Aytan Aliyeva, a graduate of Azerbaijan State University of Languages with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in International Relations and Regional Studies (with a focus on Europe), is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Political Science at Vienna Doctoral School of Social Science. Her research, titled "The EU-China Connectivity on Transportation and the Role of the South Caucasus", delves into the political implications of connectivity projects between the two powers and the geopolitical significance of the South Caucasus. Aliyeva is actively engaged in global youth initiatives and has extensive experience as a trainer, facilitator and project coordinator. She has held various positions within the "Great Silk Way" International Youth Union, an international non-profit organization, and currently serves as president, working with 33 youth organizations across Asia, Africa and Europe. Her work focuses on promoting intercultural dialogue, fostering cooperation and advocating for the active role of youth in sustainable development within the Silk Road nations.