineyard and 80 hectares of orchard.

This plantation is equipped with a platform to use all the products of the orchard and all the fruits are either consumed fresh or transformed in juice or vinegar.

From grapes we are creating wines, jams and juices. For fruits we have build a storage facility with controlled atmosphere that is keeping the fruits fresh all year long.              

Here also we are manufacturing our jams, pulp extracts and vinegar preservatives free and with not added sugar.

The chemical additives are reduced to the minimum in plants development and are untraceable in the fruits analyses.

I consume this products me and my family. My children’s are enjoying the fruits and juices produced at DIRECT FROM THE FARM-Daniel Guzu.

Today we are presenting to the consumers a large variety of products that encompass: jams, juices, fruits and compote all natural and DIRECT FROM THE FARM.

DIRECT FROM THE FARM had become a name that cannot be replaced or bypass by the quality and good taste connoisseurs of Romania.

Healthy juice from natural fruits -DIRECT FROM THE FARM.

We must not forget the old and wise saying of our forefathers: you are what you are eating, if we are eating healthy food we will be healthy.

Let’s all taste the healthy products from DIRECT FROM THE FARM.

You can order on-line here:

PARTICIPARE ROMANEASCA LA FORUMUL INTERNATIONAL UMANITAR DIN AZERBAIJAN

In perioada 31 octombrie-1 noiembrie 2013, centrul elitei culturale si academice  mondiale a fost in Azerbaijan, in cadrul Forumului International Umanitar de la Baku.

Presedintele Ilham Aliyev a reunit elita intelectuala mondiala la Baku, in cadrul Forumului International Umanitar 2013

Forumul a reunit, sub conducerea Presedintelui Republicii Azerbaijan-Ilham Aliyev, inalti reprezentanti academici si lideri mondiali din 65 de tari, toti in cautarea solutiilor pentru construirea unei lumi fara crize economice, fara razboaie si conflicte.

La invitatia Ministrului Afacerilor Externe al Azerbaijanului-Elmar Mammadyarov, Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea, Directorul Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica a participat in calitate de speaker principal la lucrarile forumului.

In deschiderea Forumului International Umanitar de la Baku, Presedintele Ilham Aliyev a marcat necesitatea reorganizarii sistemului institutiilor internationale in sensul cresterii autoritatii si puterii de actiune a acestora.

Scopul reformelor este ca in final deciziile organismelor internationale sa nu mai ramana doar o hartie fara valoare, ci sa fie implementate, dandu-se ca exemplu negativ cazul conflictului din Nagorno-Karabakh, unde deciziile Natiunilor Unite sunt incalcate de peste doua decenii.

Totodata Presedintele Azerbaijanului a subliniat necesitatea exportarii modelului de dialog intercultural reprezentat de un Azerbaijan ce a devenit casa mai multor etnii si religii, ce respecta monumentele culturale crestine, iudaice si musulmane deopotriva ca parte a mostenirii istorice a  Azerbaijanului.

″Am restaurat templele zoroastriene, cele mai vechi biserici crestine din Caucaz se afla in Azerbaijan si au fost renovate si am finalizat si refacerea moscheii Shamakhi Juma ce are peste 1270 de ani vechime. Am facut din protejarea monumentelor religioase ale tuturor religiilor parte a politicii noastre nationale″, a concluzionat presedintele azer.

Liderul national azer a mai mentionat si importanta modelului de dezvoltare economica, oferit de Azerbaijan in aceasta perioada de criza, citand o crestere economica permanenta, un somaj redus si un nivel de trai ridicat, cu salarii ce au crescut de sase ori in ultimii zece ani, ceea ce a adus Azerbaijanul pe locul 39 al competitivitatii mondiale.

Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea a prezentat un adevarat manifest pentru secolul XXI in aplauzele asistentei de la Forumul International Umanitar de la Baku 2013

 

In discursul sau, Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea, Directorul Institutului de Relatii Internationale si Cooperare Economica, a multumit presedintelui Ilham Aliyev pentru initiativa organizarii acestui inalt forum, ce poate deveni o platforma mondiala de dicutii pentru constituirea unei lumi a secolului XXI, fara crize umanitare, o lume a echitatii sociale si a egalitatii de sansa, a dezvoltarii continue.

