On December 11, an event dedicated to promotion of employment and social development of youth was held at the Youth Center in Mingachevir within the framework of the project “Social and economic development of low-income local people and IDPs in the Caucasus” of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).  

Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Rovshan Rzayev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany in Azerbaijan Wolfgang Manig, GIZ Director for Azerbaijan Mrs. Sonia Fontaine and head of the project Mrs. Friderike Roshovanski attended the event.         

The guests got acquainted with the forum-theaters of the project participants, exhibition of paintings on domestic violence, as well as people who made successful business and those who recently involved in this field. Within the framework of the project, young people acquired various skills such as making a speech and self-expression, public communication, finding a job.

Making a speech at the event, Chairman of the State Committee emphasized the importance of such programs. It was noted that a successful youth policy is being implemented in our country under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev. The support of foreign countries and international organizations to the comprehensive development of youth in Azerbaijan is also praiseworthy.   

Ambassador Wolfgang Manig recalled his visit to Azerbaijan in 1992 and said that situation in the country back then had been very difficult. It was noted that GIZ has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1993, it first was helping IDPs regarding employment, and providing them with educational recommendations and suggestions. The ambassador underlined that establishment of businesses and associations by the project participants can contribute to the economy.

Later, Mrs. Sonia Fontaine made a speech and spoke about the project`s implementation and stages.

11 out of 23 young people who participated in the project found job, while a group is continuing their education.

Then a discussion was made on the overall activities and future plans within the project.

The project is implemented within the cooperation of the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, it envisages both economic and social development of IDPs settled in Aghdam, Barda and Mingachevir and local low-income population living in the same area.

The total regional budget of the project, commencing in 2017 and to be continued by October 2021, is 6 (six) million Euro.