Category: Azer News

The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-2025) has officially opened today at the Baku Convention Center, marking the first time this major event of the CIS region is being hosted in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

It is worth noting that the conference is organized every four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Running through November 28, the event aims to narrow the digital divide among countries and promote digital transformation. It will also serve as an international platform open to young people, helping them gain knowledge about global technological trends, engage with leading experts in the field, and build cooperation opportunities that enhance their competitiveness worldwide.

More than 2,000 participants from 150 countries – including over 300 young delegates – are expected to attend WTDC-2025.

Within the framework of the conference, ITU’s 194 member states are expected to adopt a declaration outlining key priorities for the years ahead.

Since November 13, Spain has prohibited the outdoor breeding of chickens – a measure introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture as part of new efforts to combat the spread of avian influenza amid a rise in cases across Europe, Azernews reports.

The ban applies nationwide, including to organic farms and small-scale holdings for personal consumption.

According to 20minutos, Spain lies on a major migratory route used by birds traveling from Northern Europe to Africa for the winter. These wild species can carry the virus and transmit it to domestic birds through direct contact. Once avian influenza enters a poultry farm, the spread accelerates due to close confinement and exposure to contaminated secretions. Free-range chickens are particularly vulnerable, as they are more likely to encounter infected wild birds.

The World Health Organization has documented 103 human cases of the virus between 2020 and January 2025, though no instances of human-to-human transmission have been reported. Spain detected two human cases between 2020 and 2024.

Beyond the public health concerns, outbreaks also pose significant economic and animal welfare challenges. Since July 18, 2025, Spain has lost its bird flu-free status, preventing the export of poultry products. Under EU regulations and national protocols, every outbreak results in the suspension of all farm operations, the culling of all poultry, and the destruction of feed, water, and other potentially contaminated materials.

Agricultural experts warn that prolonged restrictions on free-range farming could reshape Spain’s poultry industry, pushing producers to adopt more biosecure indoor systems. Some fear this may also influence consumer preferences, especially in a country where demand for organic and free-range products has been steadily rising.

The World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-2025) has officially opened today at the Baku Convention Center, marking the first time this major event of the CIS region is being hosted in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

It is worth noting that the conference is organized every four years by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Running through November 28, the event aims to narrow the digital divide among countries and promote digital transformation. It will also serve as an international platform open to young people, helping them gain knowledge about global technological trends, engage with leading experts in the field, and build cooperation opportunities that enhance their competitiveness worldwide.

More than 2,000 participants from 150 countries – including over 300 young delegates – are expected to attend WTDC-2025.

Within the framework of the conference, ITU’s 194 member states are expected to adopt a declaration outlining key priorities for the years ahead.

A signing ceremony was held at the headquarters of Silk Way Group to formalize a memorandum of cooperation between Silk Way West Airlines, one of the region’s leading cargo carriers, and Azerbaijan’s national postal operator, Azerpost LLC.

As reported by Azernews, the agreement aims to enhance collaboration in postal logistics, air cargo, and e-commerce deliveries.

The memorandum establishes a framework for strategic cooperation in international and domestic cargo transportation, mail sorting, warehousing services, and logistics optimization. By combining their expertise and infrastructure, both parties aim to improve the efficiency of postal and cargo flows domestically and internationally.

Under the agreement, Azerspost will utilize Silk Way West Airlines’ global flight network for the transportation of international mail and e-commerce parcels to Baku and other destinations. This arrangement will allow Silk Way West Airlines to expand its cargo volumes, while Azerpost will manage domestic sorting, processing, and last-mile delivery services.

The partnership will also create new opportunities at the Alat Free Economic Zone, where both parties plan to implement joint logistics solutions and modern distribution models. In the initial phase, a fully automated e-commerce terminal spanning 12,000 square meters will be established to process all mail and e-commerce parcels, forming the foundation for regional logistics operations.

Vice President of Silk Way West Airlines, Vuqar Mammadov, emphasized that the collaboration marks a major step in developing Azerbaijan’s postal and logistics infrastructure. He noted that combining efforts with Azerpost will expand capabilities in e-commerce logistics and contribute to transforming the Alat Free Economic Zone into a key regional and global cargo hub.

