The opening ceremony of the International Forum on “Quality Assurance in Higher Education”, organized by the Education Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), took place on May 5.   The purpose of the forum was to discuss internal and external quality assurance in higher education, development of research potential, and coordination of higher education institutions with the labor market.   In her opening speech, the Education Quality Assurance Agency Board Chair Ulker Sattarova informed the participants of the event about the work done by the Agency in the field of quality assurance, the results achieved and the plans for the future.   In his speech the Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev noted that the reforms implemented within the "Bologna" process in the educational space of Azerbaijan contribute to improving the quality of higher education. At the same time, the Minister stressed the importance of application of European standards and guidelines for quality assurance (ESG) in the European higher education area and full membership in the Quality Assurance Association (ENGA), as well as cooperation and exchange of experience with national agencies in this direction.   The forum was attended by Jolanta Silka, Chairwoman of the Latvian Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (AQA / AICA), Vicky Stott, Director of the UK Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (GAA), Lut Kroes, Director of the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO) and Olgun Cicek, Vice President of the Central and Eastern European Network of Higher Education Quality Assurance Agencies (CEENQA). They touched on the organization of internal and external quality assurance in higher education in accordance with the standards and guidelines for quality assurance (ESG) in the European Higher Education Area, the role of external quality assurance in improving the position of higher educational institutions in international rankings and other issues.   On the first day of the two-day forum, panel discussions were led by the chairman of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Council of Turkey (YÖKAK), one of the leading European and international quality assurance organizations, the director of the Accreditation Organization for the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO), Director of the Independent Accreditation and Rating Agency of Kazakhstan (IARA), Chairman of the Latvian Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ACA/AIKA). They touched on the role of external quality assurance in improving the position of higher educational institutions in international rankings, the role of external quality assurance in developing the research potential of higher education institutions, and answered questions of participants of the event.    On the second day of the forum, practical workshops by international experts will be held for representatives of higher education institutions (employees of the internal quality assurance structure, deans, heads of departments of education, etc.).

05/05/2022 19:19

Azerbaijani students have successfully participated in the 10th European Mathematical Cup, organized by the Croatian Association of Young Talented Mathematicians. The 10th European Mathematical Cup was attended by over 100 students from 31 countries.   According to the results (https://emc.mnm.hr/latest-news/), 4 Azerbaijani students were awarded diplomas of II degree, and 4 students were awarded diplomas of III degree.    Thus, 10th grade students of the Physics, Mathematics and Informatics biased Lyceum under the Ministry of Education Jalil Huseynov, Fidan Garayeva, 11th  grade student Toghrul Abbasov and 10th  grade student of the Turkish Solidarity Foundation Baku Turkish Lyceum Fidan Jafarli received a 2nd degree diploma. A 10th grade student of Physics, Mathematics and Informatics biased Lyceum under the Ministry of Education Anar Mehdiyev, an 11th grade students of the same Lyceum Muhammad Nuriyev, Amin Jafarzadeh, and an 11th grade student of Baku Secondary School No. 72 Javad Ismayilzadeh received a 3rd degree diploma. We congratulate our students and wish them success.

05/05/2022 18:19

Videoconference on “The 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan-China diplomatic relations, alumni’s role in the relations” was held.   The event took place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations built between Azerbaijan and China (PRC) by the organization of “Azerbaijan-China alumni Association” Public Union.    Making speech at the event, the Chairman of Public Union Hikmat Zeynalli drew attention to that alumni association was significant between two countries and that alumni would support Azerbaijan-China relations.   Making speech at the event, Guo Min, the Ambassador of PRC in our country, conveyed the necessity of developing diplomatic relations between two countries. The Ambassador emphasized that the relations between the leaders of both countries was at high level.   In his turn, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to PRC Akram Zeynalli drew attention to the necessity of alumni’s role in the diplomatic relations. He also stressed that one of the countries mainly supporting “One belt, one road” project of China was just Azerbaijan and it had special role in the relations.    Then Mujdat Hasanov, Head of Sector for Study Abroad and Affairs of Foreign Students of the Ministry of Education made a speech and talked about the educational relations between two countries and student exchange implemented within the framework of Intergovernmental Scholarship Programmes (ISPs). Bringing attention to the dynamic development of such relations, Mujdat Hasanov stated that in general, 67 Azerbaijanis were studying at higher education establishments of the PCR in the framework of ISPs for 2021-2022 academic year.    One of the alumni studied in the PCR – Bakhtiyar Islamov, Head of New Azerbaijan Party Youth Union and Agshin Aliyev, PhD in Philology Chief of Chair of Azerbaijani language of Beijing University of Foreign Languages shared their thoughts with conference participants, talked about alumni’s role in the diplomatic relations.   Azerbaijani youth studied in the PRC and living in different countries of the world, Chinese students, as well as alumni represented in state and private sector participated in the event.

