Earlier this month, a new Azerbaijani youth organization, Azerbaijani-American Youth Federation (AAYF) was founded and officially registered as a non-profit in the States with its headquarters in New York City. AAYF, as the first initiative of its kind in NYC, aims to bring Azerbaijani youth – students, graduates, and young professionals together under the federation.

The organization was established with the initiative of Azerbaijani student, Ms. Gunay Mammadova, who currently pursues her master’s degree in International Education Development: Global Governance, Policy & Planning at Columbia University.  

AAYF aims at integrating Azerbaijani youth in the US, contributing to their academic, professional, and self-development, fostering intercultural exchange with American youth, promoting rich Azerbaijani culture, heritage, and values, as well as conveying the realities of Karabakh to the local community.

Aligning with their distinct vision, the federation has recently launched a call for Azerbaijani students in the US to establish AAYF chapters at their respective universities. “Soon we got a genuine interest and a number of requests from students in various states. We are always here to support them in connecting bridges between Azerbaijan and the US and organizing exciting activities and projects at their educational institutions”, said Gunay Mammadova, chairperson of the AAYF. 

The organization has already held its first networking event – a picnic a few days ago in an iconic Brooklyn Bridge Park. The event was attended by Azerbaijani and international students, graduates, and young professionals living in New York City. The first-ever event of AAYF provided a networking opportunity for Azerbaijanis, as well as established an initial bond between the Azerbaijani and American youth. During the picnic, Azerbaijanis engaged in intercultural communication with their international and American counterparts and introduced them to the cuisine of Azerbaijan.