On October 12, the 67th General Assembly of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) began its work at the Baku Congress Center.

First, the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played, and a promotional video about our country was shown.

Ramiz Rzayev, Chairman of the Union of Judges of Azerbaijan, read the address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the participants of the 67th General Assembly of the International Association of Judges.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Inam Karimov, Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Judicial and Legal Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, said that after our independence was restored, Azerbaijan began to build its judicial system on the principles of democracy, legality and justice. Under the leadership of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, a Constitution was drafted, adopted by a national referendum, and the separation of powers, the rule of law, ensuring human dignity and the independence of the judiciary were expressed in it. Thus, this foundation was further strengthened by the continuous reforms implemented by President Ilham Aliyev. As a result of his determined efforts, the administration of justice became one of the most dynamic pillars of the state.

“Today, justice around the world requires us to cooperate more than ever before. Only by joining forces and overcoming all limits can we contribute to this task. Cooperation must therefore form the basis of the global judicial system. For more than half a century, the International Association of Judges has been holding its meetings and serving to further improve justice around the world. This includes, among other things, expanding the dialogue between judges, further ensuring the independence of the judiciary and always maintaining the importance of justice and the rule of law as the most important principles. Today, the world stands at a historic crossroads. On the one hand, new but at the same time complex challenges stand in our way. We must adapt to the current reality. Although these values ​​remain unchanged. We must do our utmost - more than ever - so that justice can fully fulfill its meaning. Technology and artificial intelligence are bringing innovations to our governance today. Today's judiciary must also contribute to issues that cross international borders. Here, climate change and other such phenomena are our imposes a shared responsibility on us,” I.Karimov noted.

The Minister of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Farid Ahmadov, said that the judiciary is a guarantor standing guard over the most fundamental values ​​of any society.

He continued his speech as follows: “The judiciary protects us from any mistakes, guides us in the proper execution of our duties. This creates opportunities and conditions for us to carry out our duties within the framework of justice. However, in the final analysis, the goal of the judiciary is the triumph of justice. Justice triumphs when it is taken as the foundation that stands at the center of any activity.”

In his speech, F.Ahmedov also drew attention to the existence of cooperation between the legislative, executive and judicial authorities in Azerbaijan and that this is taken as the basis for the establishment of justice.

The President of the International Association of Judges, Duro Sessa, stated that proper justice should never be ignored.

According to him, in order for the voice of the judiciary to be heard on all sides, it is precisely the balanced implementation of the activities of constitutional structures that is important in building understanding and trust: “All these values ​​are very important so that the judiciary can maintain its independence. Today, in some cases, politicians give us certain messages. However, these messages should not be accepted unambiguously. They should not be sacrificed to any political interests.

As for our charter, our experience shows that we must constantly act freely. We must speak not on behalf of our colleagues, but on behalf of our society. In some cases, they do not understand our position and struggle. We must never allow laws to be turned into weapons. They should play the role of a shield more.”

Then, the ceremony of presenting the “Judicial Independence Award” of the International Association of Judges was held. The award was presented by the Secretary General of the International Association of Judges, Giacomo Oberto.

The event continued with an artistic part.

It should be noted that about 300 representatives from 71 countries of the world — judges, lawyers, government officials and representatives of international organizations, as well as well-known legal experts — attended the opening ceremony of the Assembly.

Within the framework of the General Assembly, which will last until October 17, elections to the governing bodies of the organization will be held, the situation in the judicial and legal systems of various states, existing problems and positive experiences will be discussed. It is also planned to get acquainted with the judicial and legal system of Azerbaijan as the host.

On October 14, an international conference will be held on the topic of “Relations between the judiciary and other branches of government”. The conference will extensively analyze the role of courts in ensuring the rule of law.

It is also planned to hold elections for the post of President of the International Association of Judges within the framework of the Assembly.

In addition, an exhibition titled “Symbols of Justice” will be organized until October 17. The exhibition will display robes, orders, badges, stamps and banknotes belonging to about 150 judges, lawyers and public prosecutors from 80 countries of the world.

It should be noted that the main goal of the International Association of Judges, founded in 1953, is to protect the independence of the judiciary in the world. Currently, the organization unites judges' associations from 93 countries and holds its annual meetings only in countries where the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary are ensured.

The decision to hold the General Assembly in Baku in 2025 was adopted last year in Cape Town, South Africa, by secret ballot of the organization's members.

Saadat Bektashi, Chairman of the Supreme Court of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, member of the Judicial and Legal Council, participated in the Assembly.