In discursul sau principal, Prof.Dr. Anton Caragea a mentionat ca singura solutie pentru criza economica globala este o dezbatere la nivel general, care sa inlocuiasca fundamentele filosofice de secol XVIII cu imperativele secolului XXI : o civilizatie ecologica, parasirea pradigmei economiei capitaliste si inlocuirea ei cu dezvoltarea durabila, renuntarea la profit ca singura metoda de apreciere a succesului si inlocuirea cu utilitatea sociala.

La finalul lucrarilor forumului, Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea a efectuat un tur al orasului Baku si o vizita de familiarizare in Republica Autonoma Nahcivan din cadrul Azerbaijanului.

Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea inaugureaza noul complex muzeal din orasul antic-Ordubad.

Vizita a inclus o componenta culturala, incluzand un tur al orasului Nahcivan,  oras vechi de peste 3.500 de ani, o calatorie la monumentul funerar al Profetului Noe, vizitarea Palatului Heydar Aliyev din localitate, muzeul covoarelor, o vizita in orasul antic Ordubad , la palatul sahilor din Nahcivan si la moscheea Ashabi-Kahf si a asistat la un spectacol de muzica clasica si opera universala si azera din cadrul Teatrului Dramatic din Nahcivan.

Baku: un oras ce impleteste modernitatea si trecutul in mod armonios.

Turul orasului Baku, o capitala ce uneste perfect cladirile ultramoderne si splendoarea vechiului oras, a inclus vizitarea palatului Shirvanshah, a televiziunii azere si a citadelei medievale.

Profesor Dr. Anton Caragea a apreciat intr-un interviu pentru televiziunea nationala azera ca : Baku este astazi o metropola simbol, ce respecta trecutul si construieste un megapolis ce indeplineste cerintele secolului XXI, splendid asezat in cadrul mirific al Marii Caspice.

Vizita in Azerbaijan a avut loc intre 30 octombrie si 4 noiembrie 2013 si s-a inscris in cadrul dorintei de a dezvolta parteneriatul strategic bilateral si de a cunoaste mai bine modelul economic, cultural si de civilizatie azer.

Opera Nationala din Nahcivan a prezentat un spectacol de exceptie in cadrul Teatrului Dramatic al Regiunii Autonome Nahcivan din Azerbaijan

       

Mausoleul funerar al profetului Noe-punct de referinta pentru credinciosii crestini, musulmani sau evrei  deopotriva.

ROMANIAN PARTICIPATION TO AZERBAIJAN FORUM ON INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN ISSUES

From 31 October to 1 November 2013, the world center of cultural and academic elite was Azerbaijan, during the International Humanitarian Forum held in Baku.

President Ilham Aliyev reunited the world intellectual elite at Baku International Humanitarian Forum  2013   

The Forum had united, under the leadership of Azerbaijan President-Ilham Aliyev, the highest representatives of academic groups and world leaders from 65 countries in search of solutions to build a world free of economic crisis, wars and conflicts.

Upon the invitation of Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan-Elmar Mammadyarov, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation attended as key-note speaker to the forum activities.

Opening the International Humanitarian Forum of Baku, President Ilham Aliyev had underlined the necessity to reorganize international institutions system in order to increase their effectiveness and action power.

The purpose of this proposed reform is to empower the decisions of international organisms and to avoid negative cases, like in the situation of Nagorno-Karabakh where United Nations decisions are not implemented for more than two decades and remain dead letter.

Azerbaijan President highlighted the necessity to export inter-cultural dialogue model of Azerbaijan, that become a country for many religions and ethnical groups, a country  that is respecting equally the Christian, Judaic or Islamic heritage, as part of the global historical patrimony of Azerbaijan.

″We have restored an ancient Zoroastrian temple in Azerbaijan. The oldest church in the Caucasus is also located in Azerbaijan. It has also been renovated. The Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world, has been overhauled. It is 1270 years old.

In other words, restoration and protection of the monuments of all religions are part of the national policy″, concluded azeri president.

