Category: Azer News

The Women’s Creative Forum was held in Baku as part of the ongoing ‘OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025’, organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Azernews reports that the forum was jointly organised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Women’s Development Organisation (WDO) of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Association for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan (AQSIA), and the Creative Azerbaijan platform.

The forum was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation; Smeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation; Afnan Al-Shuaibi, Director-General of the WDO; as well as female innovators and entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Bahrain and Uzbekistan.

In her opening address, WDO Director-General Afnan Al-Shuaibi expressed her gratitude to the organisers. She noted that women play an important role in the formation of a knowledge-based society: ‘This is an indicator of development and progress. Our main mission is to enable women to discover and realise their potential. Women make a great contribution to the development of society as both entrepreneurs and cultural innovators. We are ready to mobilise all our resources to support women’s advancement, promote their work and help them implement their creative projects.’

Smeyye Erdogan Bayraktar, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of the KADEM Foundation, emphasised that women are not latecomers to creative fields but form their very essence. ‘The values created by women are passed down from generation to generation. The art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan is one of the most beautiful examples of this. Similarly, Iznik and Ktahya ceramics and other artistic traditions were shaped by the creative spirit, craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibility of women. Turkish motifs and their expression in art clearly demonstrate the role of women in these fields throughout history,’ she added.

Sakina Babayeva, Chairwoman of the Board of the Association for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan, stated that the forum is an ideal platform for discussing opportunities and future prospects for women in the creative sector. ‘The state support provided in Azerbaijan in this area is very significant and should be appreciated. The main goal of the forum is to identify existing gaps and to further strengthen cooperation among OIC member states in this field,’ she said.

Following the opening session, a conceptual visual composition inspired by Rumi’s saying ‘Leave the circle of time – enter the circle of love’ was presented. The illustrative section of the project was based on the works of artist Leyla Aliyeva. The visual concept was created by Honoured Artist Sabina Shikhlinskaya, with music composed by Orkhan Aghayev (DJ Pancho).

It should be noted that the Women’s Creative Forum featured discussions on topics including ‘Expanding International Trade Opportunities for Women in the Creative Industries’ and ‘The Role of Innovation, Technology and Investment in Women’s Empowerment’. Speakers highlighted the importance of supporting women-led creative enterprises, strengthening international cooperation and fostering innovation to accelerate cultural and economic transformation. The forum underscored a shared commitment to advancing women’s leadership in the creative economy, promoting sustainability and expanding international partnerships.

A discussion has been held on the subject “The Development of Technologies in the Field of Culture (Cultech) in Islamic Countries” in the framework of “OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025”, Azernews reports.

The panel session was moderated by Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Lhoucine Rhazoui.

In her speech, Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, Saadat Yusifova, emphasized that Azerbaijan has made significant contributions to Islamic culture:

“Today, here, we are not only highlighting our cultural heritage, but also our current political, economic, and cultural partnerships. Throughout the centuries, aesthetic music, architecture, carpet weaving, and various forms of art have brought us closer to one another.”

The Deputy Culture Minister also provided information about the work being done in Azerbaijan to showcase the creative potential of young talents by applying their knowledge and skills, as well as the work done in the cultural and creative industries. It was noted that strengthening Azerbaijan’s cooperation with various countries and the projects carried out have contributed to the export of the country’s creative products and services.

President of Turkiye’s Yunus Emre Institute, Abdurrahman Ali, spoke about the activities of the institution he heads. He mentioned that the institute has been carefully following the idea of combining culture with technology for a long time:

“Today, we are gathered here to evaluate the possibilities of applying the CulTech model, which presents a new perspective at the intersection of culture and technology, in Islamic countries. The fact that this event is being held in Baku is of special significance for us. This is because Azerbaijan is one of the most dynamic countries in the region when it comes to implementing innovative digital solutions.

