The First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva’s great efforts to enhance relationships between Azerbaijan and UNESCO are indispensable. She has been popularizing and promoting Azerbaijani culture in the world through the “Friends of the Azerbaijani Culture” Foundation since 1995. In September 2004, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva was designated as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Oral and Musical Traditions in recognition for her contribution to the promotion of traditional Azeri music, literature and poetry and her commitment to ideas of UNESCO. At present, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva has broadened this mission to include the development of other areas like science, education and culture. At the same time, the Foundation continues its services in support of the international sustainable development and peace-building activities. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation has made tremendous contributions to the preservation of cultural and intangible cultural heritage, restoration of historical, religious and cultural monuments in Azerbaijan and abroad, as well as the establishment of new schools, kinder gardens, health centers and other scientific, cultural and social centers. As a result of the efforts of Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, elements of cultural and intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan were inscribed on the relevant UNESCO lists. 

In recognition of her selfless activities to the world culture and contributions to the preservation of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva was consecutively awarded with the Commemorative Medal by former UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura (2008) and with the Golden Mozart Medal by Director-General Irina Bokova (2010).  

Chronicle of activities:

August 13, 2004 

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura addressed a letter to the First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Foundation of Friends of Azerbaijani Culture Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in regard to the award of the title of Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO. 

September 9, 2004

A ceremony of awarding Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva a Goodwill Ambassador was held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

October 7, 2004

Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva received the delegation came to Baku in order to participate in the Round Table concerning the Walled City of Baku, Maiden Tower and Shirvanshahlar Palace. 

December 15, 2004

The First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated and made a speech at the UNESCO regional seminar on the protection of the intangible cultural heritage, which was held in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. 

March 3, 2005

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva attended the annual meeting of Goodwill Ambassadors in Paris. 

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura received the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. 

May 13, 2005

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva received the UNESCO experts Mr. Christophe Casaubon and Mr. Dendev Badarch during their visit to Azerbaijan.

August 24, 2005

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva opened the Conference “UNESCO-Azerbaijan: bridge to the future” held in Gulustan Palace, Baku. 

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura visited Icherisheher. Koichiro Matsuura and members of the delegation were met by the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva at the front of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace. 

UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura participated in the concert organized in honour of his spouse and the Goodwill Ambassadors in Ateshgah temple in Surakhani district.  

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva met the UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura, his spouse and the delegation of UNESCO in Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve.  

September 13, 2005

A solemn event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the renowned Azerbaijani scientist Yusif Mammadaliyev was held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event.

March 5-11, 2006

Two Norwegian experts visited Azerbaijan with the assistance of Heydar Aliyev Foundation in connection with the inscription of Gobustan State Historical-Artistic Reserve on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As a result of the visit, the Plan of Actions meeting the requirements of UNESCO was prepared by experts.

March 15, 2006

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the annual meeting of the Goodwill Ambassadors in Paris. 

September 16, 2006

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with the UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura in Paris. 

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of UNESCO in Paris. 

June 26, 2006

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the first meeting of the General Assembly of the states that ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Paris. 

Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva’s speech at the meeting was welcomed with applause. 

October 21, 2006 

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated at a fest dedicated to the 60th anniversary of UNESCO “Azerbaijan: at the crossroads of cultures and civilizations” organized in the framework of the week of “Dialogue among Civilizations”. 

March 12, 2007

Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the regional conference 'Literacy Challenges in the Arab States: Building Partnerships and Promoting Innovative Approaches' organized by UNESCO and Science, Education and Community Development Foundation of Qatar. 

April 3, 2007

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the traditional annual report meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors in Paris. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the assembly.

June 18, 2007

UNESCO, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Heydar Aliyev Foundation signed the agreement on implementation of the project envisaging development of vocational education in Azerbaijan. ‘Agreement on execution plan of ‘Funds-in-trust’ project’ was signed by President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, Minister of Education Misir Mardanov and Director General of UNESCO Moscow Office Dendev Badarch.

November 2, 2007

International Conference “The Youth for Alliance of Civilizations” was held in Baku. The Conference was held under the patronage of the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. Baku Declaration ‘Intergenerational Alliance’, was signed at the end of the conference. 