The national Azeri leader mentioned in his speech and the importance of economic development model offered by Azerbaijan in this time of crisis, citing a constant economic growth, low unemployment and high standard of living, with salaries that increased six times in the last decade, all this factors helped Azerbaijan ranking in the top 39 world economic competitiveness.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation at Baku International Humanitarian Forum. 

In his allocution, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation had openly thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the initiative to host this high standard forum that has the potential of creating a global world dialogue platform, in order to create a XXI century world without humanitarian crisis, a world of social equity, equal chances and sustainable development.

In his key note speech, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea underlined the fact that the only cure for world economic crisis is a global debate, that will replace the philosophical fundaments of XVIII century, with the imperatives of XXI century: an ecological civilization, relinquishing the capitalist economic paradigm and replacing it with sustainable development and ousting profit as the symbol of global economic assessment and replacing it by social utility.

After the forum works where concluded, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea taken up a tour of city of Baku and a familiarization trip to Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan, component part of Republic of Azerbaijan.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea  inaugurating Ordubad City Museum in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan.

The visit had a strong cultural component including a tour of city of Nakhchivan, a city with a 3.500 years history, a on the spot excursion to Prophet Noah Tomb, visiting Heydar Aliyev Palace in the city, carpet museum, a cruise to the ancient city of Ordubad, an incursion to the Nakhchivan Shah palace and to Ashabi-Khaf mosque and had observed a classical and opera spectacle offered by the Drama Theater of Nakhchivan.

The Baku city tour presented a capital that unites perfectly high tech buildings and the splendors of the old city and had included a visit to Shirvanshah palace, Azeri national television and   medieval citadel.

Baku: a daring mixture of modernity and preservation of past on the shores of Caspian Sea.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had stated in a television interview for National Azeri Channel that: Baku is today a symbol metropolis that is respecting the past and building a powerful megalopolis in line with XXI century requirements and magnificent located on shores of Caspian Sea.

The visit to Azerbaijan was held between 30 October and 4 November 2013 and was inscribed in the bilateral expressed desire to develop the strategic partnership and in order to better appreciate the cultural, economic and civilization model offered by azeri society.

National Opera of Nakhchivan held an impressive performance at Drama Theater of Nakhchivan

Prophet Noah funeral mausoleum in Nakhchivan: a fundamental place for worship for christian, islamic and judaism believers. 

PROFESSOR DR.ANTON CARAGEA IMPRESSIVE DISCOURSE AT BAKU INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FORUM 2013

ECOLOGICAL CIVILIZATION: THE GOAL OF MANKIND IN XXI CENTURY.

In the last period of time, a new concept had arise in the framework of international policy and of environmental action: the idea of an ecological civilization, understood as a complex economic, cultural and social structure that is insuring the future of global and sustainable development,  in accordance with the laws and necessities of nature.

 

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea presents the manifesto for XXI century world during: BAKU INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FORUM 2013

 

In today world the emphasis must be on building a new society structure, based on the values of ecological civilization.

 From a historical point of view, we can appreciate that we are leaving a turning point in the development of human society.

This moment can be only compared with the end of medieval age and the beginning of the industrial and modern period of human society, a period that involved a profound transformation in society, politics and economy.

 

Today we are living a similar period of world crisis and transformation.

This is involving a tremendous economic crisis, spanning now for more that six years, a crisis that it will continue for at least five to ten more years and is re-shaping economic climate, business environment and is creating poverty, inflation and promoting striking inequality and exploitation all around the world.

Present day economic crisis, is proving that the XVII century economic model of capitalist and profit based economy is exhausted and is not creating wealth and prosperity but poverty, underdevelopment and crisis on a world scale .

The crisis that we are experience now is deeper than just the economic factor  it is also rapidly becoming an environmental disaster at planetary scale.

The economic and civilization model in use today in the western world, becomes unsustainable: the resources are depleting in a rhythm unknown in history, the pollution is exacerbating and the economic cost of the environmental changes and climate changes is unfathomable.

Confronted by the failure of today economic system (based on inequality, quagmire poverty, the abnormal cost of consumer based society etc.) and the natural patrimony destruction by exploitation and pollution, all factors converge to make this model un-economic, un-ethical and un-sustainable.

