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<\/p>\nThe Social Research Center, in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at Istanbul University, has held an international scientific and practical conference in Baku on \u201cState Sovereignty and National Constitutions in the 21st Century: Global Challenges, Trends and Prospects\u201d.<\/p>\n
The conference was held as part of the \u201c2025: The Year of Constitution and Sovereignty\u201d in the Republic of Azerbaijan and focused on key themes such as state sovereignty, the role of national constitutions, global challenges, and current developments in international law.<\/p>\n
In the opening remarks, Zahid Oruj, Chairman of the Social Research Center\u2019s Board and Member of Parliament, noted that Azerbaijan has transformed the territorial integrity it upheld for many years in legal terms into an established fact on the ground:<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the years of defeat, our Constitution affirmed territorial integrity only on paper. Although it declared that \u201cthe territories are inviolable,\u201d in reality, 20 percent of our lands had been seized. De jure they existed, but de facto they did not.<\/p>\n
At that time, the Constitution became a symbol of the national rights that had been violated. Today, however, the principle enshrined in our Constitution, that Azerbaijan is a unitary state, has been sealed with blood on our own soil. This Victory was written by the sacrifice of our martyrs. Before relying on modern military technologies, we relied on the law, and our greatest strength was the justice of our cause,\u201d Zahid Oruj said.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the conference, Professor L\u00e1szl\u00f3 Vasa of Hungary\u2019s Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade noted that sovereignty serves as the constitutional basis for meaningful and legitimate participation by EU member states:<\/p>\n
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\u201cTraditionally, sovereignty referred to absolute authority over a defined territory. In today\u2019s interconnected world, however, it has evolved into a responsible concept that brings together both autonomy and cooperation. Hungary\u2019s experience shows that a state can remain open to international partnerships while safeguarding its sovereignty within a constitutional framework. Cooperation does not mean dependency,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hamad Salem Al-Hajri, Director of Programs and Awareness Department at Qatar\u2019s National Human Rights Committee, stated in his remarks that cooperation with international organizations, particularly the United Nations, does not undermine sovereignty but can, in fact, reinforce it:<\/p>\n
\u201cQatar places a priority on preserving its national values and cultural identity while engaging with international partners. In the 21st century, sovereignty is not only a legal concept but also a model of strength built on values, institutions, and technology. By protecting our national identity, we also contribute to advancing human rights, building trust, and promoting justice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also shared information on Qatar\u2019s initiatives under the \u201cNational Development Strategy \u2013 2030\u201d, highlighting efforts to reconcile sovereignty with the protection of human rights.<\/p>\n
The conference brought together local and international experts, scholars, and representatives of government institutions. Participants engaged in extensive discussions on safeguarding state sovereignty in the modern era, constitutional reforms, and emerging directions in international law.<\/p>\n
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