The “Global Education Monitoring Report 2026,” presented at a high-level event at UNESCO headquarters, is the first in a three-part series titled “Countdown to 2030” and focuses on the theme of access and equity in education.   Its objective is to assess countries’ progress in the sector, particularly in terms of accessibility and equality, analyze the key factors influencing these outcomes, and contribute to shaping the global education agenda beyond 2030.   It covers indicators of access and equality across pre-primary, primary, secondary, and higher education over the past 25 years. The findings are supported by data derived from sample-based studies conducted within broader research frameworks.   Within this context, Azerbaijan’s achievements in pre-primary education are identified as exemplary. The report notes that the country recorded globally notable progress by increasing the share of five-year-old children enrolled in preparatory groups from 25% to 92% over a five-year period.   In addition to these results, the report highlights legislative reforms implemented in Azerbaijan, efforts to strengthen teacher training, and work carried out to improve educational content.   The presentation ceremony was attended by education ministers from more than 30 countries, as well as representatives of international organizations and experts in the field of education.   https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000397618/PDF/397618eng.pdf.multi.nameddest=p83

28/03/2026 13:18

 On March 25, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Hasan Hasanli has participated in the high-level presentation ceremony of UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report held at UNESCO headquarters. The official opening of the presentation ceremony, attended by high-ranking representatives of the ministries of education of UNESCO member states, as well as representatives of international and regional organizations, and experts, featured remarks by Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, Manos Antoninis, Director of the GEM Report, and Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD. Following the official opening of the event, panel discussions were held on topics such as access to and equity in education, children left out of school, equitable education funding, and early childhood education. As part of the event, Deputy Minister Hasan Hasanli also held a bilateral meeting with Ezozkhon Karimova, Minister of Preschool and General Education of Uzbekistan, during which they discussed current cooperation and prospects for further development between the two countries in relevant areas.

25/03/2026 19:28

In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, seven universities from Azerbaijan are represented across 22 fields for the first time.   Thus, this year, the number of Azerbaijani universities included in the ranking has increased by approximately twofold, while the number of represented fields has quadrupled.   One university from Azerbaijan (Baku State University) has entered the top-100 of this ranking for the first time.   In the current edition of the ranking, the performance of Baku State University, Azerbaijan State University of Economics, and Azerbaijan University of Languages has improved.   Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University has once again secured a place in this ranking this year. Three other universities (Baku Engineering University, Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, and Azerbaijan Technical University) have entered this ranking for the first time. It should be noted that Azerbaijan is the only country in the South Caucasus represented in this ranking.   This year, the dynamics of changes in the positions of Azerbaijani universities in percentage terms are higher compared to Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.   This ranking, which evaluates around 1,900 higher education institutions and over 21,000 educational programs from more than 100 countries worldwide, covers 5 broad areas and 55 disciplines. The assessment takes into account 5 indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per paper, H-index, and the index of international research collaboration.

25/03/2026 15:06

A delegation led by Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Science and Education Hasan Hasanli attended the 6th Annual Meeting of the Global Education Coalition held on March 24, 2026, at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France.   Deputy Minister Hasan Hasanli provided insight into the recent achievements attained under the "Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026" during his remarks at the ministerial dialogue on the impact of digital transformation in education. He also highlighted the initiatives to advance digital skills, as well as steps undertaken to integrate AI solutions into the national education system.   It should be noted that the Global Education Coalition was first established in 2020 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education sector. It has since expanded its activities, focusing on ensuring educational continuity in emergencies and supporting the transformation of education systems. The Coalition currently operates in 112 countries and brings together more than 220 institutional partners, including civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector.   In 2021, the Republic of Azerbaijan, by making a financial contribution to the UNESCO Global Coalition for Education, became one of its major donors.

24/03/2026 18:15

On March 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the new building of the Shamakhi European Lyceum, constructed by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.   Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Anar Alakbarov provided the head of state with information about the conditions created at the lyceum.   The previous building of the European Lyceum, constructed in 1937 and reconstructed in 1987, had become unfit for use over time. Therefore, on the instruction of Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a new lyceum building was constructed.   This educational institution, consisting of seven blocks with three and four floors and designed for 1,200 students, is one of the largest schools in the district. The lyceum is equipped with the necessary furniture and equipment, while subject rooms and laboratories are furnished with visual aids and materials.   The facility includes more than 50 classrooms, physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, informatics and STEAM rooms, as well as military training, medical training, and labor training rooms, a library, a canteen, assembly and sports halls, and an outdoor sports ground.   The new building of the lyceum was constructed within the framework of the “New School for a Renewing Azerbaijan” Program implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.   https://president.az

23/03/2026 12:16

On March 17, the Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev has met with Amy Carlon, the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in the Republic of Azerbaijan.   During the meeting, participants discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for future development of cooperation in the fields of science and education.

17/03/2026 21:45

On February 27, Deputy Minister of Science and Education Mr. Hasan Hasanli met with Celile Eren Ökten, Deputy Minister of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye.   During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation and prospects for its development in the field of education between the two countries. 

27/02/2026 18:06

On February 26, the Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev met with Mr. Tamas Torma, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Hungary to the Republic of Azerbaijan.   During the meeting, current state of cooperation and prospects for further development of cooperation in the field of science and education with Hungary were discussed.

26/02/2026 18:16

On February 26, the Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev met with Mr. Birol Akgün, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Türkiye to the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as with representatives of the Board of the Türkiye Education Foundation.   During the meeting, the parties exchanged opinions on the current state of cooperation and prospects for further development of cooperation in the field of education.

26/02/2026 17:36

On February 17, the Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Amirullaev visited the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat at the invitation of the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik.   The Minister got acquainted with the headquarters of the organization, and then held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Salim bin Mohammed al-Malik, Director General of ICESCO.   During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the activities carried out within the framework of the existing cooperation between the two organiztions and the prospects for further development of cooperation.

18/02/2026 11:10