The consumerist based society and vision of a future, in which we can spend and destroy everything for the sake of profit, is based on a failed policy and vision that is undermining the future of human society.

The economic crisis has broken down from the rostrum of philosophical ideas the concept of eternal development and never ending consumerism.

The ecological crisis is spelling clearly the end of another dream (of inexhaustible natural resources and non-value of nature) and is emphasizing the fact that: the collapse of the present civilization model is putting under question the future of human specie.

I must also emphasize that by today the ecological crisis is rapidly becoming an emergency in tackling, because of the high risk involved in the environmental damage and the resources exhausting.

Solving this issues: safeguarding the resources and the environment becomes economically inefficient and unsustainable for today civilization model based solely on profit as supreme value.

Converting human society towards an ecological civilization is therefore logical and necessary in order to adapt the XXI century society to the challenges and transformations of our time.

The philosophical solutions of XVII century are no longer feasible in today economic and political climate.

As any new concept, the theory of an ecological civilization is yet to be properly determined, but there are some key issues that need to be analyzed:

Heydar Aliyev Center: the gathering place for world elite at Baku International Humanitarian Forum 2013

 

Ecological civilization: a national goal or an international target?

More and more country’s are starting adopting and pioneering the concept of Ecological civilization (in 2007 Communist Party of China leader –Hu Jintao even press for adopting ecological civilization as a national objective in Peoples Republic of China and present day President Xi Jinping ask United Nations to register this concept along sustainable development ) we must draw a fine line between the implementation of the concept of Ecological Civilization (E.C) in the national economy and development plans and adopting as an international target.

Already United Nations Development Program adopted Chinese report on China Sustainable Development Report 2013 – the road to ecological civilization: the next decade, as an UNDP international document and started elaborating future policies on this document.

From this first steps is starting the first necessity in elaborating and implementing the concept of Ecological Civilization.

To this extent we can use the road map, already drafted for Millennium Development Goals and start incorporating the basic principles of ecological civilization into national documents in the same time as elaborating them as international documents.

We must clearly state that: all thou the national actor’s role in implementing Ecological civilization on a world scale is prominent, solely promoting the inclusion into national agenda will not suffice.

Only accepting Ecological Civilization as a long term, mandatory goal of the international community can offer chances to success in implementing this society model on a world scale.

 

The role of diplomacy in promoting ecological civilization concept.

The promotion and international presentation of the ecological civilization paradigm is a task that can be entrusted to international diplomacy.

 

In order to rapidly foster the dialogue and the acceptance of the concept of ecological civilization (E.C.) this must be amalgamated as an index (similar to human development index) in ranking countries international stature and success.

All the countries must be evaluated in their contribution in implementing the E.C. model in their economy and society and also in appraising their role in attaining this aim on international level.

Ecological Civilization must be introduced  as a part of international law by becoming part of the international treaty system, being a starting point for regional, trans-national and global and continental cooperation ( and also used in bilateral agreements between national and international company, NGO and cultural entities etc.-on the framework of cooperation carved for Millennium Development  Goals ).

In 1997, United States proposed a Forum of Democracy, in promoting the values of indirect democracy world wide.

This initiative has failed in the mean time as indirect democracy is considered inadequate by more and more countries, but the idea must not be forfeit.

A similar Forum for Ecological Civilization, used by the nations and institution that understand their global responsibility, can be used to foster connection and promote the practical measures to achieve the goal of ecological civilization.

 

The international assistance budgets must be converted in budgets for ecological civilization development.

Instead of being awarded and placed for political agenda issues, on debatable criteria, there must be used solely for projects that are in conformity with sustainable development criteria and agenda.

The contribution of all nations to international peace and security and development must be based on the contribution to promote an ecological friendly civilization.

This also must be based on the contribution of United Nation and their relief and specialized agencies and also of economic world entities (such International Monetary Fund and World Bank) in implementing ecological civilization specific agendas.

Initiating a global and world wide level debate it is another urgency . This debate will be centered on economical agents and on the necessity of promoting the agenda of ecological civilization as the only rational and economic sound investment, based on concepts like: green economy, sustainable profit and updating economical mechanisms to the provocation of XXI century environmental cost.

