BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 9. A
total of 689 projects related to national and moral values and 135
projects related to digital literacy have been selected as winners
of grant competitions announced by the State Support Agency for
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) over the past six years in
Azerbaijan, Head of the Agency’s Communications Department Ulviyya
Garayeva said at the panel titled "Digital literacy and national
values among youth in the modern information environment", held in
Baku on Friday, Trend’s correspondent reports from the event.
Speaking at the panel within the framework of the conference on
the topic "Raising the younger generation in the spirit of national
and moral values", she noted that although the modern digital world
encompasses our lives, people sometimes fail to utilize digital
tools correctly. This can lead to the spread of disinformation and
the erosion of national values.
"It is almost as if it controls us, rather than us controlling
it," said U. Garayeva, describing the impact of the digital world
on people.
According to her, the proper use of digital platforms and the
promotion of national values must advance in tandem. Government
agencies and civil society need to work together to achieve
positive results in this area.
Garayeva noted that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a
significant role in enhancing digital literacy and preserving
national and moral values. The Agency for State Support to NGOs
announces annual grant competitions, and both digital literacy and
the promotion of national values are among the priority areas of
these competitions. She noted that out of the 2,499 winning
projects announced by the agency over the past six years, 135
(5.4%) focused on digital literacy, while 689 (27.6%) were related
to national and moral values.
Within the framework of these projects, meetings, roundtables,
and conferences were held; books were published; and videos were
produced and presented to the public.
Garayeva said that the projects promoting national values
encompassed national, moral, and family values; patriotism; the
memory of martyrs and heroes; cultural heritage and traditions; the
native language and literature; the legacy of prominent figures;
the historical and cultural heritage of Western Azerbaijan;
historical memory; national ideology; tolerance; and spiritual ties
with the Turkic world.
Regarding digital literacy, projects have been implemented
focusing on digital skills, information and communication
technology (ICT) education, cybersecurity, internet safety, social
media, the digital information space, and artificial
intelligence.
The Head of the Agency’s Communications Department noted that
the Agency has also announced grant competitions jointly with the
Ministry of Youth and Sports. One of the focus areas for these
competitions involves initiatives related to digital
transformation, innovation, and artificial intelligence; within
this category, priority is given to projects concerning AI,
innovation, startups, cybersecurity, and new technologies.
Another focus area involves promoting healthy lifestyles,
physical activity, and sports among youth, preventing harmful
habits and risky behaviors, and fostering a culture of civic
conduct. According to U. Garayeva, priority is also being given to
initiatives aimed at the moral and ethical upbringing of youth in a
spirit of patriotism; the protection of their health and physical
development; the fight against drug abuse, smoking, and screen
addiction; and the prevention of early marriage, domestic violence,
and human trafficking.
She said that project proposals submitted by NGOs for the joint
grant competition are currently being reviewed by experts. Once the
winners are determined, the names and number of the projects will
be announced to the public.
Garayeva pointed out that, in accordance with the decree signed
by the President in 2025, the agency now administers all forms of
state budget funding for non-governmental organizations—in
collaboration with relevant state bodies—based on the "single
window" principle.
According to her, starting next year, the agency will announce
new grant competitions jointly with donor organizations, alongside
its traditional grant competitions. The themes for the 2027 grant
competitions will be announced soon, and the promotion of digital
literacy and national values will remain among the priority areas
for the coming year.
The agency representative added that information sessions for
NGOs are organized annually prior to the project submission period.
During these meetings, expectations regarding the projects are
explained to the organizations, their proposals are heard, and
their questions are answered.
"We’ll strive to ensure that NGOs submit more innovative and
result-oriented projects focused on digital literacy and the
promotion of national values," said Garayeva.
She also noted that projects implemented by NGOs receive
extensive coverage on the agency's social media accounts, and
various videos dedicated to preserving national values and
historical memory are produced and shared.
Garayeva emphasized that collaborative efforts to enhance
digital literacy and promote national values will lead to positive
outcomes.