Culture is one of the most powerful factors that shape not only our past but also our future. This is why the CulTech approach, which we are focusing on today, is so important. CulTech means the presentation of cultural values in conjunction with technology, that is, strengthening cultural production through digitization and expanding the sharing of culture to a wider audience. When Islamic countries, with their young populations, rich cultural heritage, and rapidly developing technological infrastructure, act together in this field, the impact that will emerge will be significant both regionally and globally,” he said.

Assistant Director of the ICESCO Baku Regional Office, Maryam Gafar-Zada highlighted that the office covers the Caucasus and Central Asia regions, including Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. She noted that for these five countries, which have rich historical and cultural heritage, the Baku Regional Office plays an important role as a dynamic platform for cooperation and dialogue, especially as a hub for the exchange of experiences in the fields of youth, digital technologies, and creative industries.

According to her, places like the “Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries,” where creative youth gather in Baku, are considered exemplary practices for ICESCO, and there are wide opportunities for transferring this model to Central Asian countries.

Director of the Statistics and Information Department of the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries (SESRIC), Atilla Karaman, stated that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) represents 2 billion people demographically, with 1.1 billion of them under the age of 25, which makes up 51 percent of the total population:

“Around 27 percent of these young people have specific needs. These young people are neither involved in education, employment, nor any training process. If we can engage these 27 percent of youth in the labor market or in production in any way, it could significantly support the GDPs of our member countries. Another important statistic is related to the digital divide among our member countries. When we look at the countries within the organization, we see that the internet usage level reaches 99-100 percent. However, in some of our member countries, this indicator is below 20 percent. This situation is related to financial difficulties, infrastructure problems, and a lack of investment. Such a digital divide deepens the gaps between the talent potential of our member countries.

We must create a platform that combines both physical and digital events, a platform unique to the OIC, and we must be able to build a hybrid, intercultural digital learning ecosystem. As we move toward artificial intelligence in the global landscape, we propose mobility and academic bridge programs. It is essential to establish connections between universities and industries. We must propose a unique approach. By creating the best programs and selecting the most talented youth, we could send them to other OIC countries. As a result, they would be able to return to their countries after learning the best practices.”

Chairman of the Uzbekistan Creative Association (UzCA) Abduvali Khaydarov spoke about the work being done in his country in the field of cultural technologies.

The panel session continued with a Q and A session and discussions.

Kia, South Korea’s second-largest automaker, announced on Tuesday that it has launched a global promotional campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Under the theme ‘Inspiration Connects Us All,’ the new campaign highlights the company’s commitment to fostering unity-not only between Kia and its customers, but also among people around the world-during the quadrennial global sporting event, the company said.

One of the campaign’s key initiatives is the Kia Official Match Ball Carrier (OMBC) program, in which 104 children aged 10 to 14 from across the globe will be selected to deliver the official match ball to referees before each World Cup match.

As part of the OMBC program, Kia has released three teaser videos featuring its global ambassador, football legend Thierry Henry. The teasers aim to build excitement and showcase the empowering role young fans will play during the tournament.

Kia also announced that 17 FIFA World Cup-themed display options will be offered to Kia owners in the lead-up to the tournament, allowing drivers to experience the spirit and energy of the event from behind the wheel.

Kia has been an official FIFA partner since 2007. Under its renewed agreement, the brand will continue providing transportation solutions, autonomous driving technologies, and future mobility services for FIFA’s global events and tournaments through 2030.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will take place from June 11 to July 19 next year and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a record number of participating teams and expanded venues, the tournament is expected to be the largest in World Cup history-an ideal stage for Kia’s global campaign to shine.

On December 9, ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Mohammed Al Malik will visit the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in Baku, Azernews reports.

During the visit, a bilateral meeting will take place to discuss topics such as the preservation of cultural heritage, expanding scientific collaboration, and enhancing mutual institutional support.

At the meeting, a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed to promote Turkic-Islamic cultural heritage globally and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two organizations.