May 14, 2008

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the UNESCO regional conference “Addressing Literacy Challenges in Europe with a Sub-Regional Focus: Building Partnerships and Promoting Innovative Approaches” held at the Gulustan Palace, Baku. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the conference. 

May 20, 2008

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the traditional annual report meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors. 

Concert ‘Goodwill angels of Azerbaijan’ by young talents of Azerbaijan was presented with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation at the UNESCO Office in Paris in frame of the annual sitting of Goodwill Ambassadors. 

June 10, 2008

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the two-day International Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue” held at the Gulustan Palace, Baku. 

June 11, 2008

The final document – Baku Declaration was adopted in the International Forum “Expanding the Role of Women in Cross-Culture Dialogue” held at the initiative of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in Baku. 

November 10, 2008

A ceremony on the 100th anniversary of outstanding representative of the Azerbaijani literature of the 20th century, scientist and pedagogue Mir Jalal Pashayev was held at the UNESCO Office in Paris. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony. 

March 19, 2009

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with the UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura who visited Baku to attend the First International Mugham World Festival. 

Cooperation Agreement on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and UNESCO.   

The document was signed by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.

March 20, 2009

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura and Azerbaijan’s First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of the Museum of Modern Art. 

Solemn ceremony was conducted in front of the Gosha Gala gates of the Icheri Sheher (Inner City) in Baku, on the occasion of Novruz Holiday. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director General Koishiro Matsuura attended the ceremony. 

May 14, 2009

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva attended the annual meeting of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors.  

April 28, 2010 

President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris with newly elected Director General of the Organization Irina Bokova. 

July 30, 2010

President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech in the opening ceremony of the Second International Music Festival in Gabala. 

UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova presented UNESCO’s Mozart Gold Medal to Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.  

September 27, 2010

First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva, MP attended the opening ceremony of the World Conference on early childhood care and education in Moscow. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a congratulatory speech in the Conference. 

December 14, 2010

President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva attended the ceremony on the 65th anniversary of UNESCO in Paris.   

April 19, 2011

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with the UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova in Paris. 

April 19, 2011

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s independence, a gala performance entitled “Young Talents of Azerbaijan” was organized at UNESCO headquarters. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova attended the concert.  

Following the event a reception was given by Mehriban Aliyeva. At the same time, on 19-29 April, 2011, an exhibition of the Azerbaijani carpets was showcased at UNESCO Headquarters. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition.

September 12, 2011

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the 11th Annual Assembly of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors in Paris. 

Interesting publications of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation about Azerbaijan were presented within the Assembly at the UNESCO Headquarters. 

October 26, 2011

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the Leaders` Forum on the theme “How does UNESCO contribute to building a culture of peace and to sustainable development?” within the 36th session of UNESCO General Conference in Paris. 

Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the Leaders’ Forum. 

October 27, 2011

An agreement for financial support was signed within the 36th Session of UNESCO’s General Conference between Azerbaijan and UNESCO to restore the cultural sector of Haiti after the earthquake. According to the agreement, financial support in the amount of 50 thousand US dollars was provided on the initiative of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva to restore the cultural sites of Haiti. 

April 12, 2012

On the initiative of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva the Heydar Aliyev Foundation made a financial contribution of 50,000 euros to the School of African Heritage (EPA) Fund, Porto-Novo, Benin. 

October 4, 2012

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva received the delegation headed by the President of the General Conference of UNESCO Katalin Bogyay participating in the Baku International Humanitarian Forum.    

October 16, 2012

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the Annual Assembly of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors in Paris.    

October 24, 2012

On the initiative of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation made a financial contribution of 50,000 dollars to UNESCO for preparation and publication of the UNESCO’s annual report of 2012 “Creative economy for sustainable development at local level”. 

November 21, 2012

On the initiative of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation made a financial contribution of 30,000 euros 

July 18, 2013

Plácido Domingo, famous opera tenor and conductor was designated UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. In honour of Plácido Domingo, a charity gala dinner was organized at UNESCO’s Restaurant, with the proceeds going to UNESCO’s flagship Education For All (EFA) Programme and the Plácido Domingo-UNESCO Festival in Sevilla, Spain. On the initiative of First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation made a financial contribution of 30,000 euros to organization of the charity event. 