Isi Mustafayev, Acting Chairman of Azerpost LLC, highlighted that the partnership will significantly increase the efficiency and speed of international postal operations, enabling more flexible and reliable delivery services both within Azerbaijan and abroad. He added that future cooperation between Silk Way West Airlines and Azerpost will further deepen through digital, operational, and infrastructure projects, supporting Azerbaijan’s ambition to become a central logistics hub connecting East and West.

‘Communication technologies have turned into the leading driver of Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy and has maintained steady growth over the past four years,’ President Ilham Aliyev stated in his address to participants of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) World Telecommunication Development Conference, Azernews reports.

The head of state emphasized that this progress is accompanied by consistent measures in the development of artificial intelligence, prevention of cyberattacks, and expansion of digital infrastructure.

For the first time in Baku, the ‘China Visitors Summit’ brought together representatives of China’s and Azerbaijan’s tourism industries, Azernews reports.

Organized by the State Tourism Agency on November 17, the summit provided a platform for bilateral dialogue and business-to-business (B2B) meetings aimed at expanding cooperation in tourism.

Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency, highlighted two key priorities in Azerbaijan’s tourism engagement with China: the implementation of the ‘China Ready’ concept within the country and the expansion of marketing activities in China. He emphasized that initiatives like this summit would significantly boost reciprocal tourist flows between the two countries while strengthening economic and cultural ties.

Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, China-Azerbaijan relations have developed steadily and dynamically. Grounded in friendship and mutual trust, these relations have grown stronger in recent years, with tourism emerging as a key area of cooperation. The ambassador added that events such as the summit serve as a bridge between the tourism industries of both countries, opening new opportunities for collaboration.

The ‘China Visitors Summit’ is an international platform held annually in different countries to promote bilateral tourism relations. The Baku edition hosted over 50 Chinese tourism companies and local industry representatives, facilitating B2B meetings and discussions on future cooperation.

As part of the summit, Chinese tourism companies are scheduled to visit regions including Shamakhi, Gabala, Sheki, and Gakh to explore and promote Azerbaijan’s regional tourism potential.

The founder and President of the International Watercolour Society, renowned artist Atanur Dogan, has paid an official visit to Baku as part of the International Watercolour Festival, Azernews reports.

During his visit, he proposed granting international status to the watercolour gallery located at the Khatai Arts Centre. From now on, the gallery will operate under the name “Khatai International Watercolour Gallery.”

The gallery’s exhibition draws on its own collection, including art pieces by both Azerbaijani masters and artists from around the world.

Visitors can see a variety of watercolour art from various schools and movements, and also purchase their favourite pieces. With its new status, the Khatai International Watercolour Gallery will become an open platform for collaboration between local and international watercolourists, exhibitions, creative exchanges, and joint projects.

The gallery invites artists from around the world to collaborate, striving to popularise global watercolour art and advance the Azerbaijani watercolour school internationally.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

On November 17, a hybrid briefing session was held in Baku for members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, providing detailed information about the 13th session of the United Nations World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Azerbaijan will host in 2026, Azernews reports.

Scheduled for May 17-22, 2026, the Forum will focus on ‘Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Settlements.’ The session featured speeches by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and WUF13 National Coordinator; Adil M?mm?dov, Executive Director of WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company; and Edlam Yemeru, Director of External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation at UN-Habitat. A video message from UN-Habitat Executive Director Anclaudia Rosbach was also presented.

The briefing aimed to inform participants about the Forum’s objectives, preparations, planned events, thematic dialogues, activities, and opportunities for participation and cooperation. Anar Guliyev welcomed attendees, highlighting that high-level participation from heads of state, ministers, and government officials is expected at the Forum. He emphasized that WUF13 provides a unique platform for Azerbaijan to strengthen international collaboration on sustainable urban development, showcase the country’s urban achievements, and present its vision for the future. For the first time in the Forum’s history, a Leaders’ Summit with participation from heads of state and government will be held, reflecting Azerbaijan’s commitment to the global urban agenda and active leadership in city transformation processes. Guliyev added: ‘We believe WUF13 will make a significant contribution to more sustainable and people-centered urban development.’