The discussions will also cover the impact of modern global challenges on cultural heritage, improving international mechanisms for its protection, and the importance of preparing nomination dossiers.

Furthermore, both sides will share ideas on increasing cooperation between ICESCO and the Foundation, as well as jointly advancing cultural heritage on the global stage. The visit will also include an artistic segment.

The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation began its activities following the decision made by Heads of States during the Astana Summit, held on September 11, 2015.

The Foundation’s primary objectives are to protect, study, and promote Turkic culture and heritage through various support and funding activities, projects, and programs.

Several important international events, conferences, exhibitions and forums aimed at preserving and promoting the culture of Turkic speaking peoples and strengthening unity amongst its nations were organized since the establishment of the organisation with participation of high-level government officials.

As a result of the Foundation’s growing number of partnerships in its member states and beyond, it already managed to sing Memorandum of Understandings with several international organisations and national institutions.

Paleontologists have discovered dinosaur footprints dating back approximately 200 million years in southwestern China, Azernews reports.

According to reports, scientists uncovered more than 20 footprints on a rock wall in Sichuan Province. Experts believe this discovery could provide valuable insights into the early evolution of dinosaurs during the late Triassic period.

The authenticity of the tracks was confirmed by a research team led by an associate professor at the Chinese University of Geological Sciences in Beijing. ‘What makes this site particularly significant is that at least four distinct layers preserve footprints, suggesting that dinosaurs inhabited this area for a prolonged period,’ the professor explained.

In addition, researchers discovered pieces of petrified wood near the footprints, offering clues about the ancient ecosystem and vegetation that existed in the region 200 million years ago.

Preliminary analysis of the footprints indicates that multiple species may have coexisted here, including both small, agile predators and larger herbivorous dinosaurs. Scientists hope that further study of the site will help reconstruct dinosaur behavior, migration patterns, and interactions with their environment during one of the most formative periods in their evolutionary history.

On December 8, an opening ceremony of the international conference on the theme Launch of the AI Index for the Islamic World was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azernews reports citing Azertag.

Co-organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the conference aims to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) in the Islamic world, as well as discuss the ethical, social and economic impacts of AI.

The document on the ‘AI Index for the Islamic World’ is also presented in Baku for the first time.

In her opening remarks, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, noted that the AI had already become an integral part of everyday life. According to her, this area, which creates vast opportunities, also raises new questions and responsibilities. She highlighted the importance of the society’s proper assessment of the impacts of AI, protecting the youth from the existing risks and directing them through the opportunities offered by this technology.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation Vice-President highlighted Azerbaijan’s consistent steps undertaken in this direction. She said that the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028 envisages establishing the national artificial intelligence ecosystem, developing the AI model in Azerbaijani for public services, defining the standards for government agencies, and establishing the Artificial Intelligence Academy.

Recalling that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation had identified education as the priority area for 20 years, Leyla Aliyeva said that during this period, the Foundation built and reconstructed over 500 schools, as well as modernized kindergartens and boarding schools in Azerbaijan, providing thousands of children with modern educational facilities.

She noted that transitioning to the AI era further increases the importance of this mission, adding that AI is not just a technology, but a new opportunity for every child.

Leyla Aliyeva also emphasized that AI could play a crucial role in environmental protection, namely tracking rare animal species; monitoring climate change; protecting forests, conserving water resources, and developing sustainable agriculture.

Highlighting the cooperation with ICESCO, Leyla Aliyeva underscored several ongoing projects in Africa, including construction of school for the internally displaced girls in Burkina Faso, as well as projects in Mali, Chad, and the Comoros. In this vein, she outlined the establishment of regional information and communication technology centers for youth and people with disabilities, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Emin Amrullayev, Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education, stressed that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation had been promoting the excellence in education for many years, supporting innovative initiatives, and creating vast opportunities for children and youth. He pointed out the Foundation’s unparalleled contributions to boosting education in Azerbaijan and the Islamic world. He also mentioned the Azerbaijani Education Ministry is taking pride in the implementation of common goals together with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, contributing to the social and cultural development.

