Dear friends and colleagues, Today, I'd like to share my reflections on the significance of public organizations in our professional lives, in each of our careers. It doesn't matter whether it's a guild of physicians, educators, architects, legal professionals, real estate agents, assessors, or even truck drivers. Throughout my professional journey, I have been a member of numerous national-level public organizations, including those for real estate professionals, assessors, and developers. Furthermore, I am part of the sole international organization, FIABCI, which unites all real estate-related professions and the general partner of which is the UN. This federation was established shortly after the conclusion of World War II in 1948 and currently boasts more than 100 national associations under its umbrella. All these public organizations have profoundly influenced me, not only as an individual but also in terms of my professional development. Frequently, people pose questions like, "Why do you engage in this, and what benefits does it yield?" To address this, I'd like to adapt a famous quote from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961: "Don't inquire what a public organization can do for you; ask what you can contribute to the advancement of your profession and the overall real estate market!" Most crucially, the first document following membership application is the Code of Ethics. Self-respecting, self-assured professionals should not shy away from endorsing this document, as a reputation in any profession takes years to build but can be tarnished in an instant. Upholding, respecting, and abiding by the Code necessitates knowledge and continuous refinement. This represents just one side of the coin! A public organization offers opportunities, a key to doors that you must open yourself and leverage to reap all the benefits. First and foremost, I must underscore the vibrant events, spirited work discussions, fresh knowledge, and inspiring experiences. You gain new colleagues, forge friendships, and interact with world-class experts hailing from across the globe. These individuals not only offer valuable professional guidance but also contribute to shaping your new professional image. Public organizations, particularly international ones addressing global issues with numerous branches worldwide, do something fundamental for you—they broaden the horizons of your perception. We recently engaged in discussions around these ideas and questions during our visit to Azerbaijan, specifically in the city of Baku. We met with experts in various realms, including real estate services, realtors, assessors, as well as urban planners, developers, and bankers. I would like to extend my gratitude to Elnur Azadov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Realtors Association, who is one of the few advocating for elevating the profession to legislative recognition and regulation. Now, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of public organization operations and development, not only at the international level but also possessing a vision for harnessing its potential in a specific country, it's my time to introduce fresh ideas and knowledge for the next phase of development in the Azerbaijani real estate market. I would greatly appreciate it if the readers of my post could share their thoughts on this matter, regardless of whether you are a real estate market professional or belong to another profession!