In her video address, UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach expressed gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for organizing the important gathering. She noted: ‘WUF13 will be a key moment for partners to renew their commitment to ensuring access to adequate housing for all, a fundamental element of human dignity, safety, and climate action underpinning the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Forum will also mark the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the ‘New Urban Agenda,’ celebrate progress achieved, and provide a platform to focus on housing issues for the next decade.’

Diplomats were informed that comprehensive preparations and coordination are underway across all operational areas to ensure the high-level organization of the Forum. Adil M?mm?dov provided detailed updates on the preparation process at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the main venue for WUF13, including the establishment of functional zones, infrastructure setup, and the organization of all event aspects with a focus on sustainability, security, and accessibility. He stated: ‘Our goal is to create an exemplary international platform in Baku that meets high organizational standards, is inclusive, and serves global collaboration.’

Edlam Yemeru also presented the Forum’s concept and program, highlighting its objectives and thematic focus. The session continued with a question-and-answer and open discussion format.

The interactive hybrid briefing brought together nearly 100 diplomats, representing the leadership of diplomatic missions operating in Azerbaijan.

The founder and President of the International Watercolour Society, renowned artist Atanur Dogan, has paid an official visit to Baku as part of the International Watercolour Festival, Azernews reports.

During his visit, he proposed granting international status to the watercolour gallery located at the Khatai Arts Centre. From now on, the gallery will operate under the name “Khatai International Watercolour Gallery.”

The gallery’s exhibition draws on its own collection, including art pieces by both Azerbaijani masters and artists from around the world.

Visitors can see a variety of watercolour art from various schools and movements, and also purchase their favourite pieces. With its new status, the Khatai International Watercolour Gallery will become an open platform for collaboration between local and international watercolourists, exhibitions, creative exchanges, and joint projects.

The gallery invites artists from around the world to collaborate, striving to popularise global watercolour art and advance the Azerbaijani watercolour school internationally.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The opening ceremony of “The Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone” festival dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the outstanding writer, playwright and screenwriter Magsud Ibrahimbeyov was held at the Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center on November 17.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, attended the event.

Anna Ibrahimbeyova, Director of the Center, expressed her gratitude to everyone who lent their invaluable support in realization of the project. Curator Nigar Rzayeva mentioned that the festival brings together theater, literature, cinema, fine arts, and modern thought, thereby forging a vibrant cultural dialogue between the past and the present.

N. Rzayeva emphasized that the festival, created based on the same name play by Magsud Ibrahimbeyov, depicts the pivotal moment when the human spirit stands on the threshold of a great breakthrough.

‘The lead character is confused, now knowing where this new stage will lead. Though we are immersed in a technological, fast and exciting ‘boom,’ at a time of rapid transition the inner world of a person and fundamental values remain unchanged,’ Rzayeva said.

The festival creates a multi-genre space, profoundly inspired by the author’s creative heritage, which effectively rediscovers the artistic potential of his works. ‘The Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone’ play written in the 1960s, reveals the universal themes of choice, responsibility and destiny as questions that remain steadfast in the 21st century.

The event proceeded with a reading of excerpts from Magsud Ibrahimbeyov’s story ‘Our Oil with Timka’ by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Firdovsi Atakishiyev.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the distinguished Russian journalist Mikhail Gusman shared his sincere recollections of his cherished friend Magsud Ibrahimbeyov. He underlined that the opportunity to encounter and communicate with Magsud was nothing short of ‘a gift of fate’ and an immeasurably valuable life experience.

Gusman further noted that he remembers Ibrahimbeyov not solely as an outstanding writer and playwright, but also as a perpetually young and profoundly energetic person.

Mikhail Gusman said he believes that Magsud Ibrahimbeyov will forever remain one of the most valuable sons of Azerbaijan – a person who infinitely revered his country and people, who was loyal to his native land with the whole of his being.

Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center is dedicated to the core mission of preserving the writer’s heritage and supporting new cultural initiative, which is effectively perpetuated by the festival seamlessly connecting the past and the present, thereby expanding the space for intergenerational dialogue and reasserting the author’s enduring relevance.