04/05/2022 12:00

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva have attended the inauguration of the secondary school 304 constructed on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Kurdakhani settlement of Sabunchu district, Baku.   The head of state and the First Lady viewed conditions created at the 960-seat school.   Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov provided information about the school.   The school has classrooms, craftsmanship, military and computer rooms, a laboratory, libraries, a cafeteria and a gym.   www.president.az

02/05/2022 20:05

On April 29, the Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev met with persons appointed to senior positions in Regional Departments of Education.   At the meeting, the Minister spoke about the orders signed by the head of state to improve management in the system of the Ministry of Education, the activities perfomed in connection with the implementation of these orders, gave recommendations and instructions to the newly appointed heads of regional departments of education.   The importance of organizing flexible and qualitative educational services for citizens in the areas of activity of Regional Education Departments, creating a healthy and safe environment for children studying in pre-school and general education institutions was noted at the meeting. Such issues as creating appropriate and effective working conditions for educators, paying special attention to work with students with weak educational results, increasing their achievements in education, and organizing a favorable learning environment for pre-school children were also emphasized.   It should be noted that 12 Regional Education Departments were established on the basis of district and city education departments by the relevant order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated December 20, 2021. In the 1st quarter of 2022, the state property located on the balance of relevant local departments and education departments was transferred to the balance of Regional Education Departments; the inventorying and transfer of relevant documents and information were completed. The cities or district centers where Regional Departments of Education will be located were also determined and approved by the Minister of Education.

29/04/2022 20:03

On April 28 the Second International Conference on "Digital Economy: current challenges and real opportunities" was kicked off.   The conference is co-organized by the Ministries of Economy, Education, Digital Development and Transport, the Azerbaijan State Economic University (UNEC) and other leading institutions.   At the opening of the conference, a video clip was shown about UNEC's inventions and patents based on innovative technologies in the digital economy.   Rector of UNEC Adalat Muradov, who gave an opening speech at the event, stressing the relevance of the topic of the conference, noted that the conference was organized to discuss various aspects of digital transformation, which is the most serious tool to ensure sustainable, innovative and competitive economic development of the country, and to keep this issue on the agenda. Rector noted that the international conference accepted about 200 articles from 15 countries, including the United Kingdom, Portugal, Serbia, Israel, Lithuania, Turkey, Slovakia, Hungary, Colombia, Georgia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia, and Uzbekistan.   The Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev spoke about the main challenges that digitalization poses to the education system. The minister noted that most classical subjects in the modern education system have lost their relevance, and subjects requiring digital knowledge and skills have come to the fore, and said that the subject of computer science will be introduced in the admission exams. Noting the importance of measuring digital literacy and skills, the Minister stressed that Azerbaijan will join the ICILS evaluation project of the International Assessment Association in May 2023.   Tahir Mirkishili, Chairman of the Milli Mejlis (National Assembly) Committee, spoke about the fundamental changes caused by digitalization in the economy. Noting that digitalization creates new tools in the economy, increases transparency and accelerates economic development, the chairman of the committee assessed the creation of business platforms as one of the main benefits of digitalization.   Rovshan Rustamov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, spoke about the role of digitalization in ensuring a sustainable economy. Noting that Azerbaijan will have a strong economy due to the opportunities created by digitalization, the deputy minister noted that it is such strong digital development that is more resilient to risks.    Speaking at the conference, Tamerlan Taghiyev, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, revealed the areas important for the development of the digital economy. Tamerlan Taghiyev noted the importance of creating an appropriate infrastructure, ensuring a high-speed, sustainable Internet in the country, and developing digital knowledge and skills at all levels of education.   After the speeches, the speakers of the conference were presented with posters.   The international conference continued with plenary lectures.    It should be noted that the conference discusses the main problems facing global economic growth, the production ecosystem, focused on high technology, the digital transformation of the economy, “green” economy and sustainable development, the economic challenges of the post-pandemic period, business transformation after the pandemic and a look at the past and future of the Azerbaijani economy, the possibilities and priorities of using digital technologies in the process of restoring and developing the economy of Karabakh.

