Mrs. Bahar Muradova, Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan met with Mr. Alex Heikens, the newly appointed head of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan.

Mrs. Bahar Muradova greeted the representatives of the UN Children's Fund, congratulated Alex Heikens on his new appointment and wished him success in his future endeavors.

Noting that the relations between the Government of Azerbaijan and UNICEF are developing steadily, the Chair of the Committee stressed that these relations are based on mutually beneficial cooperation. She noted that the activities included in the UNICEF mandate are important for the protection of human, society and children's rights in general, noting that the importance of this mandate has increased for Azerbaijan due to the conflict, immediately after regaining its independence for the second time. Mrs. Muradova said that over the years, this cooperation has made a significant contribution to the protection of children's rights, the improvement of legislation important for the safe living and equal development of children, the development of effective enforcement mechanisms. Noting that Mr.Heikens arrived in Azerbaijan at a historic time - after the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, she stressed the importance of this cooperation and the need to further intensify ties in this area.

Mrs. Muradova provided information on projects in four main areas of joint cooperation. First of all, she noted the "Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Children 2020-2030" and the National Action Plan, appreciating the technical support and close involvement of UNICEF in the implementation of the tasks arising from the strategy. At the same time, she stressed that there are relevant obligations under the document signed for 2021-2025 with the Azerbaijani government.

Noting the project "Protection of children in emergencies" as the third important direction, the Chair of the Committee said that it opens up a wide range of opportunities for psychosocial support, especially with families and children affected by the war: “Child and Family Support Centers, non-governmental organizations, Women's Resource and Community Resource Centers are also involved in this activity. Another important direction is the holding of the V Forum of Azerbaijani Children in November this year, which is being prepared by the Regional Development Public Union, UNICEF and the State Committee.” Mrs. Muradova noted that, a new approach to these issues will be applied, and new ideas and proposals will help to continue this work more effectively with the appointment of A. Heikens to the UN Children's Fund.

Noting his pleasure to be in Azerbaijan, Mr. Alex Heikens said that, taking into account that the last year, as well as this year was turbulent and difficult, UNICEF is stepping up its activities. Noting that Azerbaijan has gone through a difficult period such as a pandemic and conflict and is working to ensure the recovery process, the UN official stressed the importance of thinking about ways to prevent such incidents in the future and take measures to protect children from such risks. He noted that the whole world is currently in the process of transition from a pandemic to a normal life, and stressed the importance of the recovery process, especially in the field of education, and the psychological preparation of children for it.

Noting that Azerbaijan and UNICEF have been cooperating for decades, Mr.Alex Heikens stressed that the joint work and the successful results achieved so far will continue in the future. Noting the importance of the strategy and national action plan for children, the UN official said that UNICEF was also involved in the development of monitoring and evaluation of these documents and was interested in providing appropriate support to the activities to be carried out. He stressed the importance of early childhood development, noting that this area requires cooperation with many other sectors and the need to ensure strengthened coordination. Noting the role of parents in the early development of children, A. Heikens stressed the importance of educating and promoting them in this direction.

The meeting continued with a discussion of events and projects to be implemented in the framework of bilateral cooperation between the State Committee and the UN Children's Fond.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Aynur Sofiyeva, Deputy Chair of the State Committee, Mrs. Jamila Bagirova, Head of the Children's Affairs Department, Mr. Farid Adilov, Head of the International Relations and Protocol Service, Mr. Vugar Salmanov, Head of the Child Protection Program, Mr. Tamerlan Rajabov, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mrs.Tohfa Jamilova, Head of the Health Program.