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On October 6, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar in Gabala, Azernews reports.

Although many Swedish schools offer instruction in English, current legislation allows the hiring of foreign teachers without a Swedish teaching license. According to the law, these teachers must have an educational background equivalent to a Swedish teaching degree and must be capable of teaching in English. However, it has emerged that no government body is actively verifying whether these requirements are actually being met, Azernews reports.

Recent inspections have revealed that many of these teachers are not native English speakers, and in several cases, their pedagogical qualifications are questionable. The responsibility for checking teacher credentials falls entirely on individual schools – a situation that, according to education experts, poses a serious risk to the quality of education.

‘This is unacceptable. The state must ensure that laws and standards are enforced,’ said a representative of Almega Utbildning, a trade organization representing private education providers in Sweden.

Sweden’s Education Minister, Simone Mohamsson, acknowledged the lack of oversight and admitted there are no reliable statistics on how many schools are employing such teachers. ‘It is unacceptable that teachers in Swedish classrooms may not be proficient in either Swedish or English,’ she said, calling for a formal review of the current legal framework.

Sweden has seen a rise in international and bilingual schools in recent years, largely due to increased globalization and growing demand from expatriate families and internationally-minded Swedes. However, this push for internationalization may be outpacing regulatory oversight. Critics warn that without stricter control, the reputation of Sweden’s education system-which is traditionally known for high standards-could be at risk.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair has opened at the Baku Expo Center, featuring the participation of hundreds of local and international organizations, Azernews reports.

Among the most visited pavilions was the booth of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, which attracted a diverse range of visitors, including academics, students, publishers, and culture enthusiasts.

Throughout the fair, the booth has served as a hub for dialogue and the exchange of ideas. Visitors have had the chance to explore publications from five different countries, engage in discussions on scientific and literary heritage, and learn more about ICESCO’s initiatives in education, science, and culture.

Dr. Abdulhakeem AlSenan, Director of ICESCO’s Baku Regional Office, noted that the strong interest reflects growing attention to ICESCO’s mission.

“Our booth has become a vibrant platform for communication, idea-sharing, and promoting a culture of reading and knowledge exchange,” he said.

Over the course of the seven-day fair, more than 220 events will take place.

The significant interest in ICESCO’s booth underscores the importance of this space for cultural exchange and intellectual dialogue.

Note that the main task of ICESCO’s Regional Office in Baku, which opened on April 29, 2025, is to coordinate cooperation between the countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia – Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.

This region is home to unique cultural treasures, ranging from the Great Silk Road to various examples of intangible heritage, and is capable of playing a significant role in shaping the global cultural landscape.

With its rich cultural legacy, Azerbaijan joined the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) in 1991.

Since then, Azerbaijan has actively promoted the preservation of its Islamic cultural heritage.

The country successfully collaborates closely with various organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Islamic Development Bank, the Islamic Conference of Parliamentary Union, and the Islamic Conference of Youth Forum.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair runs until October 7 at the Baku Expo Center.

This year’s fair, under the theme “Technoman: yesterday’s legend, today’s event,” provides a platform for in-depth discussions on the role of technology in shaping human life within the modern scientific and cultural context.

The event features 41 international organizations from 18 countries, alongside over 100 local publishers, printing houses, and book-related institutions.

Over 250 events, including masterclasses for both children and adults, book presentations on topics like inclusion, book signings, conferences, symposiums, contests, as well as reading and music sessions are being held throughout the fair.

Notable authors and scholars from countries including Turkiye, Argentina, the UK, Lithuania, Qatar, and more are participating in the event.

Shuttle buses are available for visitors from “Elml?r Akademiyasi,” “28 May,” and “Koroglu” metro stations to the Baku Expo Center. Entry to the fair is free, and it is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

On October 6, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán in Gabala, Azernews reports.

Egypt’s former minister of tourism and antiquities, Khaled El Enany, was nominated on Monday as the next Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Azernews reports.

The announcement came after the conclusion of voting during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris.

It is worth noting that, this candidacy will then be approved by the General Conference in November.

In a world increasingly shaped by regional alliances and cultural blocs, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has emerged as a beacon of unity, resilience, and strategic foresight. What began as a modest platform for cultural cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations has now evolved into a dynamic geopolitical force; one that not only redefines the balance of power in Eurasia but also offers a compelling model of regional integration rooted in shared identity and mutual respect.

The recent developments within the OTS are not merely symbolic; they are transformative. From coordinated infrastructure projects to joint diplomatic initiatives, the organization is steadily carving out a space for Turkic nations to assert their collective interests on the global stage. This is not a return to history, but it is a leap into the future, powered by a common language, a shared heritage, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The strength of the OTS lies in its diversity. Spanning Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Anatolia, the member states bring unique assets to the table: Kazakhstan’s vast energy reserves, Uzbekistan’s industrial potential, Trkiye’s geopolitical leverage, and Azerbaijan’s strategic location and economic dynamism. Together, these nations form a corridor of opportunity stretching from the Caspian Sea to the heart of Europe.

