Category: Azer News

According to UNESCO’s education system data, literacy in Azerbaijan is approaching 100 percent, Azernews reports.

These remarks were made by Idris Isayev, Deputy Minister of Science and Education, during his speech at the VI International Forum on New Challenges in Education.

‘Education plays a central role in the development of society,’ Isayev said. ‘One of the key aspects of our country’s social progress is the development of human capital. Education contributes not only to the formation of the national economy but also to the preservation of moral and cultural values. Significant reforms have been implemented across various sectors, including education. Steps have been taken, work has been done, and efforts continue to address emerging challenges. Today, new demands are shaping the education system, and our youth are expected to adapt to them. Like other countries, we are striving to build a digital economy, which requires the digital development of young people. Artificial intelligence is also being utilized as a tool to acquire certain skills in education.’

Regarding vocational education, Isayev noted that statistics in Azerbaijan show enrollment above 10 percent, which remains lower than in many other countries. ‘There is a need for further development in this area. However, over the past five years, we have increased admissions in vocational education. Coverage in higher education has also expanded significantly. Currently, enrollment in higher education exceeds 75,000 students and will continue to grow in the coming years. At the same time, the number of state-funded places continues to increase, reaching 50 percent in higher education. Efforts to expand state-funded slots will continue in the coming years,’ he added.

In the long arc of protracted conflicts, certain regions transcend their geographic identity and become symbols – catalysts for change, emblems of resilience, and turning points in national consciousness. Jabrayil, a district in southern Azerbaijan, is one such place. Its occupation and liberation are etched into the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people, not merely as historical events, but as emotional milestones that define a generation.

Jabrayil, one of Azerbaijan’s ancient settlements, was occupied on August 23, 1993, by Armenian armed forces. The scale of devastation was staggering: one city, four settlements, and 92 villages were completely destroyed. The district’s infrastructure and cultural heritage were ravaged – 72 schools, 8 hospitals, 150 cultural centers, and 132 historical monuments were destroyed. The total damage was estimated at $13.9 billion. But beyond the numbers lies a deeper tragedy: 52,000 people became internally displayed. Saying ‘they became internally displaced’ may sound simple in words, but in reality, it meant the collapse of lives. Families lost homes and properties they had built with decades of labor, forced to flee with nothing but their lives, enduring years in tents or cramped administrative buildings.

And Jabrayil was not alone. Over 750,000 Azerbaijanis from Garabagh and surrounding regions, and more than 250,000 refugees expelled from Armenia, shared this fate. Yet this suffering did not break the spirit of the Azerbaijani people. On the contrary, it galvanized them. As the saying goes, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The pain became a unifying force, a shared purpose. The belief that occupied territories would one day be liberated began – symbolically and strategically – with Jabrayil.

In 2016, during the Four-Day War, Azerbaijani forces liberated strategic heights around the village of Cocuq M?rcanli in Jabrayil. This victory was more than a military success; it was a psychological breakthrough. For the first time in decades, displaced families returned to their ancestral lands. Cocuq M?rcanli became the herald of the ‘Great Return,’ reigniting hope and reinforcing belief in the possibility of full liberation.

That belief was vindicated in 2020, during the 44-day Patriotic War. On October 4, Jabrayil became the first major settlement to be liberated. The district witnessed some of the largest tank battles in the South Caucasus, resulting in decisive Azerbaijani victories. These battles not only shifted the military balance but also shattered the myth of Armenian invincibility. The psychological tide turned. Confidence surged among Azerbaijani soldiers and citizens alike. Jabrayil once again became a symbol – this time, of triumph.

Today, Jabrayil is free. Its people are no longer displaced. Under state programs, families are returning to rebuild their lives and their homeland. The ashes of destruction are giving way to the foundations of renewal. Today, 117 families – 364 citizens – will celebrate Jabrayil City Day not as guests or refugees, but as permanent residents of their ancestral land. They will live in modern four- and five-story buildings, fully equipped with amenities, surrounded by parks, social facilities, underground and surface parking lots, playgrounds, and sports areas. Their joy knows no bounds.

For 30 years, these citizens lived with longing. Today, they live with pride. They express heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev, the victorious Commander-in-Chief, and to the brave Azerbaijani Army that restored their dignity. They honor the martyrs who gave their lives so others could return home, and they pray for the health of wounded veterans who carry the scars of war. The people of Jabrayil feel the full embrace of the state’s care and support. And they believe – with unwavering conviction – that their homeland will soon blossom into one of Azerbaijan’s most vibrant regions.

Jabrayil is no longer just a district on the map. It is a testament to the resilience of a nation, the power of unity, and the promise of rebirth. It reminds us that even in the darkest chapters of history, there is light – and that with courage, sacrifice, and faith, a people can reclaim not only their land but their future.