July 18, 2013

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated at an event held at UNESCO headquarters on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s accession to the Organization. On the same occasion, the Government of Azerbaijan organized an exhibition of stone monuments in UNESCO’s garden. UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition. Participants of the event were presented with books on stone art history of Azerbaijan.

October 22, 2013

On the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, a “Seyid Yahya Bakuvi: Expression of Tolerance” international symposium dedicated to great Azerbaijani thinker Seyid Yahya Bakuvi was held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. On the same day, an opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan - Land of Tolerance” photo exhibition was organized at UNESCO headquarters by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations. The exhibition showcased works of the famous photographer Reza Deghati who has visited Azerbaijan on many occasions in the framework of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s project “Azerbaijan: Land of Tolerance”. 

May 29, 2014

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with the President of the General Conference Dr. Hao Ping, who visited Azerbaijan to participate at an International Forum dedicated to “New Challenges in the World Science: Joint Approaches of Young Scientists”.

June 2, 2014

A week of Azerbaijani cuisine dedicated to “Traditional Dishes Preserved for Centuries”, was held under auspices of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation at UNESCO headquarters.

September 17, 2014

“Gobustan Week” fest was held by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to UNESCOat UNESCO headquarters. The “Shadows of Gobustan” ballet by Faraj Garayev and the inauguration of Gobustan petroglyphs were successfully held at UNESCO as well.

May 6-13, 2015

A series of events related to Azerbaijani Culture were held at UNESCO Headquarters with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, namely an exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani national chovgan game, which was included to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding; the presentation of a book called “Karabakh Horses”, written by Jean-Louis Gouraud,  a French writer and historian; an exhibition “Azerbaijan: From Tradition to Modernity” and, finally,  a concert of the “New Jazz Generation” group.  

May 17, 2015 

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva received UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova.    

May 17, 2015 

UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in inauguratıon of the “Tree of Peace” held within the framework of the Third World Forum for Intercultural Dialogue in Baku.    

May 18, 2015

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in official opening of the 3rd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue on the theme “Sharing Culture for a Shared Security” held in Baku. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova presented the document certifying the inclusion of Azerbaijan’s kelaghayi art into UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity to Mehriban Aliyeva. 

November 17, 2015    

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the Leaders’ Forum of the 38th session of the General Conference of UNESCO. 

March 10, 2016

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the 4th Global Baku Forum on “Towards a Multipolar World” held in the Azerbaijani capital. 

Participants were shown a video-appeal made by UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova to the Forum attendees. 

September 29, 2016

First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with the Deputy Director-General of UNESCO Getachew Engida within the 5th Baku International Humanitarian Forum. 

March 16, 2017

First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, President of ELPIDA Association and the Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation Marianna Vardinoyannis, who participated in the 5th Global Baku Forum.

May 5, 2017

A roundtable on prevention of violent extremism through girls’ education was held within the 4th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue with the participation of First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva.

Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and UNESCO Director General Mrs. Irina Bokova addressed the meeting. 

First Vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva met with UNESCO Director General Mrs. Irina Bokova within the 4th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.  

March 15, 2018

The First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with the President of ELPIDA Association and Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev presented the Order of "Friendship" to Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis, President of the ELPIDA Association and Marianna Vardinoyannis Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO. First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the presentation ceremony.

May 18, 2018

First Vice-President of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO Mehriban Aliyeva spoke at a conference on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the birth of Koichiro Matsuura, who was the Director General of the organization in 1999-2009, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, met with Audrey Azoul, Director General of the organization, at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

June 30, 2019

Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, met with the Director General of UNESCO, Mrs. Audrey Azule, who is visiting Azerbaijan.

The opening ceremony of the 43rd session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku. Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO, participated in the ceremony.

July 7, 2019

The First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on the official "Instagram" page on the occasion of the inclusion of the historical center of Sheki in the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Khan Palace.

October 31, 2019

Mehriban Aliyeva, the First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on the official Instagram page on the inclusion of Baku in the "Creative Cities Network" list of UNESCO on the theme of "design" on the World Cities Day.

November 15, 2022

First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva sent a letter to the Director General of UNESCO to terminate her activity as a goodwill ambassador.