A meeting was held between the Association of Small and Medium Business Entities and Clubs (ASME) and the Education Development Fund (EDF).
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of EDF, briefed the attendees on the Fund’s activities, mission, accomplishments in 2023, and future objectives.
Nigar Alasgarova, the Chairperson of ASME, provided an update on the current activities of the Association. She stated that the primary objective of KOBSKA is to expedite the integration of small and medium-sized businesses involved in entrepreneurial activities in the local market into foreign markets. This includes developing the entrepreneurial environment and organizing B2B, B2C, and B2G meetings to strengthen relationships, provide education, and protect the interests of foreign entrepreneurs who intend to operate in the country.
During the meeting, the two institutions discussed possibilities for future collaboration.
After the meeting concluded, Nigar Alasgarova, the Chairperson of the Board of the Association, presented a letter of appreciation to Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of the Fund, for their support in the activities of ASME.
On January 16, an event called “From Education to Progress” was organized by the Education Development Fund at Azerbaijan Technical University.
State officials, rectors of higher education institutions, and private sector representatives participated in the “From Education to Progress” event.
The Education Development Fund organized an event focused on public-private partnerships. The event aimed to provide information about the Fund’s past and future projects and reward its partners. Elnur Nasibov, the Chairman of the Board, delivered the opening speech at the event. He also shared the progress made in 2023 and invited public and private institutions and higher education institutions to collaborate. The goal is to work together towards better education and accessibility for all.
The Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University, Vilayat Valiyev, has emphasized the importance of public-private and university-industry cooperation in the Education Development Fund’s work. Since its establishment, the Fund has taken successful steps in this regard. The rector mentioned that last year’s Education Development Forum was a great example of successful collaboration. He wished the organization all the best for their future endeavors.
Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, spoke about the “Support Girls’ Education” project implemented in collaboration with EDF. She emphasized that the project helps create a successful Azerbaijani youth who are well-educated, knowledgeable, and aware of their rights and responsibilities, thus becoming the builders of the future. The committee chairperson stated that female entrepreneurs first voted to support girls’ education. Then, other people in business, institutions, organizations, and unions have joined this line. The Education Development Fund has already made progress towards this goal through systematic work.
Later, partnership and donation certificates were presented to government institutions and private sector representatives that support projects to develop education.
At the end of the event, which was accompanied by the performances of the “Cadenza” Orchestra operating under the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, the guests got acquainted with the exhibition of handicrafts of students of various higher educational institutions.
Nargiz Hajiyeva, director of the British Council for Azerbaijan, and Nargiz Akbarova, Exams Lead for South Caucasus, were received by the Education Development Fund.
During the meeting, the Education Development Fund, the Education Quality Assurance Agency, and seven higher education institutions discussed the state of implementation of the project, aiming to encourage university academic staff members and students to take the IELTS.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund, informed the guests about the universities that intend to join the project next year. He said the program has caused great popularity and interest among higher education institutions. As of now, 226 individuals have already benefited from the project, and the number continues to grow each month.
During the meeting, there was a discussion about the collaboration plan with the Education Development Fund following the 2024 action plan of the British Council.
The Sumgait Technologies Park received the delegation of the Education Development Fund. The primary purpose of the meeting was to discuss the possibilities of cooperation between the two institutions.
Shola Aliyeva, the Chief Human Resources Officer of STP, welcomed the guests and talked about STP’s activities and plans and the work in forming a personnel base in unique fields.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, emphasized the importance of establishing cooperation relations with STP to develop the university-industry innovation system and provide professional personnel training.
During the meeting, the STP Group of Companies and the Education Development Fund discussed potential collaboration to support girls’ education, implement various programs for children who grew up in boarding schools and are currently studying in vocational schools, as well as for members of martyr’s families. They also discussed organizing joint boot camps.
On December 22, Elnur Nasibov, the Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, and Rasul Hashimov, the project manager, met with the academic staff of the Sumgait State University, as well as the students at the Heydar Aliyev Center of Sumgait State University.
The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss potential opportunities for mutual acquaintance and collaboration between both institutions. Rufat Azizov spoke about the programs implemented by the Fund for the development of education and the particular importance the state attaches to the development of education. He emphasized that one of the main priorities of state policy is the development of education.
The rector provided information about the direction of activities, innovations, and future priorities of SSU. He said that every scientific and educational institution has specific goals. During these years, Sumgayit State University has undergone significant development and has made critical achievements in training specialists for Sumgait city and region, the country’s industrial center. Today, it is taking successful steps toward training professional personnel.