28/04/2022 19:29

A delegation of professors and students from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, is on a visit to our country. As part of the visit, the delegation visited Aghdam . The guests witnessed live the consequences of Armenian vandalism during the occupation. After receiving detailed information about the history of Aghdam city, the guests were introduced to the ongoing or planned work on the reconstruction of the city.

28/04/2022 15:07

An event dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the Museum of Public Education was held on April 27.   Opening the event, Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev spoke about the important role of the museum in the history of education in Azerbaijan. Speaking about the activities implemented to preserve the museum to date, the Minister of Education said that the museum staff was engaged in a responsible and sacred work.    Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev also noted that the museum consists not only of exhibits, but it also a cultural center, studying the history of our education.   At the end of his speech, the Minister congratulated all staff of the museum and praised their activities.   In her speech, Director of the Museum of Public Education Lala Bayramova spoke about the attention and care shown by the state to the improvement of the work of the museum in our country. Lala Bayramova noted that thousands of textbooks, manuals and other exhibits in the museum have been used in filming documentary films and conducting researches.   Then Aliya Mustafayeva, an employee of the Exposition department of the museum, made a report on "History and activities of the Museum of Public Education".   Other guests who were invited to the event also spoke about the history and importance of the museum.   At the end of the event the employees of the Museum of Public Education were awarded.

27/04/2022 18:43

During his visit to Shamkir district on April 21, Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev met with the heads of education departments, deputy directors, and school principals from Agstafa, Gadabey, Gazakh, Shamkir, and Tovuz districts, all of which are part of the Gazakh-Tovuz Regional Education Department.   During the meeting, views were expressed on the existing problems in the field of education in these regions and their solutions , the steps taken to improve the quality of education and the work ahead were discussed.   In particular, the meeting included an exchange of views on the results of the IX grade final exam by regions, the activities of school principals, the relationship between parents and school, and other issues.   At the meeting, relevant instructions were given regarding the future activities of the local educational management structures, as well as suggestions were listened to and questions were answered.

21/04/2022 19:28

On April 21, the opening ceremony of the STEAM Center was held at the Lyceum with a chemistry and biology bias in the Shamkir district.   The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Education Emin Amrullayev, head of the Shamkir District Executive Power Rashad Tagiyev and other guests. The guests who attended the opening ceremony got acquainted with the conditions created for students at the Center.   It was noted that the STEAM Center has areas for students to work in “Robotics”, “Art”, “Science”,  CNC and 3D Printing, VR, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drone).   The STEAM Center in Shamkir district is designed for use by all age groups and is fully equipped with the necessary innovative technology compatible with STEAM content. Along with the aforementioned school, students and teachers from other schools in the region will be able to take advantage of the opportunities created at the Center. It is expected that during the year about 2500-3000 schoolchildren and students will take part in trainings on various modules at the Center.   It should be noted that in order to ensure accessibility of the STEAM project for all, as well as to implement extracurricular activities for students with special knowledge and skills in this area, to be better prepared for competitions, contests and Olympiads of the world level STEAM centers are created in different regions of the country.

21/04/2022 17:23