The conference was attended by representatives of 20 countries, including from Germany, Russia, Georgia, Turkmenistan, as well as state and government officials, MPs, and representatives of international organizations. The issues, such as implementation of inclusion for disabled children, support for reforms carried out in this field and etc. were discussed at the conference.  Speaking at an event, Deputy Prime Minister Elchin Afandiyev noted that, Azerbaijan, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary of independence, has achieved historical successes, which were reached by many countries during the decades, over a short period of time, and obtained great progress in the provision of social protection of population. Due to far-sighted policy of national leader Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan reached the path of socio-economic development and described itself as an independent subject of international law.   It was noted that, currently, there are 419,598 disabled children, including 59, 207 children with physical disabilities up to the age of 18 years in Azerbaijan. Today, successive measures are taken in the fields of their medical – social rehabilitation and integration into the society. Each year, more than eight thousand people receive help at the rehabilitation centers. On October 2008, our country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People and Facultative Protocol and in 2009 they came into force. Moreover, our country established an active cooperation with the Committee for Social Cohesion of the Council of Europe. This is demonstrating the willingness of Azerbaijan to learn the latest international practice in this field and benefit from it. The Deputy Prime Minister highly praised the work of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in rendering attention and care to talented disabled people, supporting their creativity and providing their participation in mass cultural events. Next, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alekberov delivered a message from President of the Foundation, First Lady of Azerbaijan, UNESCO and UNESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva. According to the message there are many reasons for exclusion of disabled people from society. The restriction of contact with people, creativity and sport deprivation, inability to use their skills, to receive a quality education and health care are major obstacles to their integration into the society. It is not enough to approach to the problems of disabled people just from a medical point of view. The problems faced by them today should be considered as a social factor. Because of the health and physical development of these people specifies their development as an individual, and their future social position. The First Lady of Azerbaijan underlined that we should help disabled people to integrate into the society, to feel themselves as valued and equal citizens of the country and able to benefit from all areas of the life. From this point of view, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva highly praised the conduction of this conference, which made possible to discuss problems, exchange successes, views and experiences on the protection of disabled people.  Next, there was demonstrated a film of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation devoted to the activity of disabled children. Speaking at the event, representative for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan Mark Hereward highlighted important works done by the government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to ensure the rights of disabled people. He noted that the other structures of the UN have analyzed works done by the Government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in this field. The document, which will be developed after this analyze, could be the basis for the future cooperation. However, there are still plenty of works to be done in this area. According to him, they are cooperating with Government of Azerbaijan and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to no child left behind. Next, a video message of Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Sir Simon Rattle was presented to the attendees. Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Fuzuli Alekberov gave a presentation entitled “The rights of disabled people: effort of the Azerbaijani government to fulfill international commitments.” According to him, President Ilham Aliyev successfully continues the policy for the strengthening of social protection of population launched by great leader Heydar Aliyev. By the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation a number of boarding schools were overhauled and refurbished. Moreover, important steps were taken to develop the abilities of disabled children.    Speaking at the conference UNICEF Senior Adviser on Children with Disabilities Rosangela Berman-Bieler highlighted that it is the duty of every citizen to assist disabled people. She highly praised works done to integrate disabled people into the society in Azerbaijan. Education Minister Misir Mardanov gave a presentation entitled “Inclusive education in Azerbaijan and policy of deinstitutionalization.” According to him, one of the main priorities of the education policy of Azerbaijan is to create equal opportunities for disabled people to receive a quality education. Noting the Ministry is implemented State Programme for organization of inclusive education for disabled children in Azerbaijan he underlined purposeful works done by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to organize the education of children with disabilities, orphans, as well as children deprived of parental care. Delivering a speech on the theme of “Situation of disabled people in Azerbaijan: basic information and advice received within the latest study” UNICEF expert on disability issues Chantelle McCabe highlighted the importance of avoiding discrimination against disabled people in any society. She also highly praised the attention and care provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for disabled children. Speaking on the rights of disabled children in Azerbaijan chairperson of State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs Hijran Huseynova noted the great attention provided in the country for this area. According to her, along with the state policy, special contributions of First Lady of Azerbaijan, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, MP Mehriban Aliyeva were made to this field as well. Noting conduction of the number of major events for disabled children within the Year of the Child 2009 proclaimed by the order of the President Ilham Aliyev, she highlighted the study of new child system and experience of developed countries to adopt standards in this field. She noted that the Committee is planning to hold II Child Forum on November of the current year. Next, the conference is continued its work at sessions on different themes. The first session was chaired by the Deputy Chairperson of Milli Majlis (Parliament) Bahar Muradova. Talking about disability issues B. Muradova noted that the parliament will continue its cooperation with international organizations in this direction. Expert of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Ilgar Mustafayev in its presentation entitled “Activity of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on the development of an infrastructure for disabled people” noted that the Foundation from the first day of its establishment implements humanitarian projects, and takes major steps to promote our cultural heritage and provides the care for disabled children. Moreover, the Foundation has established data centers for blind and visually impaired children to use the internet resources.  Mr. I. Mustafayev noted that the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva has made exceptional contributions to establish high principles of humanism in the society. Her humanitarian mission on disadvantaged groups encompasses disabled children as well. Moreover, at the conference were made presentations on the themes of “The role of organizations working in the field of disability in accepting of people with disabilities in the society,” “Facts about discrimination and stigma of disabled persons constitute a violation of human rights,” “Inclusive education through an inclusive society,” “Early detection and prevention of disability: international standards and effective experience,” “Support for the participation of youth with disabilities in the social life,” “UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People and its impact on persons with mental retardation,” and, etc.

