Today, June 15, is National Salvation Day. The return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the leadership of Azerbaijan on June 15, 1993, at the insistence of the people, saved the country from losing its state independence, disappearing from the political map of the world, civil confrontation and a deep crisis. That day was written into our history in golden letters as the beginning of the path leading Azerbaijan toward progress, victories and social development.

By establishing the modern independent Azerbaijani state, National Leader Heydar Aliyev identified ensuring public welfare and strengthening the social protection system as one of the state's main priorities. As a result of the social development strategy authored by him, significant measures were implemented to strengthen social protection, state support for vulnerable groups was expanded year by year, and new social programs were launched and continuously developed.

Between 1993 and 2003, National Leader Heydar Aliyev signed more than 60 documents related to the development of the social sphere. During this period, important measures were taken to strengthen the social protection of vulnerable population groups, families of martyrs, war veterans, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and children deprived of parental care. Major social programs were launched, including the provision of apartments and private houses for families of martyrs and persons disabled due to war, as well as motor vehicles for war-related disabled persons.

From 1995 to 2003, the average monthly amount of pensions and social benefits increased eightfold, while the average monthly wage rose more than six times. In addition, a new legislative framework in the fields of labor, employment and social protection was established in line with the emerging socio-economic environment of the country.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has achieved dynamic and sustainable development as well as historic victories in recent years. The glorious Victory achieved by our Army under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the full restoration of the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and the large-scale reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories are a source of immense pride for every Azerbaijani.

Ensuring the welfare of citizens remains at the center of the President’s policy. As a clear indicator of this, over the past seven years social-oriented expenditures in the state budget have increased 2.2 times, reaching 17.1 billion manats, while social protection and social security expenditures have also grown 2.2 times, reaching 4.9 billion manats.

During the same period, five major social reform packages were implemented. Covering 4 million people and providing an additional 8 billion manats annually, these reforms enabled substantial increases in social payments: minimum and average monthly pensions increased 2.9 times, the minimum wage increased 3.1 times, the average monthly salary increased 2.1 times, the wage fund expanded 3.3 times, and annual funding allocated for benefits and scholarships increased fivefold.

The DOST concept, initiated by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, is one of the most significant achievements of the social reforms carried out in recent years and has received international recognition. Through this concept, which has become a new national brand, social services are provided through DOST centers on a one-stop-shop basis in a transparent, efficient and citizen-oriented manner.

Significant achievements have also been made in the digitalization of services in the fields of labor, employment and social protection. More than 90 percent of the services provided by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population have been digitized. Many of these services are delivered proactively, without requiring any application or document submission from citizens.

The historic achievements gained along the honorable path of development that began with National Salvation Day will undoubtedly continue in the years ahead.