Building an ecological civilization involves a change in the economic society matrix that has proven to be unreliable and inefficient and unproductive.

Today economic matrix ( that is disregarding the long term impact on environment) has proven to be inefficient, cost-ineffective and promoting under-development on a world level and promoting inequity and inequality between  nations, regions and economical classes , creating un-sound disparities and provoking havoc in economy and world environment.

This situation must mark clearly that the ecological civilization is not a trend or an intellectual fashion, but must evolve in being a society model responsive to the necessities of XXI century.

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, MA, FINS, EDA

 

BAKU INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FORUM GET`S AN IMPRESSIVE WELCOMING SPEECH FROM AZERBAIJAN PRESIDENT-ILHAM ALIYEV

Speech by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev at the III-rd BAKU INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FORUM-2013

Dear ladies and gentlemen!

Distinguished guests!

I warmly welcome you all to Azerbaijan and say to you – you are welcome! The Third Baku International Humanitarian Forum starts today. It is a great event. It is a very significant development in the life of our country. I should note that this forum has already become a wonderful tradition. I remember addressing the opening ceremony of the Second Forum last year and expressing hope that the third, fourth, fifth and more forums would be held in Baku. I see that this has already become a reality. This suggests that great attention is being paid to issues of international cooperation. These issues should always be in the spotlight because humanitarian and cultural cooperation are the factors that unite peoples and countries.

The Forum attracts huge interest. It brings together about 800 guests from 70 countries. We can say that our guests today include the intellectual elite of much of the world.

Azerbaijan has always been keen on humanitarian cooperation. This issue is always in the spotlight. I believe that our country has already accumulated great experience in this field.

Today, along with political, economic and energy issues, Baku is venue for high-level discussions on humanitarian issues. I should note that Azerbaijan has hosted prestigious international events, summits and international conferences on various topics in recent years. Baku has turned into a center of international cooperation. This year, for the first time in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Baku has hosted the Davos World Economic Forum and a meeting the Club of Madrid. The Forum on Intercultural Dialogue has been held twice. The Baku International Humanitarian Forum also has a special place in this series. I am sure that the discussions and exchanges of views to be conducted within the framework of the Forum will contribute to international humanitarian cooperation.

The fact that such events are held in Azerbaijan is probably natural, because representatives of all nationalities and religions have lived in Azerbaijan in peace, tranquility and brotherhood at all times. Regardless of the public and political system here, Azerbaijan has always been a place of tolerance. Today, independent Azerbaijan builds its policy on this solid foundation.

Today, there is a multiethnic and multi-religious society in Azerbaijan. This is our great treasure and asset. We are cherishing and will continue to cherish this treasure. The historical monuments of all ethnicities and religions are protected and restored in Azerbaijan. We have restored an ancient Zoroastrian temple in Azerbaijan. The oldest church in the Caucasus is also located in Azerbaijan. It has also been renovated. The Shamakhi Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world, has been overhauled. It is 1270 years old. In other words, restoration and protection of the monuments of all religions are part of the national policy. Of course, this beautiful and historical experience accumulated in Azerbaijan manifests itself in the modern world. I believe that the development of civil society, the development of international relations in a positive direction is our greatest achievement.

I would like to note once again that it is no coincidence that issues related to humanitarian cooperation are discussed in Baku. I am confident that the Forum will have a bright future and this platform for international cooperation will have a positive impact on the positive developments taking place in the world.

The Forum has a very broad agenda and very interesting topics will be discussed. But I am told that the biggest interest is on the “round table” on issues related to multiculturalism. I can say that this theme is at the center of the Forum’s attention, as it requires constant attention and there are different opinions on this topic in the world. Of course, there is both positive and negative experience. I believe that our common cause must consist in highlighting and promoting the positive side of multiculturalism and eliminating discrimination taking place in the world in connection with this topic.

Multiculturalism is a state policy in Azerbaijan. I should note that this is also dictated by our past. At the same time, multiculturalism is a way of life in Azerbaijan. In our daily life, we act on the basis of these principles. These principles are supported and protected by an absolute majority of society.

