Baku: The Karabakh Revival Fund (KRF) recently held a significant forum under the theme 'Regional peace, cooperation and a strategic view of Karabakh's revival.' Organized as part of the 'Friends of the Karabakh Revival Fund' business platform, the event commemorated the fifth anniversary of Memorial Day, held on September 27.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the forum witnessed participation from various key figures including Mukhtar Babayev, the Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children's Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Rahman Hajiyev, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Karabakh Revival Fund. Deputies of the Milli Majlis, officials, donors, partners of the Fund, families of martyrs, and representatives from the public and media were also present.
The event commenced with a solemn minute of silence to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Opening addresses were delivered by Rahman Hajiyev, Mukhtar Babayev, and Bahar Muradova, emphasizing the event's importance and setting the agenda for the discussions.
The forum featured panel discussions moderated by Parvin Baghirova, Head of the Fundraising and Communications Department of the Karabakh Revival Fund. Presentations included insights from Mukhtar Babayev on 'COP29 and sustainable prospects: Karabakh's green transformation experience,' Rahman Hajiyev on 'The role of memory in building a sustainable future,' Nigar Mammadova, a deputy of the Milli Majlis, on 'The role of state-society unity in the freedom and revival of Karabakh,' and Farhad Mammadov, Director of the Center for South Caucasus Studies, on 'The impact of the 44-day Patriotic War on regional geopolitics.'
Speakers from donor and partner companies of the Karabakh Revival Fund also shared their perspectives. Notable contributions came from Ehtiram Guliyev, founder of Huner Group; Osman Karakus, Chairman of Azerlotereya OJSC; and Ilgar Nuri, adviser to the founder and CEO of Veyseloglu Group of Companies. They stressed the crucial role of local companies in the restoration of liberated territories and elaborated on their collaborative projects with the Fund.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by the presentation of crystal plaques to the speakers in recognition of their contributions. Each participant was also given an olive tree sapling, symbolizing memory, sustainability, and growth. A photo exhibition titled 'From Tragedy to Victory,' showcasing the reconstruction efforts in the liberated areas, was a highlight of the event.