Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening of school No 18 in the Yasamal district of Baku after reconstruction on “Knowledge Day”

- Good morning. My warm greetings to you and congratulations on the start of a new school year.

In the new school year you will go to this renovated school. This school has a great history. But, as you know, the state of the school was not good enough, it need renovating. The instruction was given to renovate it at the highest level. Both in terms of its appearance and interior design, this school is one of the most beautiful schools in our city. All the conditions are available and I will review them now. I was regularly informed about the construction and repair work.

I am very pleased that a beautiful school is opening its doors in Baku. There are perfect conditions for learning and working here, parents will be happy too. In short, we strive to ensure that all schools in our city and country are at this level. In recent years we have achieved this.

Last year alone over 60 schools were renovated in Baku. This year, 81 schools are being renovated, new buildings and schools are under construction. By the end of next year, the problem of schools in Baku will be fully resolved. Next year we will repair 120 schools. Thus, Baku will not have a single unsuitable or unsafe school.

This is really a great achievement. The vast majority of schools in Baku were built many years ago and needed renovating. We are bringing all the schools to good condition.

On a par with that, we are building schools in other regions. In recent years we have built and repaired over 2,200 schools. This process continues, and we will strive to ensure that most schools are repaired by the end of next year.

Thus, we will successfully complete the reconstruction of schooling infrastructure. As for the level of teaching at schools, this depends on the teachers. Children also need to study well. And teachers should adequately fulfill their duties, train qualified and competent professionals for Azerbaijani society. Our children must be educated and literate. In today's world, the level of knowledge determines the success of any person and country. We live in the 21st century world. The 21st century is a century of high technologies. In this century, countries aspiring to knowledge, education and innovation will secure their interests. Modern technologies have undergone such development that was unimaginable 10 or 20 years ago.

We have also chosen the path of development. We are developing in all areas and need to develop the field of technology. The power of society is determined by its people. Of course, every country has natural resources and geographical advantages. But in the end it all depends on the people. You can have a lot of oil and gas. But it will make no difference if you have no professionals. Therefore, in order to find a place in the modern world and benefit the country, children have to study well. Children often hear these words, which is natural. But these words have a great sense.

Being a good student means that you can achieve anything in life. The situation in Azerbaijan is such that the success of each individual is in his hands. Azerbaijan has freedom, market economy principles, and the fate of everyone is in his hands. So knowledge is necessary, first of all, for you and also for the people and state. Azerbaijani youth will run our country in the future. The future development of our country will depend on you. Therefore, knowledge, as well as attachment to the motherland, love of the country must be on a high level.

I hope that all our schools will always keep the theme of patriotism on the agenda. Affection and love of the country, professionalism and good knowledge will lead our country forward.

We will strive to create better conditions for our youth, promote our youth. Youth is an active component of our society.

Youth protects our borders, youth wins victories in sports arenas, young people are our future. One can only study well at such a beautiful school. Teachers will also have good conditions here. Teachers train young professionals for our society. Teachers have a great responsibility, they bring great benefit to our society. The teaching profession is very honorable. First of all, a school teacher cares about each child, teaches him the right way. Teachers and parents share responsibility. Taking this opportunity, I salute all the teachers on the occasion of the new academic year and wish them every success and good health.

I congratulate you again and wish you happiness.