President of Azerbaijan proudly states:  the intellectual elite of much of the world is assembled at Baku International Humanitarian Forum

There is no alternative to multiculturalism in the 21st century. Of course, in the 21st century world we can’t remain indifferent to such negative trends as discrimination, xenophobia and Islamophobia.

Therefore, I believe that the formation of multicultural societies and the promotion of these ideas should be part of every responsible politician’s and public figure’s activities.

Unfortunately, in some cases we hear other opinions. Some suggest that multiculturalism has no future. In a number of countries there is a very pessimistic mood on this issue. I believe that we need to conduct our analysis on the basis of the positive experience existing in the world and promote this positive experience because there are many addresses of multiculturalism in the world. Most countries have multiethnic societies. The coexistence of different religions and different peoples is the requirement of the time. In other words, mankind is developing in this direction. Today, human values form the basis of any normal society. Under such circumstances, the problems associated with multiculturalism, of course, should be openly discussed. We should not hush up these problems.

They should be openly discussed. It is necessary to analyze the positive and negative experience. I want to say once again that our main goal should consist in contributing to the development of multicultural societies. I can say that the experience accumulated in Azerbaijan in this direction is positive. As I said, this is our state policy and a way of life.

I believe that the holding of the Humanitarian Forum in Baku is an estimate of the positive aspects of this experience. At the same time, I have to say that, unfortunately, Azerbaijan is faced with a humanitarian disaster. For many years, our internationally recognized lands have been under occupation. The ancestral lands of Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent districts, are under the occupation of Armenian occupying forces. We have been confronted with a policy of ethnic cleansing. More than a million Azerbaijanis have become refugees and IDPs in their native land. Twenty per cent of our lands are under occupation. All of our cultural heritage, historical and religious monuments in the occupied territories have been destroyed.

International organizations, in particular the OSCE, have sent two fact-finding missions to the occupied regions, and their reports explicitly state that everything is destroyed there. International organizations have reflected their principled position on this issue in their documents. Four UN Security Council resolutions demand a withdrawal of the Armenian occupying forces from our occupied lands. The European Parliament, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Council of Europe and other organizations have adopted similar decisions and resolutions. But unfortunately, these decisions and resolutions are not fulfilled. Here we have to say a few words about the effectiveness of international organizations. Their decisions remain on paper and are not fulfilled. Of course, this is an unbearable fact. Sometimes, the decisions passed by international organizations are executed in a matter of a few hours. As for us, these resolutions have remained unfulfilled for more than 20 years.

Talks on the issue are under way and, of course, the internationally recognized territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. More than a million refugees and displaced persons should be able to return to their native land. It is their fundamental right. This conflict also represents a flagrant violation of human rights. More than a million citizens of Azerbaijan can’t return to their native lands. This huge humanitarian catastrophe has certainly caused great damage to the overall development of our country.

The present-day development of Azerbaijan attracts even more attention because we have been able to achieve this development while our lands are under occupation. One of the topics of this forum is related to the humanitarian aspects of economic development.

In my view, this is a very interesting topic. Again, I think that the experience of Azerbaijan can prove very interesting because despite the fact that we have been subjected to ethnic cleansing, our lands are under occupation, there are more than a million refugees and displaced persons, and the government provides them with financial assistance and care, our economic development over the past 10 years has been the most rapid worldwide. Over the past 10 years, as a result of the reforms, the country’s economy has grown 3.4 times. This, if I may say so, is a world record. At the same time, Azerbaijan is paying great attention to social issues. After all, radical economic reforms often lead to a worsening of the standard of living. Azerbaijan, as a country that has experienced a period of transformation over the past 20 years, should of course defend itself from these risks.

Heydar Aliyev Center – a modern avenue for a world forum. 

Our independence is only 22 years old and we have lived as an independent and free country for 22 years. At the same time, Azerbaijan has been building its economy on market principles for only 20 years. Not only were we not independent – the economic system which existed in the Soviet Union could not function effectively, of course. Therefore, for us the transformation went in two directions. First of all, we had to establish and strengthen the foundations of statehood. We had to establish all democratic institutions and Azerbaijan had to integrate into the world community. At the same time, we had to carry out fundamental reforms in the economic sphere, because our development would be impossible without this. Of course, these reforms could adversely affect the standard of living of our people.