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The conference was attended by the management of Ministry of Education and ANAS, employees of the Ministry, university rectors and intellectuals. At first, attendees of the conference organized by ANAS and Ministry of Education became acquainted with the exhibition entitled “Historical path of independent Azerbaijan over the past 20 years.” Education Minister Misir Mardanov gave a presentation at the conference on the theme of “Forming and developing a new education system in the Independent Azerbaijan Republic.” Expressing his pleasure to meet famous intellectuals of Azerbaijan, the Minister welcomed attendees on behalf of thousands of educators. Noting the conference is held in accordance with the order of the President Ilham Aliyev on “20th anniversary of the restoration of state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” Mr. Mardanov underlined achievements gained in the development of education system over the years of independence.  Noting conditions for implementation of reforms in the education field were established after the national leader Heydar Aliyev returned to the power on people demand in 1993, the Minister talked on the role of great leader in the strengthening of our statehood, including its unexampled activity in the building of national education. Having underlined the state care provided for the education field over the past 20 years, Mr. Mardanov stressed the signing of 16 state programmes for the first time in the history of education of Azerbaijan and, all planned measures within these programmes are successfully being implemented. Moreover, due to the implementation of these programmes developed based on the analysis of the current situation on the development of separate fields of education were built the educational infrastructure in compliance with the latest demands. He also brought to the attention significant achievements gained in the fields of renovation of educational content, implementation of new textbook policy, pre-school, vocational and higher education, study abroad, development of gifted children, deinstitualization and, etc.    There were also given presentations by Prime Vice President of ANAS Arif Hashimov entitled “Natural sciences in Azerbaijan for the past 20 years: existing scientific potential and development prospects,” Vice President of ANAS Naila Valikhanli - “Social and human sciences in Azerbaijan over the years of independence,” Vice Rector of Baku State University Irada Aliyeva - “Development of scientific researches at higher education institutions of Azerbaijan over the years of independence,” and chairman of Nakhchivan Department of ANAS Ismayil Hajiyev - “Development of academic science in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic over the years of independence.” At the end, there was demonstrated a film “Temple of science over the years of independence.”

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed the guests and talked about the importance of ongoing projects implemented to develop vocational education in Azerbaijan. Noting this work is well under way, he is highly praised the Initial Vocational Training Development Project, and underlined the readiness of the Ministry to provide relevant support in its implementation. Expressing his hope for the successful implementation of the project, which will be financed by the European Union and Government of Azerbaijan, the Minister, stressed that joint efforts will contribute to the improvement of personnel training in the field of agriculture of Azerbaijan. He underlined the importance to choose the appropriate establishment and create relevant conditions there for implementation works planned on this project. Mr. Herbert Strobel thanked the Minister of Education for the warm welcome and gave information on planned works that will be jointly implemented within the project. According to him, the key provisions of the project are to improve staff training system in the field of agriculture, provide the training of teachers and study labor market demands. Mr. Strobel also talked about the selection of relevant establishment to carry out the project, and works planned to be implemented at this establishment. In addition, he put forward his ideas on the creation of positive working environment for experts, who will work within the project, and other issues.   At the meeting, the sides discussed issues concerning the organization of trips to Germany to become familiar with the situation in the vocational education, and other planned issues on the successful implementation of the project.

