On May 1, 2025, the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the Faculty of Law of Baku State University (BSU) jointly organized an international conference titled "The Constitution: A Fundamental Legal Framework for Safeguarding the Independence, Sovereignty, and Territorial Integrity of the State."

The event commenced with a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, followed by the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Moderated by AIR Center’s senior advisor Matin Mammadli, the conference featured opening remarks by Dr. Farid Shafiyev, AIR Center’s Chairman of the Board, and Prof. Huseyn Mammadov, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation at BSU.

In his address, Farid Shafiyev emphasized that the Constitution not only defines the internal governance of a state but also serves as a principal legal framework shaping its behavior in the international arena. He noted that in an increasingly globalized world, pressures on national sovereignty and domestic affairs are on the rise, and the resilience of the legal foundation plays a critical role in ensuring state security.

"Constitutions can be amended in response to global developments. This enables us to respond effectively to external challenges, which persist to this day. A robust constitutional and legislative framework in strengthening domestic policy and economic stability is a must," he stated.

Farid Shafiyev further emphasized that the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in 2020 and the reestablishment of its full sovereignty in 2023 constituted not only military and political milestones but also events of profound legal significance. He underscored that these developments were carried out within the framework of international law and in accordance with the fundamental principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Prof. Huseyn Mammadov reflected on the adoption of the Constitution in 1995 under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, describing it as a turning point in Azerbaijan’s state-building and the development of civil society. "The Constitution serves as the legal bedrock for the country’s historical accomplishments,” he said, also commending Heydar Aliyev’s role in fostering national intellectual potential.

Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan Farhad Abdullayev underlined that the adoption of the Constitution on November 12, 1995, represented a significant milestone in the establishment of a democratic, legal, and secular state. Since its adoption, the Constitution has functioned as a foundational legal instrument, guiding comprehensive legal reforms, ensuring the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, and facilitating the modernization and refinement of public governance in Azerbaijan.

First Deputy Minister of Finance, Anar Karimov, underscored the Constitution’s role as the foundational legal framework of Azerbaijani statehood, noting that it underpins not only the country’s political and legal architecture but also its system of economic governance. He emphasized that the Constitution delineates the legal parameters for economic activity with precision and significantly contributes to the structuring of the national financial system. A. Karimov further remarked that the economic reforms undertaken in recent years under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev are closely aligned with the constitutional imperatives of enhancing societal welfare, maintaining economic stability, and fostering social justice. He concluded by noting that Azerbaijan’s socio-economic progress has been internationally acknowledged as a model of best practice.

Professor Yucel Oghurlu, Rector of Balıkesir University, emphasized the importance of the conference and contributed comparative insights by referencing the Republic of Turkey’s constitutional experience. He noted that the Constitution should be understood not solely as a legal instrument, but also as a guarantor of the people’s sovereignty, national unity, and the independence of the state. According to Professor Oghurlu, constitutions play a pivotal role in shaping both the internal political and legal order of a state and its standing in the international system.

Judge of the European Court of Human Rights, Latif Huseynov, characterized the Constitution as the “legal portrait” of a nation, arguing that it functions as a declaration by which a state articulates its aspiration to integrate into the international community. He stressed that a constitution should reflect the intersection of domestic socio-political realities with universal norms and values.

 He further emphasized that, in 1995, Azerbaijan demonstrated its intention to join the international community.

"One of the key messages conveyed to the international community through Article 9 of our Constitution is Azerbaijan’s unequivocal rejection of war, both as an infringement on territorial integrity and as a method for resolving disputes."

Dean of the Faculty of Law at Baku State University, Zaur Aliyev, delivered an in-depth presentation on the Constitution and the protection of human rights. He highlighted that the Constitution is now fully operational across the entire territory of Azerbaijan and emphasized that the foundations of legal reforms were established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

"The Constitution of Azerbaijan is entirely dedicated to the concept of human rights. Numerous rights, which are enshrined in fundamental international legal instruments, are also reflected in our Constitution."

The conference concluded with a question-and-answer session.

It should be noted that, by presidential decree, the year 2025 has been officially declared the 'Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty' in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The first Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted through a nationwide referendum on November 12, 1995, has served as a crucial legal foundation for the realization of key national objectives over the past three decades, including the protection of our state’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, the establishment of a legal and secular state, and the provision of a dignified standard of living for our citizens.