THE EXPERIENCE OF IMPLEMENTING YOUTH AND SPORTS POLICY IN THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN AT THE MODERN STAGE

Over the past two decades, youth policy has become one of the pressing issues on the global agenda. In modern civilized states, sports policy is now integrated into youth policy and implemented within a unified strategic framework. The Republic of Azerbaijan has more than 30 years of rich experience in this field. The youth and sports policy founded by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev has been consistently continued since 2003 by the successful successor of his political course, President Ilham Aliyev. This article examines the youth and sports policy implemented at the current stage under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Within the framework of the research, state governance in youth and sports policy, the formation and functioning of state institutions, the measures and mechanisms implemented to increase youth participation in socio-political life, as well as state programs adopted in various areas, the “Development Strategy of Azerbaijani Youth for 2015–2025,” and new trends observed in the development of sports are analyzed. Comparisons with the experience of previous years are conducted, and attempts are made to identify the strengths and weaknesses of state policy. The analyses show that the youth and sports policy implemented in Azerbaijan is not limited to ensuring the comprehensive development of young people, but also serves, as an integral part of social policy, to address pressing social problems of society, improve the welfare of the population, and ensure the country’s future development. Based on the results of the research, it has been determined that in the modern period, youth and sports policy is implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev as a consistent and systematic state policy based on international experience while preserving national and moral values.