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Noting activities to assure the quality of higher education, Misir Mardanov underlined the cooperation between the World Bank and Ministry of Education has given its positive results, and projects signed up to this day are successfully implemented. Moreover, the Minister touched upon necessary steps that need to be taken to develop ties. According to him, there was created the relevant expert group to implement joint activities at a high level, and international experts positively evaluated the innovations occurring in the education field of Azerbaijan. Moreover, the Minister of Education talked on results of reforms implemented in the education field over recent years and, from this viewpoint, stressed the positive aspects of cooperation with the World Bank. According to him, a progress has been made at all levels of education due to the cooperation with the World Bank. An international expert in Quality Assurance in Higher Education María Jose Lemaitre thanked the Minister for the warm welcome and for information on works done in the education area. The guest noted the existence of fruitful relationship between the World Bank and Ministry of Education. Moreover, she put forward her ideas about the quality assurance in higher education, licensing and accreditation of education institutions, as well as the experience of Azerbaijan in this direction. Next, there were held discussions on further cooperation between the World Bank and Ministry of Education, quality assurance in higher education, on global experience in licensing and accreditation of education institutions and, etc.

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Having warmly greeted the guests, Education Minister Misir Mardanov, talked about relationship between Azerbaijan and Spain and highlighted the importance to the further development of the educational ties. He gave information on ongoing reforms implemented in the country in recent years, and state care provided for the education field. Moreover, the Minister stressed the signing by the President an Executive Order on ‘National Education Development Strategy of Azerbaijan in 2011-2021.’ Mr. Mardanov highlighted Instituto de Empresa Business School being one of the best higher education institutions in the world. According to him, currently, Azerbaijan has two students studying Business Management Programme at IE Business School to gain a Masters level degree, and two students have graduated from this school within the ‘State Program on the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years 2007-2015.’ The Minister emphasized the role of the School in training business professionals worldwide and stressed that he considers establishing ties with IT Business School is important.  Having thanked the Minister for the warm reception Joel McConnell, Financial Aid Officer at IE Business School, gave information on this education institution. Noting the IT Business School is ranked among top 10 Business Schools in the world, the guest underlined, currently, students from more than 80 countries studying there. According to him, the main goal of the meeting is to provide the education for Azerbaijani youth on different programmes of IT Business School within the ‘State Program on the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years 2007-2015,’ as well as scholarships offered by the IT Business School. Therefore, they intend to hold meetings at higher education institutions of Azerbaijan, and with other government agencies. The Minister praised the proposal put forward by guest and expressed readiness to render any help to develop the cooperation.  At the meeting, guests were offered to visit Azerbaijan State Economic University, State Oil Academy and Qafqaz University.