In his remarks, Salim bin Mohammed Almalik, ICESCO Director-General, noted that humanity is on the verge of a new stage – the age of AI. According to him, this is a force that can shape skills and influence. The Director-General mentioned that AI had already become a strategic target: those who accept it accelerate development, while those who oppose it will see progress go in other directions and will be left behind.

He said AI is not only a technology, but also an enabling tool, whose application provides innovative solutions in education, healthcare, management and other spheres.

The ICESCO Director-General hailed the high-level cooperation among the member states.

The conference also featured the 4th joint ‘Hamdan-ICESCO’ award ceremony of ICESCO and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. The award recognizes contributions to developing educational facilities and supporting the educational environment across the Islamic world. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation received this award in recognition of its educational and social support projects aimed at the construction and reconstruction of schools both in the Islamic world and other countries.

The award was also presented to the Hadhramout Foundation – Human Development of Yemen and the First Education Foundation of Morocco.

Addressing the event, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, congratulated the winners of the ‘Hamdan-ICESCO’ prize, saying: ‘Today, you have become a source of pride and inspiration for charity organizations, donors and benefactors who care about the educational environment and students. We will not hesitate to take on the responsibility of promoting the culture and impact of volunteer efforts in supporting education.’

The conference continued with a panel discussion on “Innovation in education: The impact and opportunities of AI in the Islamic World.”

Prior to the discussions, the speakers emphasized that AI is already influencing various aspects of our lives and is set to play a crucial role in the development of future generations.

The discussions highlighted AI’s ability to drive progress by opening new avenues for research, enhancing economic efficiency, and encouraging the development of future job market-relevant professions.

Another panel session, moderated by Ouiam Chafik, a representative of the Foresight and AI center at ICESCO, underscored the importance of exchanging experiences among countries, collaboration and enhancing regional initiatives in the field of AI.

During another panel, the participants emphasized the significance of strengthening cross-border coordination in the field of AI, exploring its ethical and socio-economic aspects, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive technological development. It was mentioned that these initiatives contribute not only to technological progress, but also to the human capital development, improvement of education quality, and advancement of regional cooperation.

The conference culminated with the adoption of the Baku Declaration on the AI Index for the Islamic World.

The document mentions that the Islamic world recognizes AI’s profound impact on societies and economies, welcomes the AI Index as a vital new tool, aligned with ICESCO’s mission, to advance education, science, and culture in the digital age, while also recognizing the potential of AI to advance education, health, cultural preservation, economic development and environmental management, as well as acknowledging the risks of abuse, inequality and lack of safeguards.

ICESCO member states and international partners reiterate their determination to enhance cooperation and their commitment to ensuring that the values and aspirations of the Islamic world are represented in international discussions on AI. The member states declare that the launch of the AI Index in Baku lays the foundation for a new stage of cooperation for the Islamic world.

The document encourages constructive cooperation with international organizations, supports the implementation of joint projects, and confirms a commitment to ensuring peace, development, and the well-being of future generations. Based on the Declaration, Member states will be able to develop national artificial intelligence strategies that incorporate ethical safety measures, define sector priorities, and ensure inclusive development.

As part of the conference, the guests also viewed the exhibition ‘My Seas, My Oceans’ presented at the Heydar Aliyev Center, which highlights the importance of protecting one of the most vital resources of the planet – water – amid climate change, global warming, and fragile ecosystems.

The Azerbaijan Energy Regulatory Agency (AERA) organised the next seminar under its ‘Energy Talks’ project in cooperation with Sumgait State University (SSU), Azernews reports.

The event brought together representatives of AERA, the university’s leadership, faculty members, graduate students, and undergraduates.

