Chicago Hosts Meeting of Azerbaijani Students Studying in the U.S.

A significant gathering of Azerbaijani students studying across the United States took place in Chicago, organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The event aimed to strengthen connections among Azerbaijani students, promote their cultural heritage, and discuss future collaborative initiatives.

The meeting began with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and the United States, followed by a solemn minute of silence to honor the martyrs who gave their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Nargiz Habibova, head of the Midwest Azerbaijani Student Alliance, delivered an insightful presentation on the Alliance’s mission and accomplishments. She outlined the group’s objectives, which include fostering a strong network among Azerbaijani students, promoting Azerbaijani truths in the West, and building cooperative relationships with supportive communities in the U.S. Habibova also emphasized the availability of various programs designed to support the academic and professional development of Azerbaijani students.

Adam Weber, head of International Programs at Chicago-Kent College of Law, expressed his support for the Azerbaijani student community, highlighting the importance of such gatherings in fostering academic and cultural exchange. He conveyed his best wishes for the continued success of the organization and encouraged students to leverage these opportunities for their personal and professional growth.

Following Weber’s remarks, Salhat Abbasova, Head of Department at The State Committee for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered a comprehensive speech on the work and mission of the Azerbaijan Diaspora Committee. She emphasized the Committee’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the diaspora and the homeland, particularly focusing on the role of student relations in promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural and national interests abroad.

Farid Mammadov, one of the founders of the Azerbaijan Center of Midwest America (ACMA), then addressed the students, offering valuable advice and reaffirming his commitment to supporting their efforts to raise awareness about Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of unity within the diaspora and encouraged students to actively participate in initiatives that promote Azerbaijan’s image internationally.

The meeting also featured videos showcasing the work of the Committee and the broader diaspora, along with discussions on ongoing and future large-scale projects.

The event concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where Azerbaijani students exchanged ideas on enhancing their networking efforts in the U.S. and proposed new initiatives for future activities, setting a forward-looking agenda for the community.