The fencing competitions at the III CIS Games continued at the Ganja Sports Palace, drawing attention from sports fans across the region. Azernews reports that Azerbaijan’s women’s foil team delivered a strong performance but fell short in the semifinals against a formidable Uzbek side, losing 37-45.

Despite the setback, the Azerbaijani squad, comprising Mirnuray Abasova, Aynur Quliyeva, N?zrin Mehdiyeva, and X?dic? H?s?nli, demonstrated resilience and skill to secure the bronze medal. Their achievement reflects the growing strength of Azerbaijan in fencing and highlights the dedication of the country’s young athletes to international competitions.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

The Games will conclude on October 8, with many more medals yet to be decided. Azerbaijan’s fencing team will look to build on their success in future international events, while the bronze medal serves as a source of pride for the athletes, their coaches, and the nation as a whole.

Despite ongoing global economic headwinds, Azerbaijan’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and strategic foresight, underpinned by diversification policies, prudent fiscal management, and increasing integration into transcontinental trade routes. The latest forecast from Fitch Ratings reinforces this stability, projecting a real GDP growth rate of 2.5% in 2026, driven by the non-oil sector and major public investments.

According to Arvind Ramakrishnan, Director of the Sovereigns and Supranationals Department at Fitch, this growth rate aligns with Azerbaijan’s medium-term economic potential, reflecting a fundamental shift from hydrocarbon dependence toward a more balanced and sustainable economic model.

‘The key drivers of growth are the accelerated development of the non-resource sector and large-scale public investments,’ Ramakrishnan noted, adding that energy dynamics, while still important, are gradually evolving. As oil production continues its slow decline, natural gas output is expected to partially offset this trend, maintaining energy sector relevance in the broader economic structure.

One of the most critical developments supporting this transition is Azerbaijan’s expanding role in the Middle Corridor-a strategic logistics and transit route formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). Stretching from China through Central Asia and the South Caucasus to Europe via Trkiye, the Middle Corridor has become increasingly important amid global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Azerbaijan’s geographic position at the crossroads of East and West, combined with substantial investments in transport infrastructure, has enabled the country to become a pivotal player in this corridor. This role not only amplifies Azerbaijan’s geopolitical relevance but also stimulates growth in the transport and logistics sectors, which Fitch identifies as among the most promising areas for expansion.

‘There are good growth prospects in information and communication technologies and transport,’ Ramakrishnan emphasized, highlighting that transit operations within the Middle Corridor are a major catalyst for the latter.

Additionally, reconstruction efforts in the Garabagh region have fueled non-oil sector growth in recent years, contributing to a surge in public investment. However, Fitch anticipates that as capital expenditure peaks, its direct contribution to GDP growth may gradually moderate-suggesting a need for the private sector and export-oriented industries to assume a larger role moving forward.

On the fiscal front, Fitch expects Azerbaijan’s consolidated budget to maintain a surplus of 0.3% of GDP in 2026, although down from 3.6% in 2024. A minor deficit is forecast for 2027, but analysts view this as manageable and not indicative of fiscal stress.

Importantly, Azerbaijan retains its investment-grade rating of ‘BBB-‘ with a stable outlook, a status supported by several macroeconomic fundamentals: a robust external balance, low public debt, and the substantial buffer provided by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ).

These assets give Baku the financial flexibility to absorb external shocks, sustain capital investment, and finance strategic infrastructure projects-particularly those tied to the Middle Corridor and the diversification agenda.

Beyond its immediate economic impact, the Middle Corridor represents a long-term strategic lever for Azerbaijan’s regional and global positioning. As global trade patterns shift and supply chain resilience becomes a top priority for many economies, the corridor is emerging as a viable alternative to traditional maritime routes, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive goods such as electronics and automotive components.

From a policy standpoint, Azerbaijan’s bet on the Middle Corridor reflects a broader effort to transition from resource-driven growth to a model anchored in logistics, digital transformation, and regional connectivity. This positions the country to not only attract investment but also to influence trade flows and economic dynamics across Eurasia.

Fitch’s forecast underscores a key narrative: Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability is no longer solely a function of hydrocarbons, but increasingly of diversification, connectivity, and strategic planning. As the Middle Corridor gains momentum and new sectors come online, Azerbaijan appears well-positioned to sustain growth in a challenging global environment, while reinforcing its role as a bridge between continents.

Several players and members of the coaching staff of Portugal’s football club Benfica, including head coach José Mourinho, have contracted a viral infection ahead of a crucial match against Porto, Azernews reports.

If the situation does not improve, the match scheduled for October 5 may be postponed.

Under Portuguese championship regulations, a match can be delayed if fewer than 13 players are available to play. Players must also be certified fit to participate by the relevant health authorities. As of now, Benfica’s management has not officially requested a postponement.

