Anar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population, addressed the 113th session of the International Labor Conference in Geneva, spotlighting the country’s major social and labor reforms.
Minister Aliyev commended the opening report of ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo, describing it as a practical roadmap for tackling contemporary labor challenges, including artificial intelligence and environmental safety.
Emphasizing Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to social welfare amid global political and economic uncertainties, the minister said: “Azerbaijan has implemented five major social reform packages benefiting four million citizens. The minimum wage has increased by 3.1 times, and the minimum pension by 2.9 times. Average pensions and salaries have seen significant growth, while allocations for benefits and scholarships have risen fivefold.”
Aliyev also highlighted progress under Azerbaijan’s Employment Strategy for 2019–2030, noting the success of the innovative “DOST” public services model. He pointed out that over 150 of the Ministry’s 159 services are fully digitalized, 60 of which are provided proactively, with an overall electronicization rate of 95 percent.
Reaffirming Azerbaijan’s alignment with ILO principles, the minister noted the active involvement of social partners in decision-making processes. He also emphasized the significance of the ILO Director-General’s visit to Baku and his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev in April as a testament to the country’s robust international labor cooperation.
Aliyev further underlined Azerbaijan’s dedication to human capital development and climate goals, adding that COP29, hosted in Baku, delivered historic outcomes and earned global recognition as the “Baku breakthrough” on climate action.
Concluding his remarks, the minister highlighted the progress of the Great Return Program in the liberated territories, noting that large-scale reconstruction is creating decent living conditions, employment, and economic opportunities.