But our policy, the thought-out social policies contributed to the fact that the rapid economic development has also had a positive impact on the welfare of our people. To confirm that, I want to give you some figures. As I said, in 10 years our economy has grown 3.4 times. Budget revenues have increased 20 times, salaries nearly six times and pensions nine times.

Ten years ago, the level of poverty in Azerbaijan amounted to 49 per cent. As a result of the reforms carried out, it is only at 5.5 per cent today. Thanks to these reforms, we have created 1.2 million jobs in Azerbaijan in 10 years. Currently, the rate of unemployment in Azerbaijan is 4.8 per cent.

All this, of course, is the result of economic reforms. At the same time, all of this is directly related to the humanitarian sphere because citizens of Azerbaijan, their problems, concerns, safety and welfare are at the center of our policies.

Serious and consistent social policies have allowed us the opportunity to develop the country and improve the well-being of our people.

At the same time, our main objective in the economic sphere has been the growth of the non-oil economy. Today we have managed to achieve that. The non-oil sector dominates our gross domestic product. According to the rating the Davos World Economic Forum on economic competitiveness, the Azerbaijani economy is ranked 39th in the world. I think you would agree that for a country that has been living on the principles of a market economy for only 20 years this is a historic achievement.

I believe that social and humanitarian aspects of economic development should be a matter of particular interest for the development of any country. I think that it is necessary not only to conduct discussions on this issue, but also to provide recommendations. Sometimes the funds allocated for the solution of social issues give rise to economic problems in these countries. We see this through the manifestations of the ongoing global financial and economic recession. In many cases, the unrealistic and populist campaign promises of some politicians lead to economic problems.

At the previous forum I expressed my views on this matter and spoke about the responsibility of politicians. I believe that this issue will remain in the spotlight because populist promises and their subsequent implementation often lead to unnecessary borrowings. The national debt of some countries accounts for 100 per cent of their gross domestic product, perhaps even more. Countries that constantly borrow must repay their debt. In this case, they first of all try to repay this debt by cutting social programs and wages. Therefore, social and humanitarian aspects of economic development and the economic downturn have to be subjected to in-depth analysis. Our experience lies in the fact that in conducting economic reforms we rely only on our own resources. Therefore, our external debt amounts to only 7-8 per cent of the gross domestic product. We can repay this debt at any time because Azerbaijan’s currency reserves make up 70 per cent of the gross domestic product. We are among world leaders by this indicator too. I think that the use of domestic resources is the right policy.

We are conducting and will continue to conduct a very serious social policy. But the Azerbaijani economy is a source of that. Economic development must contribute to the solution of social issues. Of course, things must be properly coordinated because the development of each country should first of all be manifested in people’s way of life. And living standards grow and new opportunities emerge, the economy will certainly grow even faster. Azerbaijan has experience in this area. I think that it might be interesting for guests.

“Round tables” on scientific innovation will also be held on the sidelines of the Forum. Azerbaijan aims to be at the forefront in this area. The development of science paid much attention. An ad hoc Scientific Development Fund has been set up. Investment is made in high technology. In February of this year, Azerbaijan joined the club of space-faring nations, as the first Azerbaijani satellite was launched into orbit. Today, the Azerbaijani satellite Azerspace-1 serves our state and people. Currently, the focus is on the development of Internet technologies.

The Forum will also discuss topical issues of the media in the period of globalization. This “round table” also attracts a lot of attention. Of course, this is also a very interesting topic. I am aware that there are differing views on this topic. On the one hand, we live in an Internet world and this is our biggest advantages. I should note that the Internet in Azerbaijan is completely free, 70 per cent of our population are Internet users. Under such circumstances, the development of the free media, of course, is the basic condition. On the other hand, the impact of every word and piece of information in a globalizing world is also great. A word said in any place can have huge repercussions.