José Mourinho has been leading Benfica since September 18, marking a new chapter in the club’s season. The upcoming fixture against Porto is seen as a significant test for the team under the new coach.

Victoria Beckham showed a collection of slip dresses, roomy suits and soft, leather jackets with crinkled edges for her namesake label’s spring summer runway show, held at the 17th century Val-de-Grace abbey in Paris on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Guests arrived after dark, crossing rain-slicked cobblestones to reach the cloisters inside.

Models marched under the arched corridors in sharp-toed shoes, parading dresses cut in asymmetric shapes and uneven hems, the fabric bunched together in places, some covered with a dusting of spray paint.

Trousers were low-waisted, cinched with thin belts and paired with tops that were slit open in front, while suit jackets came in boxy shapes, without lapels.

Handbags included a roomy duffle bag, a structured camera bag and one that resembled an accordion.

In written show notes, the brand described the collection as an “abstract adaptation of the coming-of-age wardrobe,” noting that Beckham had spent time reviewing photos of herself as a young adult.

Paris Fashion Week, which runs through October 7, features big name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Hermes.

This season has featured a record number of designer debuts as brands across the industry seek creative reboots to spark interest from inflation-weary shoppers.

The final stage of the boxing competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan, continued in Baku with another moment of triumph for the home crowd, Azernews reports.

In the women’s 48-kilogram weight category, Azerbaijani boxer Gler Hseynova entered the ring against Russia’s Daria Gavrina in a highly anticipated final. Displaying composure, strength, and tactical precision, Hseynova outperformed her opponent and claimed the gold medal, further cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as a rising power in women’s boxing.

Her victory was greeted with loud applause from spectators, who have turned out in large numbers to support the national team throughout the Games. The gold medal adds to Azerbaijan’s growing tally and underlines the host country’s success both in organizing the tournament and in sporting performance.

Hseynova’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a source of national pride, inspiring young athletes and highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in sport.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

The second Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) concluded in Azerbaijan, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 25 countries, Azernews reports.

The week-long event included government representatives, parliamentarians, scientists, business and women leaders, young climate activists, and officials from multilateral organizations.

Over eight venues across the capital, 46 sessions and events covered more than 30 topics, providing a platform for dialogue on the path to COP30 in Brazil. Key international organizations, including the United Nations, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Brazil’s SEBRAE, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, participated alongside former heads of state, parliamentarians, academics, and youth leaders.

The breadth of topics highlighted the complexity of the climate crisis. Discussions focused on climate finance and accountability, energy transition and mobility, adaptation and resilience, sustainable food systems and circular economy, as well as gender and leadership in climate action. Roundtables examined institutional capacity for climate resilience, green construction, climate-smart agribusiness, green transition, and sustainable fashion. Notably, the COP29 Sustainability Report was presented for the first time, and the Azerbaijan Universities Climate Network was officially established.

Youth engagement was a central theme, featuring the Youth Climate Forum, the Art and Innovation for the Planet exhibition showcasing young artists and startups, the Sustainable Career Fair connecting students with green economy opportunities, and the Little Climate Champions program promoting environmental awareness among children.

BCAW 2025, held between Rio Climate Action Week and COP30, highlighted Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a climate dialogue hub. For the country, soon to hand over COP presidency to Brazil, the week offered more than discussion-it reinforced a climate legacy and strengthened international collaboration, positioning Azerbaijan as a proactive leader in global climate action.

For the second year, the city of Jabrayil has opened its arms to its returning residents, as citizens gathered to celebrate Jabrayil City Day on their native land, Azernews reports.

The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture together with the Special Representation of the President of Azerbaijan in the districts of Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan.

The celebration began with the opening of the exhibition ‘Garabagh – From the Lens to History,’ dedicated to the history and rebirth of the region. The program will continue with a concert performance marking the occasion of Jabrayil City Day.

The festivities carry a deep symbolic meaning, as Jabrayil was one of the Azerbaijani districts liberated during the 2020 Patriotic War after nearly three decades of occupation. For many residents, the opportunity to celebrate on their ancestral soil for the second consecutive year is both a moment of pride and a testament to the city’s revival.

City Day has quickly become not just a cultural event, but also a powerful reminder of resilience, return, and the unbreakable bond between the people of Jabrayil and their homeland.

Japan’s former Minister of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, has been elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking a historic first for the party, Azernews reports, citing Japanese media outlets.

Takaichi emerged victorious over four competitors in the party leadership race. In the first round, she secured 183 votes, narrowly edging out her main rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, who received 164 votes, advancing both to the second round. Takaichi ultimately prevailed in the decisive stage, securing her position as party leader.

In the coming days, the parliament will vote to confirm the ruling party’s new leader as the country’s prime minister. If approved, Takaichi will become Japan’s first female prime minister.

The leadership race follows the resignation of current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced in early September that he would step down as head of the LDP.