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The event was attended by state and governmental officials, MPs, ambassadors of foreign countries to Azerbaijan, university rectors from Russia, Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other countries, heads of leading universities, scientific centres of the country and representatives of society. Before the ceremony, there was held an opening of memorial plaque dedicated to the national leader Heydar Aliyev, who had studied at this building at the main body of the university from 1952 to 1957. Next, attendees visited the memorial to the great leader at the foyer of the university and put flowers on it. Speaking at the opening of the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov said that on September 26, 2011 President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order on awarding a Shohrat Order (Order of Glory), Tereggy (Progress) medal and Honored Teacher title to some employees of the Azerbaijan State Economic University. He has read these orders to attendees, and congratulated awardees. The Minister estimated the conduction of 80th anniversary of the university and award of its staff as a specific example of care and attention provided by the President for the education field and educators. And thanked the President Ilham Aliyev on behalf of educators.   Noting the 80th anniversary of the university is one of the major events at the education history of Azerbaijan, the Minister thanked all guests, representatives of the state bodies most of whom are the university graduates and MPs for their acceptance of invitation to attend the event. He highly praised the fact that the most famous scientists, particularly, three winners of the Nobel economics prize, as well as a great-grandchild of Nobel had participated in the event and described this as an attention paid to the comprehensive reforms implemented in Azerbaijan.   Misir Mardanov also noted that a historical building of the university, in which a great leader Heydar Aliyev had studied, was refurbished over the last year by the order of the President and there were created good conditions for students. In his speech, he also touched  upon the measures implemented to develop the higher education of the country, and emphasized due to the care and attention provided by the President the logistical base at almost all universities was renovated. According to him, today, more than 7 thousand of foreigners are studying at universities of Azerbaijan. Considering that fact as an indicator of respect for the education of Azerbaijan in the world Mr. Mardanov stressed that more than 10 thousand of Azerbaijani citizens are continuing their education at prestigious universities of foreign countries. At the end of its speech the Minister congratulated the staff of University on 80th anniversary on behalf of all educators and wished them every success in the development of economics in the country. Rector of ASEU, MP Shamsaddin Hajiyev gave a detailed presentation on the 80-year development history of the university, on contributions made ​​by the university to economics and education of the country, reforms undertaken at the university over recent years. Next, winners of the Nobel Prize for Economics Eric Maskin, Finn E. Kydland, and Christopher Pissarides, chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan Elman Rustamov, Rector of Azerbaijan Medical University Ahliman Amiraslanov, Rector of Baku State University Abel Maharramov, vice-chairman of New Azerbaijan Party Ali Akhmedov, chairman of the Azerbaijan Trade Unions Confederation Sattar Mehbali, chairmen of parliamentary committees Rabiyyat Aslanov, Ziyad Samadzade, first vice-president of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Arif Hashimov, Rector of Azerbaijan State Agricultural University Mirdamad Sadigov, rector of Azerbaijan University of Languages ​​Samad Seyidov congratulated the staff of ASEU on its anniversary, and spoke about the important role of University in the economic growth of the country.

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The Minister warmly greeted the guests and expressed his pleasure at seeing them. He hailed the visit of the head of one of the famous universities in the world, Georgia State University, to Azerbaijan and estimated that visit as a significant event in the history of education of Azerbaijan. He highlighted the visit of the guests coincided with the 20th anniversary of state independence of Azerbaijan and gave information on achievements gained by Azerbaijan over the past years, integration of our country into the European and world community, establishment of the national education system, and on steps taken to strengthen its logistical base and other successes. Moreover, the Minister spoke on the development of the higher-education area in the country and participation of universities in the different international programmes. Noting 20 years ago there was no private university in Azerbaijan, the Minister underlined, today, there are 15 private universities operating in the country. He also highly praised the visit of the head of Georgia State University to our country, who accepted the invitation of University of Azerbaijan, in terms of the cooperation of universities. Misir Mardanov said that Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, University of Azerbaijan and University of Odlar Yurdu collaborated with the Georgia State University. He touched upon the major contribution made by Prof. Bijan Fazlollahi to establish the cooperation between University of Azerbaijan and Georgia State University. Next, the Minister expressed his belief that the visit of guests to Azerbaijan and meetings, which they will hold, will contribute to the expansion of international relations of universities of Azerbaijan and will impact on their further development. He expressed his hope that relations with the Georgia State University will further develop, and our universities will benefit from its experience. Mr. Mardanov also expressed his readiness to render a necessary help regarding issues arising from the visit schedule and said that this meeting will contribute to the development of educational ties between two countries. President of Georgia State University Mark Becker thanked the Minister for the warm welcome and given information. He delivered his congratulations to the Minister on 20th anniversary of state independence of Azerbaijan and positively estimated steps taken, and achievements gained in the education field.  Noting the importance of relations established with 3 universities of Azerbaijan Mr. Becker expressed his hope for the development of cooperation and gaining even more achievements. Moreover, the guest talked on works done within the cooperation with University of Azerbaijan. Talking on relations of Georgia State University, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia State, and is one of the leading research universities, with other universities in the world, Mr. Becker said that he wishes Azerbaijani youth will study at all levels of higher education at the university headed by him. Prof. of Georgia State University Bijan Fazlollahi in his speech underlined the inter-university ties, which are successfully developed. He said that students studying within education programmes jointly implemented at the University of Azerbaijan will graduate in December of the current year, and estimated that fact as an important result of cooperation. He also talked about some problems occurred on marked programmes. In its turn, Education Minister Misir Mardanov said that he is ready to render any support for the jointly implemented projects.  