The development of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, often referred to as the “Silk Road of the 21st Century”, is a prime example of how the OTS is translating vision into reality. This corridor not only facilitates trade and energy transit but also reduces dependency on traditional routes dominated by external powers. It is a declaration of economic sovereignty and logistical independence.

Azerbaijan’s role within the OTS deserves special attention. As a country that straddles East and West, Azerbaijan has become a linchpin in the organization’s strategic calculus. Its investments in infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation have positioned it as both a bridge and a beacon for Turkic cooperation.

The liberation of Garabagh and the subsequent reconstruction efforts have further elevated Azerbaijan’s standing. Through OTS platforms, Baku has successfully internationalized its post-conflict development agenda, attracting investment and solidarity from fellow Turkic states. This is not just diplomacy, but it is a manifestation of shared destiny.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the OTS marks a new chapter in the organization’s evolution. Under Baku’s leadership, the focus has shifted toward actionable goals: economic integration, cultural exchange, and coordinated foreign policy. The message is clear, Azerbaijan is not just participating in the Turkic awakening; it is leading it.

Beyond politics and economics, the OTS is fostering a cultural renaissance. Joint media initiatives, academic exchanges, and language programs are strengthening the bonds between Turkic peoples. This soft power strategy is essential in a world where narratives shape realities.

The revival of Turkic identity-once suppressed or diluted by imperial legacies-is now a source of pride and cohesion. From literature to cinema, from education to tourism, the OTS is cultivating a sense of belonging that transcends borders. It is not about exclusion; it is about affirmation.

Of course, the path forward is not without challenges. Divergent political systems, economic disparities, and external pressures can test the unity of the OTS. But these obstacles are not insurmountable. With strategic patience and principled leadership, the organization can navigate complexity and emerge stronger.

The key lies in institutionalization. The OTS must continue to build robust mechanisms for decision-making, conflict resolution, and policy implementation. It must also expand its partnerships beyond the Turkic world, engaging with Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to diversify its diplomatic footprint.

The rise of the Turkic States Organization is more than a regional phenomenon-it is a geopolitical reality that demands recognition. In an era of fragmentation and uncertainty, the OTS offers a model of unity grounded in history, driven by strategy, and sustained by vision.

For Azerbaijan and its fellow Turkic nations, this is a moment of opportunity. The world is watching, and the future is being written; not in distant capitals, but in the heartlands of the Turkic world. The message is simple yet profound: united, we rise.

The energy sector continues to be the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the International Energy Agency (IEA).

IEA data shows that between 2011 and 2020, emissions from the country’s energy sector ranged from 20.9 to 22.2 million tons of CO2, making it the largest contributor to atmospheric pollution. Following energy, the main sources of emissions are agriculture and construction, while the lowest emissions come from waste management, industrial production, construction activities, and transport.

Despite some fluctuations, total CO2 emissions in Azerbaijan reached approximately 56.7 million tons in 2020, exceeding the levels recorded in 2011.

Globally, Azerbaijan’s share of greenhouse gas emissions is relatively small, accounting for 0.12 percent, according to IEA. Data from the EU4Climate program indicate that between 1990 and 1995, Azerbaijan reduced its emissions by 37 percent, stabilizing at nearly the same level by 2010.

The report highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing energy production with environmental sustainability and underscores the need for continued investments in clean energy and emission reduction strategies.

On October 6, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Binali Yildirim, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), in Gabala, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency has released its latest weekly report on demining operations carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, Azernews reports.

The operations were conducted across several districts, including Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Khojavand, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan. Additionally, mine clearance was carried out in the recently liberated villages of Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhajili in the Gazakh district.

During the week, a total of 82 anti-personnel mines, 74 anti-tank mines, and 517 unexploded ordnances were detected and safely neutralized.

In total, an area of 1,432.8 hectares was cleared of mines and explosive remnants of war.

These efforts are part of ongoing operations to ensure the safe return of displaced residents and support reconstruction and development in the region.

On October 6, the Baku Military Court continued the trial against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, with the announcement of documents related to the rocket attacks on the city of Ganja during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, Azernews reports.

According to court materials, the Armenian armed forces, in gross violation of the ceasefire and international law, including the Geneva Convention, targeted residential areas, educational and medical facilities far from the front line, using 9K58 “Smerch” (BM-30) and 9K72 “Elbrus” missiles on October 4, 5, 8, 11, and 17, 2020. These strikes resulted in acts of terrorism, large-scale destruction, civilian casualties, and significant damage to private property.

The documents reveal that 26 civilians were deliberately killed, including 10 men, 10 women, and 6 minors, and 175 people sustained injuries, including 61 men, 66 women, and 48 minors. Investigators conducted crime scene inspections, medical examinations, and collected witness testimonies, as well as statements from legal heirs and injured parties.

The trial of the Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses linked to Armenia’s military aggression continues.