The rector also noted that SSU is taking successful steps toward expanding university-industry relations and creating these relations is very important in establishing cooperation. Organization of meetings in this direction is also an essential factor. The rector advised teachers and students to take advantage of the projects implemented by the Education Development Fund.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund, expressed his gratitude to the university management for the invitation. He said that innovation and scientific research are necessary in higher education institutions. For this reason, universities should plan their working mechanisms according to the requirements of the time. In higher educational institutions, joint activities to update the teaching content and cooperation in scientific research projects should be carried out.
Then, the chairman made a presentation about the projects of the Education Development Fund and gave detailed information about the establishment of the Fund, its goals, mission, implemented projects, and scholarship programs. He stated that the activities of the Education Development Fund established under the Ministry of Science and Education by the relevant decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, cover all levels of education except vocational education. Five main strategic directions of action related to higher education institutions were determined in a short period. Implementation of academic mobility programs, institutional development of higher education institutions, preparation of scientific journals, publications, and textbooks, participation in the development of university-industry cooperation support for the development of students of higher education institutions, and other issues are covered in the strategic directions of action.
The chairman mentioned that there are some significant projects ahead. He also emphasized that these projects will inspire students to engage in scientific and innovative pursuits and take a prominent role in science.
During the meeting, participants discussed the university’s strategic goals, industry-university collaboration, expanding students’ career opportunities, and developing English-speaking skills for teachers and students. Elnur Nasibov thoroughly addressed the participants’ proposals and answered their inquiries.
In the end, Rector Rufat Azizov expressed his gratitude to the management of the Education Development Fund for the cordial reception and their support of forthcoming projects.
A meeting was held at Lankaran City Secondary School № 8 with Lankaran-Astara Regional Education Department representatives. This department is the next recipient of the “Book Donation to Schools” project, jointly implemented by the “Inci Group of Companies” and the Education Development Fund through a public-private partnership. During the meeting, 800 books were presented to regional schools.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Dashdemirova, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Education Development Fund, Rahim Rahimov, Deputy Director of Lankaran-Astara Regional Education Department, representatives of the Fund and Regional Education Department, the school director, teachers, and students.
Ilgar Pashayev, director of Lankaran City Comprehensive Secondary School № 8, greeted the guests and thanked the project initiators on behalf of the school.
Rahim Rahimov, Deputy Director of the Lankaran-Astara Regional Education Department, praised the project for encouraging students to read more books. He highlighted the significance of books, especially fiction, in broadening their perspective and urged the students to use the donated books as much as possible.
Ms. Dashdemirova, the Deputy Chairperson of the Board of Education Development Fund, expressed her gratitude towards the “Inci Group of Companies” for their complete support from the start of the project. She mentioned a meeting at the 5th Regional Education Department as part of the project, where 4,800 books were donated.
The meeting proceeded with the involvement of teachers and students, who engaged in discussions.
NEQSOL Holding and Education Development Fund have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The document was signed by Imran Ahmadzada, Head of NEQSOL Holding Azerbaijan office, and Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund.
The purpose of the MoU is to establish cooperation on programs and projects aimed at enhancing the education system, as well as creating and implementing a long-term scholarship program for female students.
Metin Karimli, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Science and Education expressed gratitude to both sides for their proactive steps within the framework of the state-private partnership: “One of the effective forms of partnership is cooperation within the framework of corporate social responsibility. I am confident that this cooperation will have positive results and in the future new projects will be implemented.”
Elnur Nasibov highlighted the significance of the collaboration between NEQSOL Holding and the Education Development Fund, citing it as an example of a state-private partnership: “Within this cooperation, support for girls’ education, as well as the Education Development Forum on state-university-industry collaboration, organized by the Education Development Fund, along with other potential initiatives, are expected to receive support.”
Imran Ahmadzada emphasized that the field of education and the development of human capital are in the holding’s focus, and several projects have already been successfully implemented in this direction: “As part of our initiative to support the education of young girls, the students will receive a monthly scholarship throughout the year. Additionally, they will have opportunities for internships according to their fields of study, participation in mentoring programs, and access to other opportunities. This project will contribute to their professional growth, providing them with decent jobs in the future, and to be useful to society.”
For detailed information about the scholarship program for female students during the 2023-2024 academic year, please visit https://bit.ly/3LIXf3O.
NEQSOL Holding is a diversified group of companies operating in more than ten countries across the energy, telecommunications, hi-tech, and construction industries.
The “WinterCamp 2023” Winter University of students in the fields of finance and economics, organized in Guba on February 3-7, with the support of the Education Development Fund, the organization of the “One Volunteer” Students’ Cooperation Public Union and the training partnership of the “BRIDGE Academy” company, was concluded.
About 500 applications for participation in the Winter University were registered, and 35 students got the opportunity to participate after the registration and interview stages. At the opening of the event, the Chairperson of the Public Union Leyla Zeynalova emphasized that the main goal of the Winter University is to create conditions for effective time management, to bring together students studying in related specialties in an environment outside of class, to further strengthen communication between them, and to improve the exchange of knowledge and experience.
