3rd Azerbaijani-American Youth Forum “From Dialogue to Action” Successfully Held in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois — The 3rd Azerbaijani-American Youth Forum, titled “From Dialogue to Action,” was successfully held on May 9–10, 2026, at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Illinois.

The forum brought together Azerbaijani youth, students, professionals, trainers, community leaders, and diaspora representatives from across the United States for two days of dialogue, leadership development, networking, and cultural exchange.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Center of Midwest America (ACMA) with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the organizational support of the Alliance of Azerbaijani Organizations of America.

The forum officially opened with welcoming remarks by Farid Mammadov, President of the Azerbaijan Center of Midwest America (ACMA), who emphasized the importance of strengthening unity and leadership among Azerbaijani youth living abroad.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, our youth must not only preserve their national identity and cultural values, but also become active contributors to society through education, leadership, and international cooperation,” Farid Mammadov stated during his opening speech.

“This forum is not only a platform for dialogue, but a call for action, collaboration, and building long-term connections among Azerbaijani youth across the United States.”

The opening ceremony also included speeches by Rashid Azimov, Member of the Organizing Committee of the Forum, Samir Novruzov, Board Member of the Azerbaijani-American Organizations Alliance, and Elshad Aliyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

“Our youth living abroad are one of the strongest bridges connecting Azerbaijan with the world,” Elshad Aliyev stated during his speech.

“Today’s Azerbaijani youth are not only representing our culture and traditions internationally, but are also becoming active contributors in education, science, technology, and public diplomacy. Forums like this play an important role in strengthening solidarity, leadership, and cooperation among our young generation.”

The opening ceremony also featured a commemorative video dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Participants representing 52 universities from 23 U.S. states attended the forum, including students and young professionals from prestigious institutions such as George Washington University, University of South Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Pennsylvania, New York University, George Mason University, and Boston University.

The forum also welcomed honorable guests and representatives of diaspora organizations, including Fatma Yolchiyeva, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, Tahir Bora Atatanır, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Chicago, and Saeed Ali, Deputy Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Chicago.

During their speeches, the distinguished guests highlighted the importance of international friendship, youth engagement, and cooperation among diaspora communities.

Fatma Yolchiyeva emphasized the growing role of Azerbaijani youth in strengthening the country’s image abroad and encouraged participants to remain active, united, and connected to their cultural heritage.

Consul General Tahir Bora Atatanır highlighted the importance of unity, cooperation, and shared values among young generations.

Referring to the strong historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, he emphasized that youth engagement, education, and international collaboration play a vital role in strengthening future partnerships and regional solidarity.

Deputy Consul General Saeed Ali emphasized the growing importance of cooperation and friendship between the youth of Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

He noted that platforms such as the Azerbaijani-American Youth Forum create valuable opportunities for young leaders to exchange ideas, build professional networks, and contribute to international understanding, collaboration, and future development.

The program included interactive panel discussions, training sessions, presentations, and youth-led initiatives focused on leadership, personal development, civic engagement, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.

The first panel, “Voices of Experience: Stories & Strategies,” was moderated by Kanan Abdiyev and featured panelists Mehriban Mammadova, Shirin Kazimov, Leyla Mammadli, and Nurlan Shukurlu.

A special training session titled “Discipline, Pressure & Vision – Becoming the Main Character of Your Life” was conducted by Hokuma Karimova, inspiring participants to strengthen leadership skills, discipline, and long-term vision.

The second panel discussion, “All In: Smart Moves by Youth,” was moderated by Rashid Azimov and featured panelists Habil Huseynov, Amy Khazri Kalkan, Elgun Tarverdiyev, and Aytan Sadirova.

The forum also featured the presentation of the “Bizim Circle” Unified Youth Platform by Ilyas Valiyev and Tahmina Mehtiyeva, as well as the presentation “AI in the Modern World” by Shahriyar Mammadov, highlighting innovation, technology, and future opportunities for youth engagement.

The cultural portion of the forum showcased Azerbaijani national heritage through music, dance, and artistic performances, including the national dance “Nazelama” performed by Nuriyya Jafarova and Sanan Ramazanov.

Azerbaijani folk music pieces “Lachin” and “Ay Giz” were performed on tar by Orkhan Mammadli with nagara accompaniment by Tuna Guvench.

The cultural program also featured the song “Yaşa mənim xalqım” performed by Tuna Guvench together with forum participants, followed by the traditional Yalli dance.

The forum concluded with a closing ceremony featuring speeches, certificate presentations, and the commemorative video “Together,” produced by Sevinc Karimova with music by Mikayil Vikailov, followed by a group photo celebrating unity and cooperation among Azerbaijani youth across the United States.

On the second day, participants joined a Chicago city excursion to further strengthen networking and cultural exchange among attendees.

The 3rd Azerbaijani-American Youth Forum once again demonstrated the growing strength, unity, and potential of Azerbaijani youth in the United States and reinforced the importance of transforming dialogue into meaningful action for the future of the diaspora community.