In his welcoming remarks, Elmar Khalilov, Vice-Rector of SSU for Social Affairs and Public Relations, noted that this was the second time that the university hosted such an event as part of the ‘Energy Talks’ project. He emphasised the importance of these events in terms of raising awareness about the latest developments in the energy sector, strengthening the knowledge of students studying in the field of energy, as well as fostering discussions around topics of interest.

Zeynab Kazimova, Head of AERA’s Press Section and Press Secretary, provided brief information about the ‘Energy Talks’ project and noted that, over the past period, both online and in-person seminars have been successfully held in partnership with universities-both in Baku and across Azerbaijan’s regions-that train energy sector professionals.

The seminar continued with presentations by Elmar Gulaliyev, Head of the Energy Sector Liberalization Division, on ‘International Experience in the Liberalization of the Power Sector’, Shahin Maharramli, Deputy Director of the Energy Efficiency Department and Head of the Projects Section, on ‘Activities of the Energy Efficiency Fund’, and Vusala Latifova, Lead Specialist of the State Programs and Strategic Development Division, on ‘General Overview of the Power Sector.’

During the seminar, discussions were also held on questions of interest raised by SSU’s faculty and students.

The 14th round of the Azerbaijan Premier League continued with an exciting clash between “Sabah” and “Neftchi”, Azernews reports.

“Sabah” secured a 2-0 victory on home turf, extending their strong performance this season.

Thanks to this win, “Sabah” moved up to second place with 28 points, while “Neftçi” remained in 8th place, accumulating 16 points.

Earlier in the day, “Gabala” faced “Turan Tovuz,” but the match was interrupted in the 23rd minute due to thick fog.

In other results from the 14th round, “Shamakhi” triumphed 3-0 over “Karvan-Yevlax,” while “Zira” played out a 1-1 draw with “Qarabag.” The round will conclude on December 9.

The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organised in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division, which existed from 1992 to 2007. FC Qarabag won the title in the 2022-2023 season for the tenth time.

The 2024-25 Azerbaijan Premier League marks the 33rd season of Azerbaijan’s top-tier football competition.

On April 27, 2025, during the 32nd round of the Premier League, Qarabag FC clinched the title with four matches to spare after a 1-1 draw against Sabah.

This victory made them the champions for the 12th time overall and for the fourth consecutive season.

This season is the final one featuring 10 teams, as the league will expand to 12 teams starting from the 2025-26 season.

On December 9, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the sides praised the development of the Azerbaijan-Slovakia strategic partnership. They expressed confidence that Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Azerbaijan last year and the current official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia would make a significant contribution to the expansion of bilateral relations.

They hailed the high level of political relations and noted the broad opportunities for deepening cooperation in other areas as well.

Robert Fico congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, the head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to ensure regional peace.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the participation of a Slovak company in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories and exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

On December 9, the opening ceremony of the Awaza branch of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship took place in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation, Oguljahan Atabayeva.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that the Foundation, established on the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, carries out large-scale and effective work. ‘The creation of the Foundation has provided every citizen with the opportunity to participate in charitable activities. Thanks to its support, hundreds of complex medical operations have been performed, and a number of medical institutions have been equipped with modern equipment,’ she said.

Emphasizing that care for children is a priority of state policy, Atabayeva added that, in addition to high-quality medical care, the branch also provides conditions for children’s recreation and rehabilitation. She stressed that they will continue to actively support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aimed at improving children’s living standards worldwide.

The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship was established in 2021. Its main goal is to support the younger generation, create favorable living conditions, and assist in restoring the health of children in need of care. To date, the Foundation has implemented numerous charitable and humanitarian projects in Turkmenistan and abroad.

The Foundation’s activities, based on the principles of humanism, justice, and goodwill, are also supported by the state. Operating internationally, the Foundation has cooperated with UNICEF to send humanitarian aid to children affected by emergencies and natural disasters in Trkiye, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Palestine.