A 2-part information and training session on the topic “Fundamentals of Financial Accounting” was presented by the first speaker of the event, Nuray Iskenderova, a graduate of Warwick Business School, economist of the Department of Economic Indicators and Financial Modeling of SOCAR, teacher of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics.
On the second day of the camp, an informative session and start-up trainings were organized on the topics of “Introduction to the Economy” and “Role of the Banking Sector in the Economy” presented by Huseyn Mahmudov, the winner of the second “Yukselish” competition, and Rufat Karimov, the founder and head of “The Bankers Club”.
Within the framework of the camp, in the following days, two-part information and training sessions were held on “Introduction to Azerbaijan tax legislation”, “Principles of management accounting”, “Introduction to internal audit”, “Financial models and company evaluation” and “Increasing financial literacy” presented by Elmir Huseynov, a graduate of the University of Bristol, the winner of the second “Yukselish” competition, Ziya Mursalzadeh, a graduate of the University of Leicester, winner of the first “Yukselish” competition, Ali Ahmadov, a graduate of the University of York and the University of Strasbourg, winner of the second “Yukselish” competition, Orkhan Talibzadeh, senior specialist in budget and financial models of PashaPay LLC and Elmar Hajiyev, a colleague of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Later, students traveled to Chenlibel Lake in the Second Nugadi village to organize their free time effectively and to see the mysterious natural scenery of Guba.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on the last day of the camp, Sabuhi Rzayev, the Deputy Head of the Department of Information and Public Service of the Ministry of Science and Education, spoke about the importance of regularly organizing winter and summer camps by involving professional experts, speakers, and trainers to stimulate the innovative potential of young students, increase their scientific and theoretical knowledge and exchange experience in this direction. In the end, certificates and various awards were presented to the training participants.
It should be informed that 1-hour physical education classes were held for students every morning with the support of coaches and sports specialists to ensure the physical fitness of students during the camp.
In the evenings, volleyball and table tennis competitions were held among the participants every day, accompanied by coaches and teachers, to organize leisure time effectively. At the end of the day, a documentary film screening, various fun games, interesting simulation competitions, intellectual activities, etc. were organized for the students.
On the occasion of “February 2 – Youth Day”, a meeting with female students was held within the framework of the “Support Girls’ Education” project jointly implemented by the Education Development Fund and the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Education, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children’s Affairs, the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation, and female students with high academic performance involved in the scholarship program within the project.
Elnur Nasibov, Chairman of the Board of Education Development Fund welcomed the guests and congratulated students on February 2 – the Day of Azerbaijani Youth. During his speech, E. Nasibov said that supporting educated and talented young people is one of the priorities of the Fund and emphasized the importance of cooperation with partner institutions in this matter.
Sadagat Kahramanova, the deputy chairperson of the State Committee on Family, Women and Children’s Affairs, informed that the project was formed within the framework of the “100th anniversary of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev’s school for girls” events and aims to continue its tradition.
Nijat Mammadli, Advisor to the Minister of Science and Education evaluated the project and talked about the direct role of educated women in the formation of a healthy society. Emphasizing the contributions of women to science, N. Mammadli also spoke about the fact that the only person who was awarded the Nobel Prize in two different fields was a woman.
Gunel Safarova, the Chairperson of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education, reminded the bravery and heroism of our youth during the Second Karabakh War and said that there is a greater need for educated, professional specialists in the post-war period.
The event continued with the speeches of Mirza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Chairman of the ITUAEE, Parvana Mammadova, and Maleyka Alizadeh, members of the Public Council under the Ministry of Science and Education.
At the end of the meeting, the students shared their educational successes, expectations, and future plans with the participants of the event, and expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the care provided.
On February 1, 2023, the Education Development Fund held a working meeting within the framework of the project “Encouraging academic staff of universities and students to take the IELTS exam”.
The meeting was attended by representatives of partner institutions, the Education Quality Assurance Agency, Baku State University, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Azerbaijan Technical University, Azerbaijan Architecture and Construction University, and Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts.
Elnur Nasibov, the Chairman of the Board of the Education Development Fund, who started the meeting with his opening speech, informed the participants about the purposes, strategic goals, directions of action, and projects in the state of implementation.
Ramin Jafarov, Head of the Administrative Management department of the Fund, explained in detail the implementation of the program, applications, quotas, required documents, and fee payment procedures and answered the questions of the participants.
It should be noted that within the framework of the mentioned project, the fees for this exam of up to 300 academic staff members and students who participated in the IELTS exam and received high scores are covered by the Education Development Fund.
