Heydar Aliyev Foundation

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is Azerbaijan’s leading non-governmental organization, established in 2004 to honor the legacy of the nation’s leader, Heydar Aliyev. Under the leadership of Azerbaijan’s First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation implements large-scale projects in education, culture, healthcare, and social welfare, contributing to the country’s development and promoting Azerbaijani culture globally. In 2025, as it marks its 20th anniversary, the Foundation continues its humanitarian and cultural mission. This article explores its goals, projects, and achievements.

History and Mission

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation was created to preserve and promote the spiritual and moral legacy of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s prominent leader who served from 1969 to 2003. His philosophy of “Azerbaijanism” forms the cornerstone of the Foundation’s mission—to strengthen national identity, support socio-economic progress, and foster Azerbaijan’s integration into the global community. The organization aims to nurture youth in a spirit of patriotism, develop creative potential, and address social challenges.

The Foundation is led by its president, Mehriban Aliyeva. An executive director, appointed by the president, oversees ongoing programs and projects. An expert council ensures informed decision-making through consultations and analytical reports.

Key Areas of Activity

The Foundation implements projects across several key sectors:

• Education: Construction and renovation of schools, kindergartens, and orphanages. Over 20 years, the Foundation has modernized thousands of educational institutions, creating opportunities for tens of thousands of children.

• Culture: Organizing exhibitions, festivals, and concerts to promote Azerbaijani culture. It supports young artists, musicians, and artisans, and hosts international exhibitions, such as displays of Azerbaijani carpets and works by Andy Warhol.

• Healthcare: Assistance for individuals with serious conditions, including diabetes, thalassemia, and hemophilia. The Foundation funds medical programs and collaborates with global clinics, such as the Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in the Vatican.

• Social Welfare: Support for orphans, families of martyrs, and those in need through humanitarian initiatives and targeted aid.

• International Cooperation: Implementing projects in Georgia, Pakistan, Russia, France, and other countries, including the restoration of cultural sites and humanitarian efforts.

Key Projects and Achievements

The Foundation has spearheaded numerous impactful projects. In Azerbaijan, it has built and renovated hundreds of schools, orphanages, and cultural centers, including the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku—an architectural masterpiece designed by Zaha Hadid. The Center has become a symbol of modern Baku, housing a museum, exhibition halls, and an auditorium for international events.

In 2025, the Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary, earning international recognition, including the 4th Hamdan-ISESCO Award for contributions to education and social welfare. Recent achievements include memoranda signed with the Vatican Apostolic Library and Bambino Gesù Hospital, as well as support for the “Voice of Karabakh” exhibition, promoting Azerbaijani music.

Mehriban Aliyeva, the Foundation’s leader, has received numerous accolades, including UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador (2004), ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador (2006), and UNESCO’s Mozart Gold Medal. Her humanistic approach enhances the Foundation’s reputation as a force for good and progress.

The Foundation in 2025: Latest News

In 2025, the Foundation remains active. In February, a delegation led by Leyla and Arzu Aliyeva was received by the King of Bahrain, discussing humanitarian cooperation. In September, the Foundation signed a memorandum with the Vatican, strengthening cultural and medical ties. It also supported an anti-fascist forum in Moscow and an exhibition at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2025) in Vladivostok, showcasing its global reach.

Conclusion

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation is a symbol of humanism and progress, embodying Heydar Aliyev’s vision through projects that improve the lives of thousands. In 2025, it continues to expand its impact, supporting education, culture, and healthcare in Azerbaijan and beyond. Its contributions to national development and international cooperation make it a model of effective philanthropy.