The meeting was opened by the Minister of Education, Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Best Comprehensive School and Best Teacher competitions Misir Mardanov. Speaking at the opening event, the Minister noted that, in accordance with the Order issued by the President Ilham Aliyev of September 4, 2007, on Launching the Best Comprehensive School and Best Teacher Awards, the relevant competitions have been held in the country for 4 years. He underlined that since then, there were made some changes in the composition of the Organizing Committee, and its number of members has reached 28 people. Noting the Organizing Committee is a balanced structure the Minister read out the names of new members. Next, he gave a detailed presentation on the results of the Best Comprehensive School and Best Teacher competitions held in 2008-2011. First, the Minister talked on legal documents ensuring the conduction of the competitions, and organizational activities carried out at the Ministry of Education within the execution of the Order issued by the President Ilham Aliyev of September 4, 2007, on Launching the Best Comprehensive School and Best Teacher Awards. He said that there were developed “Rules for conduction of the best comprehensive school competition and use of the award presented to the comprehensive schools” and “Rules for conduction of the best teacher competition” for a short period of time. Moreover, these documents were approved by the Order issued by the Head of State of February 25, 2008. Touching upon the issues concerning the orderly organization of the competitions and adoption of the collegial decisions, the Minister underlined the Organizing Committee, which is acting on a public basis, was made up of 25 people in 2008/2009 academic year, 26 in 2010, and 28 in 2011.  Moreover, Education Minister Misir Mardanov gave information on the phases of the competitions and talked about activities of the Expert Groups on analysis of submitted documents and evaluation of indicators. He noted participants of competitions, which consist of three phases, are evaluated on a 10 – point scale for each phase, and the winners are determined by points gained over the three phases of the competition.  According to the Minister, overall 533 schools (126 in 2008, 139 in 2009, 113 in 2010 and 145 in 2011) have submitted a document to the Best Comprehensive School competition. He noted that the capacity to make a choice is increasing even more due to a large number of schools wishing to take part in the competition. Next, the Minister briefed the meeting attendees on the content of changes made in the terms of competitions. At the meeting, there were discussed proposed changes to the terms of competitions.

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Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov highlighted the necessity to conduct researches in various educational topics. Noting the importance of evaluating the results of done works and implemented reforms, the Minister underlined the need to focus on important issues in determining the research topics that will be done in 2011/2012 academic year. Director of the Institute for Educational Problems Abdulla Mehrabov gave information on the research topics that will be done in the current academic year within an order of the Ministry of Education. He noted that, they are mainly planning to conduct applied researches in 2011/2012 academic year. According to him, there were taken into account the recommendations of the relevant departments of the Ministry of Education and Education Advisors to the World Bank in determining research topics. Noting there were developed specific projects for study various topics, A. Mehrabov underlined that these projects mostly address issues such as the assessment of the pupils knowledge, primary education, curriculum subjects, special education, preparation of five-year olds to school and, etc.   Education Minister Misir Mardanov made his proposals for amending the list of research topics that will be done in the 2011/2012 academic year at the Institute for Education Problems, and expressed his belief that the consideration of world experience in the implementation of research will give more fruitful results. The Minister said that he considered the conduction of research on educational technology, textbooks, rationalization and other issues more important in terms of improving the quality of education. At the meeting, there were given answers to questions about research topics and put forward some relevant proposals.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly greeted the guests, and noted the UNESCO is the closest partner of the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, with whom the Ministry has a broad relationship. The Minister underlined the role of the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in establishing close ties with the organization. Noting the cooperation with UNESCO is carried out mainly in eight directions, the Minister gave detailed information on each of them. At first, he spoke about the collaboration of 18 education institutions of Azerbaijan with education institutions of 35 countries worldwide within the UNESCO Associated Schools Project. According to him, currently, within the cooperation with UNESCO, at 2 higher-education institutions of the country were opened departments of the organization. He noted that one of these departments was opened at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and at Azerbaijan University of Languages. Misir Mardanov noted the successful implementation of one of the most wide-ranging projects of UNESCO “Education for All," to which Azerbaijan has joined in 1998, and in which has been actively involved. In addition, he stressed the establishment of non-governmental organization Centre for Education Reforms Support and implementation of inclusive education with expertise advice and financial support from UNESCO. Next, the Minister recalled an international conference entitled “UNESCO - Azerbaijan: Bridge to the Future” held in 2005 in Baku, and in which a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of education was signed. In addition, he stressed that by the initiative of the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva in May 2008 in Baku was held a Regional Conference in Support of Literacy in the world with the participation of world-famous people and education experts. Misir Mardanov added that, currently, the Ministry of Education and UNESCO jointly implementing Vocational Education Development Project in Azerbaijan. According to the Minister, the main goal of the project is to prepare curricula that meets current standards on two vocational special education, training manuals and textbooks. The Minister noted the role of the Director of the UNESCO Office in Moscow Dendev Badarch, as well as the permanent representative of Azerbaijan to UNESCO Eleonora Huseynova in successful implementation of marked activities and projects in Azerbaijan. At the meeting, the Minister put forward some suggestions noting that there should be paid a great attention to the ICT field within the cooperation with UNESCO so the informatization of the education system is one of the issues on which the President keeps an attention. Noting the role and importance of ICT in the education field the Minister stressed the use of latest ICT in the learning process by the secondary school teachers as one of the important issues. He also noted the importance of projects jointly implemented with UNESCO to improve the ICT skills of teachers; relevant training courses held in Baku, expert support from UNESCO and the use of ICT in the education system of Azerbaijan. In addition, the Minister expressed confidence in a long-term and remarkably productive collaboration with UNESCO. Janis Karklins thanked the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov for the warm welcome and detailed information about the done work. He gave information on the task assigned to him at the organization that he represented. Noting that ICT is one of the main areas of activity of UNESCO, the guest said that the organization is ready to render any assistance to Azerbaijan in this field. Janis Karklins estimated the improvement of ICT skills of teachers as one of the main tasks, and spoke about the work, implemented and planned projects of UNESCO in this area. The guest noted the importance of ICT in building a knowledge society and spoke about the rapid development of this sector, its role in the education and gained achievements. Further, the sides exchanged views on the development of cooperation.

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The event was opened by Education Minister Misir Mardanov. He spoke about the existing relations between Korea and Azerbaijan, and cooperation established in the education field. Moreover, the Minister noted the development of educational ties in recent years and the important role of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in implementation of joint works, and also expressed his gratitude to the head of organization in connection with this project. Further, Misir Mardanov gave information about the grant agreement. According to him, there was singed a record of discussion between the Working Group of KOICA, Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan Technical University for the creation of education information system of Azerbaijan Technical University. The Minister noted that draft grant agreement on creation of education information system of Azerbaijan Technical University, between the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea was presented, and the corresponding approval procedure is completed. According to him, the main goal of the project is to improve the management system of the Azerbaijan Technical University through the effective use of ICT. He added that the project work will be implemented over three years. In addition, the Minister stressed that the draft reflected the important issues such as the provision of Azerbaijan Technical University with necessary equipment by KOICA, sending Korean experts to Azerbaijan, organization of training for employees and engineers of Azerbaijan Technical University in Korea and other issues. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea Lee Ji Ha spoke about the cooperation between Korea and Azerbaijan and activities implemented in the field of education. He noted that the mutual visits by presidents of both countries have enhanced the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Korea. Speaking about the aims of KOICA, the Ambassador noted that the agency cooperates with 26 countries of the world, including two republics of the former Soviet Union - Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Stressing the direct cooperation between universities of both countries, he said that currently 76 Azerbaijani students studying at universities in Korea, and 22 Koreans studying at universities of Azerbaijan. The Ambassador gave information about the history and economic development of their country, which has been rapid over a short period of time, and stressed that all these successes were achieved through the education. He also noted that he is always ready to assist the successful implementation of the grant agreement. Further, the grant agreement was signed between the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea. The agreement was signed by the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, and from the Korean side by Ambassador of Korea to Azerbaijan Lee Ji Ha. The signing ceremony was attended by the Resident Representative of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Azerbaijan Office Kim Eun Suk, and the Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University Khavar Mammadov.

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Minister of Education Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guests and highlighted the development of ties between Azerbaijan and Korea in recent years. He also touched upon the main directions of cooperation in the education field, as well as signing of various documents in this area between two countries. Noting the implementation of student exchange between Azerbaijan and Korea, the Minister said that 16 students from Azerbaijan are studying at the University of KAİST. According to him, this is not the limit at the existing cooperation and expressed his hope that Azerbaijan will create a higher-education institution such as KAİST as well. Director of Department for Planning and Management of the University KAIST Kong Pak thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. Noting the rapid development of Azerbaijan in all areas the guest underlined that Azeri students studying at KAIST University successfully continue their education. According to him, management of KAIST University is interested in the development of bilateral relations with Azerbaijani universities. The guest expressed his belief that there will be render further support to the study of Azeri students at the university.  Noting the KAIST University holds a worthy position among the top 100 universities in the world, the Minister estimated this fact as a great achievement. He expressed his pleasure from the study of Azeri students at such as the highly-ranked university and stressed the role of the Ambassador Lee Ji Ha in developing the relationship among the two countries. Further, the sides discussed possibility of further extending the cooperation in existing directions.

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It should be noted that, pupils have competed in 3 stages of the competition on 8 types of sports (football, handball, basketball, volleyball, ping pong, athletics, Greco-Roman wrestling, and boxing) from February to October of 2011 and gained a right to participate in the final stage. The first stage of the competition was consisted of intra-school, the second - district and city, and the third - zonal competitions. Only Greco-Roman wrestling and boxing competitions are held directly in the final stage.   Matches of the final stage of competition will end on October 18 – the day of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan. In the final, it is planning to award winners of the individual and team competitions on three groups (cities, districts and initial vocational special schools).  The Republican Spartakiade, which is organized every two years, is one of the popular sports events in the country. The Spartakiade is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of the state independence of Azerbaijan and conducted by a joint decision of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Youth and Sport. The main goal of the competition is to develop mass physical culture and sports and create a ground for the healthy growth of children, as well as encourage them to do more sport. Moreover, it is aiming to enhance the role of physical culture and sports in nurturing children in the spirit of patriotism, and develop their sport skills.   The event was attended by the deputy department director of the Ministry of Youth and Sport Mirkamil Rahimov, unit director Aydin Mammadov, senior consultants of the Ministry of Education Arzu Qarayev, Elmur Alizade, and representatives of the pedagogy and sport community.

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It was revealed that the diplomas of 92 teachers working at comprehensive schools of these districts are fake.. Thus, 24 fake diplomas were revealed in Barda, 12 in Guba, 7 in Jalilabad, 7 in Beylegan and others in another 20 districts. The Ministry of Education has appealed to the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan to investigate a situation.  It should be noted that, the Ministry of Education has begun to conduct the inspection to reveal fake diplomas at comprehensive schools of the next 25 districts.

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Speaking at the opening of the event, chairwoman of the Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization Ruhiyya Aslanova expressed her thanks to the Education Ministry and Embassy of Japan to Azerbaijan for the support provided by them for the project. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov talked about the relationship existing between Azerbaijan and Japan. Noting the importance for further expansion of educational ties between the two countries, the Minister stressed the advisability of travel of employees of the education field of Azerbaijan to Japan to get acquainted with the education system of this country. The Minister stressed the role of Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe in establishing mutual and fruitful relations and praised his work. He noted that, the Government of Japan provides grant projects in Azerbaijan for over the 10 years. Speaking about the collaboration of the Embassy of Japan to Azerbaijan with several organizations, including the Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization, the Minister added that, up to now, 147 agreements were signed with the Japanese government within these projects. Next, the Minister gave information on the grant agreement on Project for improvement of vocational training conditions for locksmith and carpentry courses at the professional lyceum of Baku #2 within a Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Programme. According to him, the main goal of the project is to improve training conditions for the locksmith and carpentry courses at Professional Lyceum #2 through refurbishing workshop and purchasing necessary training equipments depending on the requirements of different age groups. The project will encompass 140 students and 40 teachers. The amount of the grant is 99, 990 USD. In conclusion, the Minister expressed his thanks to all those who have made a contribution to this work. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe noted that the establishment of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Japan, and expressed willingness to promote cooperation. According to him, the cooperation between Japan and Azerbaijan has already produced results. He noted that he visited Baku vocational lyceum #2 in order to get acquainted with the works that will be done within the project and existing situation. The Ambassador stressed the importance of this project in terms of Azerbaijan is experiencing a period of development and needs professionals. Next, the grant agreement on Project for improvement of vocational training conditions for locksmith and carpentry courses at the professional lyceum of Baku #2 within Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security Programmewas signed. It was signed by Ambassador of Japan to Azerbaijan Shusuke Watanabe and chairwoman of Young Educators of Azerbaijan organization Ruhiyya Aslanova.

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The workshop was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, EU Office in Baku, heads of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Azerbaijan Teachers` Institute, Baku Skill improvement and Retraining Institute of Pedagogical Cadres and other higher education institutions. Speaking at the opening of the event, Jan Pakulski, Head of Unit of the European Commission, noted that the workshop, which is organized within the Platform 4 of the Eastern Partnership, has brought together about 70 representatives of the member states of the Eastern Partnership, including experts from the European Commission. Minister of Education Misir Mardanov welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of the event. According to him, the workshop will present the results of study conducted by the European Commission on the training and professional development of teachers in the member states of the Eastern Partnership, as well as experience of the European Union in this area. Noting that the goal of the workshop is to train and professionally develop teachers of the member states of the Eastern Partnership, the minister praised the importance of the workshop in terms of discussing relevant issues, sharing experiences and identifying future prospects. The Minister gave information on training and professional development of teachers in higher education institutions, and noted that in order to bring innovations into the education field of Azerbaijan several universities of the country (ASPU, AMU, GSU) have started to teach the Fundamentals of Education subject. Stressing the importance of using new technology by students in the learning process, Misir Mardanov underlined the expanded use of electronic resources in the education process at universities. Representative of European Commission Helene Skikos and other foreign guests made a speech in the workshop.  The workshop will continue on October 14.

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Speaking at the opening of the conference, Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted the importance of the event and stressed that the work to improve the welfare of children is taken very seriously by the government. He added that, the aim of the event, organized by the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan, UNICEF, Azerbaijan Teachers Institute and International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI), is to find ways to involve disabled people in inclusive education, specify the prospects on their integration into society and environment without the barriers, as well as create conditions for professionals working in this field to become familiar with the successful experience of other countries. The Minister stressed that the policy pursued by national leader Heydar Aliyev to protect children, is successfully continued under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev. He also noted the work implemented by the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, and MP Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva in this direction. He noted that during the years of independence, Azerbaijan became a part of several international agreements and conventions on human rights, and performs all the obligations undertaken by him within these documents. He noted that, currently, there are 60 thousand disabled children living in the country; 1105 children receive an education at special schools, 2664 – at special boarding schools (1353 of them stay overnight); 7750 children involved in homeschooling and 268 children get inclusive education. Noting that the right of disabled people to education is enshrined in the Education Act of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Misir Mardanov stressed that the Ministry of Education implemented Development Programme for the education of disabled children to develop inclusive education in Azerbaijan in 2005-2009. According to him, considerable work has been done within the program to ensure the right of disabled children to education, implement the transition to inclusive education, create equal conditions for children at schools, strengthen the social protection of children, who are wards of the state, register and involve in the education all categories of disabled children, as well as conform the logistical and educational base of education institutions to international standards. Noting the exceptional contribution of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to the implementation of programme, the Education Minister touched upon steps taken within the State Programme on de-institutionalization and alternative care (2006-2015). Misir Mardanov noted that in order to enhance the ability of inclusive education, the Ministry in cooperation with UNESCO, developed and submitted to the Parliament the Draft Law on inclusive education to make appropriate changes to the education legislation. The Minister also stressed that “State programme for the development of inclusive education” was developed and presented to the Cabinet of Ministers by the technical support of UNESCO. In his speech, the Minister also touched upon other issues related to inclusive education and underlined that planning and implementing measures aim to ensure the right of every disabled child to education. Minister of Education proposed the establishment of Research Center for Inclusive Education at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute by following best practices of other countries represented at the conference. Next, head of the UNICEF Office in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward, Deputy Chairman of State Committee for Family, Women and Children Aynur Sofiyeva, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natig Mammadov, head of the department of the Cabinet of Ministers Gurban Amirov, Rector of the Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Agiya Nakhchivanli noted the importance of the conference, and talked about measures undertaken in the country on inclusive education, study of international practices in this field, and also expressed their views and suggestions on issues of cooperation with international organizations. Next, Professor of the Fontys University, the Netherlands, H. Schuman, rector of Institute of Special Pedagogy and Psychology, St. - Petersburg, DBiolSc, Prof. L. Shipitsyna, and director of the Institute for Integrative (Inclusive) Education of MGPPU, S. Alyokhina have given scientific reports.   On October 15, a seminar will be held at Azerbaijan Teachers Institute and the participants will be able to access the speakers on matters of mutual interest and receive information. Moreover, an exhibition of handmade and drawings prepared by the disabled children will be held at the conference as well.

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