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Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov greeted the attendees of the event. He estimated the award of some employees of the University with honorary titles based on the executive orders of the President Ilham Aliyev of September 26, 2011, as a specific care and attention provided by the head of the state for educators. Education Minister Misir Mardanov presented certificates of the Shohrat Order (Order of Glory), Tereggy (Progress) medal and Honored Teacher title to awarded employees of the university. Next, the Minister presented to some employees of the University the badge of “Advanced educator of the Azerbaijan Republic” and honorary diplomas of the Ministry for their fruitful scientific and pedagogical activities in the training of high qualified specialist in economics and in connection with the 80th anniversary of the university. At the end, Education Minister congratulated the teaching personnel of the University on 80th anniversary of the higher-education institution on behalf of all educators of the country and wished them every success in their future activity.

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly greeted the guests and noted relations existing between Azerbaijan and Korea, as well as the development of this relationship over the past years. He highlighted effective educational relations with Korea, and the support rendered by Korea for the projects jointly implemented in the higher and vocational education fields. Talking about works done by Korea International Cooperation Agency within the cooperation in the education field Misir Mardanov expressed his belief in further development of this cooperation. The Minister spoke about the project for creation of Education Information System that will be implemented by KOICA at the Azerbaijan Technical University. According to him, the project, which main goal is to establish en e-education system, responds to the policy implemented by the head of the state in this direction.  Resident Representative of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Azerbaijan Office Kim Eun Suk thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. At first, she highlighted the important results of projects implemented by the Agency in Azerbaijan. The guest, who came to Azerbaijan one month ago, stressed the importance of implementation new projects to develop the cooperation in the education field. Moreover, Kim Eun Suk underlined appropriateness to define priority projects in the education field within a short period of time. She also added that a relevant work in this direction will be done after these projects will be confirmed. Education Minister highlighted the importance of contribution of Korea International Cooperation Agency on the organization of electronic document turnover. According to him, new projects will be specified soon.

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At first, executive workers of education and teachers awarded with the Order of the President Ilham Aliyev visited the Alley of Honours to pay tribute to the memory of national leader Heydar Aliyev, and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, and lay a wreath at their tomb. Next, they visited the Alley of Martyrs to pay tribute to those who gave their lives for the Azerbaijan's independence and territory integrity. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Education Minister Misir Mardanov congratulated teachers on Teachers’ Day and wished them every success in their future activities. The Minister talked on care provided by the State for the education field, and underlined the education policy launched by the national leader Heydar Aliyev is successfully continued under the leadership of the President Ilham Aliyev. Noting the World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated in Azerbaijan since 2004, the Minister estimated the Orders of the President on awarding a number of educators as an attention and care for the education field. He said that, since 1998, more than 2200 teachers have been awarded for their contribution to the development of Azerbaijani education. He also talked about wide-ranging measures taken by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to develop the education area.   The Minister gave information on awarded educators and noted that, according to the orders of the President, on October 3, 128 teachers were awarded “Honored teacher of the Azerbaijan Republic” title, medals for Distinction in Public Service and Taraggy (Progress). Noting the importance of Best General Education School and Best Teacher contests held in accordance with the Orders of the President Ilham Aliyev over a period of four years, the Minister underlined the role of competitions in developing of the education field. Misir Mardanov said that the contests, which are created a healthy competitive environment among schoolchildren and teachers of schools also create an opportunity for the initiative of educators.  Next, educators awarded for their contribution to the development of Azerbaijani education were presented medal and certificates. Moreover, winners of the Best General Education School and Best Teacher contests held in 2010/2011 academic year were awarded the relevant certificates. At the event, there were expressed a gratitude on behalf of awarded educators to the President Ilham Aliyev for the appreciation of their work.  The event was also attended by Chairman of Azerbaijan Independent Trade Union Committee of Educators, MP Sattar Mehbaliyev. 

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