LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF YOUTH POLICY IN AZERBAIJAN: NORMATIVE FRAMEWORK AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

This study examines the legal foundations and strategic priorities of youth policy in Azerbaijan, focusing on its normative framework and implementation mechanisms. The research explores the constitutional provisions, legislative acts, presidential decrees, and national strategies that shape youth development policies, assessing their alignment with global trends and national objectives. The study highlights key milestones, including the 1991 and 2002 Laws on Youth Policy, the 1999 decree on state youth policy, and the establishment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Additionally, it evaluates long-term state programs such as Azerbaijan 2020 and Azerbaijan 2030, emphasizing their role in fostering youth empowerment through education, employment, social inclusion, and international engagement. By employing a qualitative legal and policy analysis approach, the study provides insights into the evolution of youth policy in Azerbaijan, its effectiveness in addressing contemporary challenges, and its contribution to national development. While legislative and institutional advancements have reinforced youth participation in socio-economic and political spheres, challenges remain in bridging the gap between policy formulation and practical implementation. The findings contribute to broader discussions on youth governance, highlighting the necessity of continuous policy evaluation to ensure sustainable youth development in Azerbaijan.