Today, people receive information and news primarily through the Internet. Of course, the responsibility of politicians, representatives of the media and public figures comes to the fore here. Unfortunately, the world media, including Azerbaijani, focus more on negative reports. Preference is given to sensationalism, disasters, acts of terrorism, etc. When you follow the media, it may seem that the world is on fire, that there are collisions, wars, explosions and acts of terrorism everywhere. But there are so many beautiful and positive developments in the world! Unfortunately, they usually stay in the background. Here, of course, we are talking about the responsibility of media representatives. If we want to strengthen our cooperation and the dialogue between civilizations in the world, we have to use all the opportunities available. Of course, the positive developments taking place in the world should also be the main topics of the media because otherwise information will be lop-sided. Of course, politicians can’t interfere in this. There are free media in Azerbaijan. There can be no talk of any intervention here. As a citizen, I wanted to share my thoughts with you.

The responsibility of the media will gradually grow. A responsible approach, I believe, will serve the interests of all of us.

I do hope that, in general, the Forum will conduct discussions on a conceptual approach to these issues. Which direction will the world develop in the future? We believe that the future of this world should be based solely on cooperation, mutual understanding, mutual respect and dialogue among civilizations. Otherwise, mankind could face huge disasters and problems. But in today’s world, we sometimes come across a different picture. There is a crisis of confidence in world politics these days. This is also a very dangerous trend. Sometimes even the closest allies have contradictions and misunderstandings. In other words, confidence is in decline. And international cooperation is out of the question without confidence. International cooperation, including political and humanitarian cooperation, can be built only on the basis of mutual trust and sincerity. Some believe that sincerity is not a political category. Maybe. But we have to make sure that sincerity becomes a political category. In this case, I think the world will be more secure.

We are very concerned about the conflicts and wars on religious grounds because these are very dangerous trends. The discussion of humanitarian issues and humanitarian cooperation are a step in a positive direction. I believe that every aspect of humanitarian cooperation should be at the heart of the global agenda because, I want to reiterate, in many cases when political and economic issues come to the fore remain somewhat out of sight. This should not be allowed to happen.

Issues of education will also be discussed today. Azerbaijan conducts serious reforms in this area.

The development of science and education is our future and the future of any nation. I have repeatedly pointed out that the future of our country will be associated with science and education. We are happy that there is a very high literacy rate in Azerbaijan – almost 100 per cent. This gives us the opportunity to improve the quality of education and develop science even faster. This is the future of any country. At the same time, competent and well-educated young people are far from radicalism. It is not easy to mislead them. Therefore, the development of science and education, the education of competent young people will provide for a long-term sustainable development of our country. Of course, our guests today represent many developed countries. They know best of all that the progress of developed countries was secured not by natural resources, but by science, scientific and technological progress and knowledge. This must be the case here too. Our natural resources have only given an impetus to the development of our country. The future sustainable development of Azerbaijan must be based on scientific and technological progress, modern technology, free and democratic society. Our country has taken major steps in this direction. Azerbaijan has implemented significant reforms aimed at promoting democracy, human rights and a free society. Political and economic reforms go in parallel in Azerbaijan.

I can say that the inaugural European Games will be held in Baku in two years. This, too, will be a historic event because European Games have not been held before. There have been Pan-American, Asian and African Games. The Olympic movement emerged and was revived in Europe, but for some reason European Games have never been held before.

The mission of hosting the first games, this honorable mission, has been entrusted to us, and Azerbaijan, a Muslim country, will play host to the first European Games in 2015. I believe that this event carries not only a sporting but also a great public meaning. Two years later, in 2017, Azerbaijan will host Islamic Solidarity Games.

These two events reflect the role of our country in the world. Azerbaijan is a member of both the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, one of a handful of countries that are represented in both these organizations.

Our geographical location makes us a bridge between Asia and Europe. And our policy enhances this function.

Issues of humanitarian cooperation also turn Azerbaijan into a center of dialogue among civilizations. This is a great and honorable mission. At the same time, it is a big responsibility. We are ready for this responsibility, have taken on this responsibility and this forum is a good example of that. I am confident that the Forum participants will share their thoughts on all these topics. The upcoming discussions will be very interesting. I know that. I am confident that these discussions, the decisions to be made and our future joint activities will contribute to the development of international humanitarian cooperation in the world.

Once again I salute all of you and wish the Forum participants every success. I am confident that the Forum will be a major and successful event.

Thank you!

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev