Rectors

In 2001, at the initiative of our National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the First Congress of World Azerbaijanis was held. In subsequent years, these congresses continued by the orders and with the support of President Ilham Aliyev. In 2022, the Fifth Congress of World Azerbaijanis was already held. The First Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held in Baku, Khankendi and Shusha in September 2024, should be regarded as a very important event in terms of bringing world Azerbaijanis together in a new format.

The message of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the forum participants emphasized the great importance of this event and added a special spirit to its proceedings.

I had the honor of taking part in the First Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held in Baku in September 2024, and I returned from the event with very pleasant impressions and interesting ideas. Most importantly, our compatriots living far from the Motherland, on different continents of the world, are not only bearers of our national heritage and cultural values, but also their promoters.

At the forum, we became acquainted with the activities and achievements of our compatriots in various fields of science. It is very gratifying that our scientists have been able to take a worthy place in the international scientific arena and gain recognition. The scientific and theoretical reports discussed, as well as the effective proposals made for the more active integration of modern Azerbaijani science and education into the international scientific and educational space, were highly valuable.

The forum gave me the opportunity to make unforgettable acquaintances with our scientists living in different countries, and at the same time to meet colleagues whom I had known for many years but had not seen for a long time.

I would like to express special gratitude to Masud Efendiyev, Chair of WAAS, a mathematician recognized in the international scientific community, the first Azerbaijani laureate of the Humboldt Prize, a scientist whose name has entered history, and a patriotic and modest personality, for his great efforts in bringing together Azerbaijani scientists living in different countries and ensuring that all events within the forum were held at a high level.

There is an aphorism: 'Beauty will save the world.' Relating this saying to the leitmotif of peace and tranquility in the speeches at the forum, I can say that education, science and culture can save our troubled world today.

Until we meet at the next forum!

Dear colleagues, distinguished scientists, honored guests!

First of all, on behalf of UNEC, I greet each of you on the occasion of this prestigious forum of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists. The gathering of Azerbaijani scientists working in various fields of science in different corners of the world is a celebration of our solidarity, intellectual potential and national identity as a nation. This forum is not only an academic discussion platform; it is also an important stage at which the foundations of scientific and technological strategies for the future of Azerbaijan are being laid.

By coming together here today, we are not only sharing our knowledge, but also jointly designing the future of our science. The participation in this forum of Azerbaijani scientists working at prestigious scientific centers around the world proves that Azerbaijan's intellectual diaspora has already become part of the international system.

I believe that this association will not be limited to an informative purpose; it will become a format of cooperation that produces practical results. By building a strong worldwide network of Azerbaijani scientists, we can form national centers of strength in the field of science. This is an important component of both our diaspora policy and our academic diplomacy.

In order for the forum to be oriented toward concrete results, I would like to bring the following proposals to your attention:

1. An interactive portal should be created that brings together the database, fields of activity, scientific works and areas of interest of Azerbaijani scientists worldwide. This would facilitate cooperation and also serve the recognition of Azerbaijani science on the global map;

2. A mechanism of financial support should be formed for joint research to be conducted with the participation of Azerbaijani scientists around the world;

3. I propose that, as an outcome of the forum, a program entitled 'World Azerbaijani Young Scientists Mentorship Initiative' be launched. Within this program, experienced scientists will guide young Azerbaijani researchers and support their academic and professional development;

4. If our medium- and long-term goal is to achieve scientific success at the level of the Nobel Prize, institutional programs should be prepared for systematic work in this direction. Both foreign and local academic resources should be mobilized here.

This forum is a moment when our national identity is united with scientific potential and when the idea of Azerbaijanism speaks in the language of science. May this gathering become a symbol: a symbol of Azerbaijan being known in the world not only for oil and gas, but also for science, innovation and artificial intelligence. As UNEC, we are determined to deepen this cooperation further.

May this forum be not the beginning, but the continuation and rise of the scientific solidarity of world Azerbaijanis!

Thank you.

Science and education are the foundation of every nation's development and the most reliable guide on the road to the future. Scientists, who travel this road, are people who expand the boundaries of society's thinking, create scientific innovations and change the world. In Azerbaijan, too, science and education have always been given great importance, and many outstanding scientists have been raised.

Throughout history, the Azerbaijani people have treated science and enlightenment with deep respect and have been proud of their renowned scholars. Today, our scientists living in different countries of the world not only have their say in the international scientific environment, but also worthily represent our national identity and intellectual potential. In recent years, Azerbaijani scientists working outside our country in various scientific and research centers have honorably represented both Azerbaijan and the Turkic world through their scientific achievements.

The World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists (WAAS) plays an important role in coordinating the activities of scientists living abroad, organizing the exchange of experience and bringing them together. This association was created to strengthen the scientific, cultural and spiritual ties of Azerbaijani scientists with one another and with the Motherland, and it has undertaken a number of global initiatives. Thanks to the initiatives of WAAS, the efforts of our scientists working in all parts of the world are being united in a more systematic and effective way.

The holding of the First Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad in Baku on 9 September 2024, with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Ministry of Science and Education and organized by the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists, was of great importance in bringing together our scientists living in different countries, introducing them to local scientists, exchanging knowledge and experience, and contributing to the networking of Azerbaijani scientists worldwide. The congratulatory letter sent by the head of state, President Ilham Aliyev, was an indication of the significance of this forum and the attention paid to it.

The organization of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad and the gathering in Baku of our scientists working in different parts of the world remained in memory as an important event. The forum brought together more than 80 Azerbaijani scientists living abroad from 23 countries and was important for further increasing the prestige of Azerbaijani science and education and for applying global innovations in science and education.

In this regard, it was commendable that Professor Masud Efendiyev of the Technical University of Munich, Germany, the first Azerbaijani scientist to receive the Humboldt Prize, Honored Scientist, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and a world-renowned scholar, stated at the event that the main purpose of organizing the forum was to contribute to the development of Azerbaijani science, to build a bridge between experienced and young scientists, and to unite efforts for the further strengthening of Azerbaijan's international reputation and the high-level development of our science.

The forum once again showed that considerable positive work has been done in the field of science and education in Azerbaijan in recent years, and that the participation of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad in raising the level of our science and training personnel in line with the requirements of the new era is one of today's key demands.

It was one of the most pleasant feelings for us when the world-renowned Azerbaijani scientist Masud Efendiyev paid special attention to the visions of Nakhchivan State University, said that they were more attractive and interesting to him, expressed a personal wish to come to Nakhchivan and see the university with his own eyes, and stated what work we should do to implement mutual cooperation between WAAS and Nakhchivan State University.

In one of his interviews, Masud muallim noted: 'This ancient land has given our country very valuable scientists. One of the main reasons for my visit to Nakhchivan was precisely this. Those scientists have indeed done great work in matters of vital importance for Azerbaijan. It was very important for me to see with my own eyes the place where such valuable personalities were born. I have already been in Nakhchivan for two days. We exchanged views on the work planned by the Board of the Forum of World Azerbaijani Scientists. What pleased me most was that, upon my arrival at Nakhchivan State University, the first place they took me to was the university library. I think this is a certain symbol. It was an approach characteristic of leading universities... While in Germany, I had told Elbrus muallim that I wanted to communicate not only with students but also with schoolchildren. They are our future. What points should be touched upon for their future education? All this interested me and I wanted to learn it. In my opinion, direct communication is both right and meaningful. I wanted to obtain all information not from teachers, but directly from the pupils. I positively assess the preservation of Azerbaijan's ancient traditions and the exhibitions there. Overall, I am very pleased to be here.'

On 17-18 December 2024, Masud Efendiyev visited Nakhchivan State University. During the meetings held on his first visit to Nakhchivan, the professor spoke about the creation and goals of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists and noted that the association serves to strengthen the position of Azerbaijani scientists in the world scientific community and to expand cooperation among them.

During the visit, the Chair of WAAS, the well-known scientist Masud Efendiyev, visited the university's Scientific Library and International School, Nakhchivan Girls' Lyceum, the House Museum of Academician Y. Mammadaliyev in Ordubad and a number of other historical sites. At the meeting at the International School of Nakhchivan State University, the professor spoke to pupils about his scientific and international experience and encouraged them to show greater interest in science and education. He noted that every pupil has great potential and that patience and constant work are needed to reveal it. Speaking about his work at the Helmholtz Research Center in Munich and his participation in various international projects, the professor said that cooperation on international platforms creates great opportunities for students to increase their knowledge and skills.

One of the important events during the visit was the signing of a cooperation agreement between Nakhchivan State University and the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists. For many years, thanks to its foreign relations, Nakhchivan State University has attracted dozens of highly qualified professors every year to scientific and pedagogical work at the university. However, the fact that professors and highly qualified specialists coming from abroad are Azerbaijanis will always create positive impressions of the presence and prestige of Azerbaijani science in the world. Within the framework of the signed cooperation agreement, WAAS and Nakhchivan State University defined as their main goals and priorities: involving Azerbaijani scientists living abroad in teaching at NSU; preparing student exchange programs that provide double-degree opportunities in accordance with the legislation of the countries where the parties are located; conducting joint scientific research with Azerbaijani scientists working at various higher education institutions worldwide; creating a section entitled 'Azerbaijani scientists living abroad' on NSU's official website and placing information about them in Azerbaijani and English; regularly enriching the university library's fund 'Scientific works of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad' with their works; creating in the media center an archive of video lectures by Azerbaijani scientists living abroad; ensuring that WAAS regularly organizes trainings and seminars at NSU by member scientists; using the capacities of WAAS member scientists in master's and doctoral training; exchanging academic research data and technical materials; cooperating in cultural activities; organizing joint academic and scientific events such as conferences, seminars, symposia and congresses; and promoting cooperation between NSU and higher education institutions in the countries where WAAS member scientists live.

Within the framework of the cooperation agreement with WAAS, visits to Nakhchivan by doctors living abroad who are members of the association have been organized twice. With their participation, master classes, scientific seminars and conferences were held at the university's Faculty of Medicine.

In conclusion, such significant initiatives in the path of science and education - especially the cooperation established between WAAS and Nakhchivan State University - are an important step in promoting our national scientific potential internationally and educating future generations. Sharing in the homeland the knowledge and experience acquired by Azerbaijani scientists in various scientific centers of the world, building intellectual bridges and directing the younger generation toward science provide strong impetus to our country's sustainable development. These forms of cooperation are not limited to expanding scientific ties; they also strengthen our national identity, cultural heritage and attachment to the homeland. Our united efforts in the path of science are among the most valuable steps taken for a brighter, more knowledgeable and more successful Azerbaijan of the future.

Strengthening ties with Azerbaijani scientists currently living abroad and making significant contributions to the development of world science is of great importance. On the one hand, it enables the creation of platforms for science, education and exchange of experience and the further development of diaspora organizations. On the other hand, by involving them in close and effective cooperation with our country's scientific and educational institutions, it helps integrate advanced international experience and scientific-technological innovations into our science and education environment, increase the scientific productivity of universities and research institutes, and strengthen their position in the global scientific space.

WAAS, including our scientists living abroad, can create additional functional and sustainable opportunities for cooperation in linking universities and research institutes in our country with the international academic environment in the following areas:

organization and implementation of joint activities to determine research priorities, taking into account the country's socio-economic needs, regional and global scientific priorities, as well as the human resources, infrastructure and technical capacities of universities and research institutes;

creation in the country of professional and qualified human resources that meet the demands of the modern global labor market;

establishment of an integrated modern scientific and technological ecosystem that includes education-research-industry links among universities and research institutes; support for institutional initiatives in this direction; and creation of opportunities for the joint and effective use of research infrastructure;

development, with the support of the state, industry and private sector, of targeted scholarship mechanisms for professional development and internship programs in leading foreign scientific and educational centers in priority areas;

creation of joint research laboratories or centers in priority scientific fields and organization and implementation of result-oriented research activities based on common programs and protocols;

alignment of the relevant policy with international standards and provision of methodological support for the indexing process so that scientific journals in Azerbaijan can be included in international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science and others;

conclusion of scientific cooperation agreements with foreign universities and research centers, including institutions where our diaspora scientists work; within these agreements, planning and financing scientific and technical projects based on mutual interests and ensuring that scientific results are reflected in joint publications and patents.

At the same time, the following additional mechanisms may also be effective in strengthening cooperation with diaspora scientists:

creation of a unified platform or virtual networks for diaspora scientists to establish contacts with universities and scientific institutions in our country; provision of institutional and financial support from state structures and industrial/business partners for the sustainable operation of the platform;

inviting diaspora scientists to deliver papers at various scientific events organized by universities and research institutes, creating conditions for exchange of experience among scientists, and holding seminars, master classes and meetings devoted to scientific innovations, trends and new technologies with their participation;

development of targeted grant programs that promote the integration of diaspora scientists into scientific activities in Azerbaijan and formation of sustainable financing mechanisms;

formation of a legal and institutional basis for foreign scientists to conduct temporary teaching and research activities at Azerbaijani universities with guest or visiting professor status;

development of special programs for our scientists working abroad to mentor local researchers; offering special contracts and incentive packages to our diaspora scientists for integration into Azerbaijan's research and education system;

creation of support mechanisms for our diaspora scientists to apply for and obtain international grants for joint projects;

expansion of opportunities for local scientists to access foreign grant programs and optimization of the application process.

Baku State University cooperates with Azerbaijani scientists working abroad in various formats. Within this cooperation, these scientists are invited as experts to international scientific events, and open lectures and thematic seminars are held with their participation. They are also involved as scientific advisers in the joint supervision of doctoral students. In addition, they make direct scientific and organizational contributions to the preparation and implementation of international scientific projects and to the dissemination of scientific results.

Dear colleagues, distinguished scientists and forum participants!

On behalf of Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction, I greet each of you and express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organization of this prestigious event.

Today we are witnessing a very important event - the formation of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists. WAAS is not merely an organization; it is also a strategic platform for uniting knowledge, solidarity and national scientific potential at the global level.

In the modern era, science and education know no borders. Azerbaijani scientists are successfully working in prestigious universities and research institutes in different countries. It is extremely important to bring this intellectual potential together and ensure its coordinated and purposeful use. WAAS creates new opportunities precisely from this need: for science diplomacy, international scientific cooperation and strengthening national innovation potential.

As AzUAC, we are highly interested in cooperation with WAAS. We consider cooperation with Azerbaijani scientists abroad working in construction, architecture, urban planning, engineering and digital technologies possible in the following directions:

implementation of joint research projects - innovative scientific work can be carried out in areas such as climate change, sustainable digital infrastructure, urban planning and green technologies;

joint programs in professional development and doctoral studies - organization of exchange programs so that our young scientists can gain experience abroad and integrate into world science;

online seminars, webinars and summer schools - sharing by specialists in the WAAS network of their knowledge with universities in Azerbaijan;

joint publications in international scientific journals and strengthening presence in citation databases;

support for technopark and startup projects - joint activity toward commercializing technology- and engineering-oriented startup ideas of association members.

Our expectation from WAAS is not limited to the sharing of scientific resources. We also see this association as a bearer of values, national identity and scientific ethics. Through WAAS, it is possible both to increase Azerbaijan's international scientific reputation and to respond to global scientific challenges with a national perspective.

In conclusion, I would like to say that WAAS's activity is a roadmap not only for today, but also for future generations. We must move forward on this path in solidarity.

Thank you for your attention.

The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held in the capital city of Baku, is one of the most remarkable events for Azerbaijani science and higher education. In today's world, science and technology, rather than the economy alone, come to the forefront in the competition among countries, because the modern economy is a product of science and technology. It is difficult for a country without advanced science and technology to have a sustainable and competitive economy. The development of science takes place in higher education institutions and universities. During the socialist period, the Academy of Sciences was also an important center of science. Today, however, it either changes completely and becomes a club of scientists without research institutes, as in the Baltic countries and Georgia, or it experiences crisis, gradually changing its form and essence, becoming smaller and weaker, as in Azerbaijan.

What should we do, and where are we going? The forum organized by WAAS with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Ministry of Science and Education will probably discuss these vital questions and try to find reasonable answers and recommendations.

What kind of higher education institution do we want? The natural answer that comes to mind is: a strong one. But what does a strong higher education institution mean? 'Strong' is not a precise expression. 'High-quality' is somewhat more understandable. Although quality is not unambiguous, it can be measured. For quality, a higher education institution must have good people and material resources. We need to be more precise:

1) A higher education institution must have good students - talented and hardworking people who come to learn.

2) It must have good teachers - talented scientists who teach.

3) What will the teacher teach the student, and how? The higher education institution must have a good educational model, curricula and programs aligned with the problems of the modern world.

4) It must have good conditions and an attractive environment. A sufficient material base, information resources, serious laboratories and a healthy and appealing environment are essential elements defining a higher education institution.

Which of these measures of quality is the most important? The universal answer is: all of them. If pressed, I would say that the talented scientist is decisive. Good and talented students will come to a higher education institution where a recognized scientist works; just as a patient chooses a doctor, a student chooses a good teacher and strives to learn from him or her. If there is good management and recognized scientists in a higher education institution, an educational model will be chosen by benefiting from world experience. Finally, as these matters improve, the conditions and environment at the institution will also gradually improve and strengthen.

When founding the University of Berlin, now Humboldt University, in 1809-1810, Wilhelm von Humboldt expressed the main parameters of a good university as follows: 'A strong scientist is invited, conditions are created for him, while teaching students he includes them in his creative environment, the student can choose some teachers and courses, and finally, although the state finances the university, it does not interfere in its affairs.'

Thus, it is impossible to build a high-quality higher education institution without good scientists and specialists. It is not enough to rely only on scientists working in Azerbaijani universities. In a period when science has branched out so widely and many new fields have emerged, work cannot progress unless there are strong scientists in every field. One of the tasks of WAAS is to fill these sparse ranks of scientists. It is necessary to work with Azerbaijani universities that are willing to attract not only Azerbaijani scientists working abroad, which is still not enough, but also leading scientists working at foreign universities in their respective fields. Another important issue is to help establish cooperation with good universities around the world, including the organization of double-degree programs.

As Khazar University, we have tried to follow the principles of quality higher education that I have mentioned. With great pleasure, I express our desire to cooperate closely with WAAS and to contribute together, even if modestly, to the development of our homeland and our people.

Thank you.

'A nation is always known by its intellectuals, its culture and its science' - this profound statement by National Leader Heydar Aliyev expresses how important the achievements of every nation in science and culture are for its international recognition.

From this point of view, bringing together Azerbaijani scientists living in different countries, presenting on the local scientific plane the global scientific achievements on which their knowledge and experience are based, and strengthening international cooperation in this field are among the greatest contributions to the development of Azerbaijani science.

The service of WAAS, established to support our country in ensuring strategic development in many fields of science and promoting Azerbaijan's scientific environment internationally, is exceptional.

The First Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held on 9-11 September 2024 under the organization of WAAS, is one of the exemplary events that strengthens national solidarity, brings scientific potential together and reinforces ties with the diaspora. It is truly a source of pride to gather our intellectual compatriots from 24 countries and exchange views with them.

The work done to promote the Azerbaijani scientific environment internationally and to present local scientists on global scientific platforms was among the main priorities of the forum.

At the meeting held within the forum, information was presented on the activities of educational institutions and their strategic goals based on development-oriented requirements. The effective realization in the homeland of the scientific potential of our scientists living abroad, the expansion of mutual cooperation with higher education institutions and the exchange of knowledge were kept at the center of attention.

It was emphasized that proposals on sharing international experience in the implementation of innovative projects and designing joint programs would play an important role in the development of national science.

At the same time, the organization of a visit within the forum to the liberated territories, especially to Karabakh University, will be of great importance for the revival of science in the region and will create broad conditions for increasing scientific potential.

The forum was not limited only to scientific and intellectual discussions; it also became an important platform for the promotion and development of art. My participation in this forum, where art and science formed a unity, showed me once again that creativity and knowledge are fundamental values that complement one another. This experience demonstrates how important the interaction of science and art is for the spiritual progress of society. The event once again showed that Azerbaijan is a state with not only economic and scientific strength, but also a rich cultural heritage and strong intellectual potential.

As the head of Azerbaijan Academy of Fine Arts, I believe that such initiatives will play an important role in the creative and intellectual development of future generations. WAAS will regularly bring together all our intellectuals working in the fields of science and culture and lay the foundation for new cooperation around shared values and goals.

I express my deep gratitude to the Azerbaijani state and to everyone who contributed to the creation of this association and the organization of the forum. I believe that WAAS will continue to serve the scientific and cultural rise of Azerbaijan.

My impressions of the Forum

The Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad was a highly important initiative in terms of networking our scientists globally and exploring opportunities for acquaintance and mutual cooperation. The forum created a favorable platform for our scientists living in different countries to become more closely acquainted with Azerbaijan's scientific and educational environment. It was also important for informing our specialists working abroad about Azerbaijan's scientific development agenda and identifying their potential contributions in this direction.

The topics discussed, the speeches delivered and the proposals made by participants showed that real opportunities exist to connect the intellectual potential of Azerbaijani scientists working around the world with the development of Azerbaijani science. We believe that the ties formed within the forum will in the future turn into concrete and practical research projects, strengthening the position of both Azerbaijani universities and our scientists in the global scientific space.

Prospects for cooperation with WAAS

As Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, one of our main goals in the near future is to transform our university into a research-oriented higher education institution. International partnerships and scientific networks are of strategic importance for us in this regard. Cooperation with WAAS can create many opportunities from this perspective.

I would like to note the following possible areas of cooperation:

• preparation and implementation of joint international research projects;
• organization of joint research for the publication of co-authored scientific articles in prestigious international journals;
• involvement of Azerbaijani scientists working abroad as scientific supervisors for our doctoral students;
• delivery of lectures and seminars at our university by well-known scientists who are members of WAAS as guest lecturers;
• organization of exchange of experience among researchers and holding joint seminars and symposia.

In addition, joint initiatives with WAAS may also be implemented in organizing common projects in industry and innovation and in promoting knowledge and technology transfer.

I believe that this cooperation will contribute both to strengthening ASOIU's position internationally and to broader representation of the WAAS network in our country.

I once again thank you for your efforts and invitation, and I wish the forum continuity and growing success.

On 9-11 September 2024, the Baku Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad was held. Within the framework of this forum, the visit of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad to the liberated territories - the cities of Khankendi and Shusha - was an extremely valuable and significant event. The joy our compatriots felt upon returning to their native lands, which had been under enemy control for many years, their eagerness to become acquainted with the reconstruction work being carried out there, and their interest in Karabakh University made us extremely pleased. This forum was not only a manifestation of scientific and cultural integration, but also of national solidarity.

During the meeting held within the forum, we provided detailed information about the activities of our university, the adaptation of its infrastructure to modern requirements and the strategic goals set before us. We noted that the experience, intellectual potential and openness to scientific cooperation of our scientists working abroad create broad opportunities for implementing mutual projects and joint research with our university in the future.

As Karabakh University, we intend to establish closer cooperation with our scientists abroad and further strengthen our higher education system by benefiting from their knowledge and skills.

Today, cooperation between Karabakh University and WAAS is already moving to a new practical stage. As Karabakh University, we consider the establishment and strengthening of relations with Azerbaijani scientists living abroad one of our main goals.

To develop these relations consistently and systematically, we organized online meetings with WAAS members on 18 October 2024 and 28 April 2025. Our compatriots working at prestigious universities and research institutes in different countries took part in the meetings. We exchanged extensive views with them on the future development strategy of Karabakh University, improving the quality of teaching, organizing scientific research and integrating our university into international academic spaces.

The deep interest of our scientists living abroad in Karabakh University and their desire for cooperation not only please us, but also increase our responsibility. There are broad opportunities to benefit from their knowledge and experience, implement joint projects and further develop our scientific and pedagogical potential.

As Karabakh University, we attach special importance to joint activity with WAAS in our future cooperation plans. Preparation and implementation of projects serving the comprehensive development of Karabakh University are among the main goals of this cooperation. Within this framework, we plan to put forward concrete initiatives in the following directions:

Joint organization of research projects: conducting joint research of local and international importance in priority areas at Karabakh University by benefiting from the experience and knowledge of WAAS members;

Organization of joint scientific events: increasing the scientific reputation of Karabakh University and expanding direct contact between diaspora scientists and the university through the joint holding of international symposia, scientific conferences, seminars and discussion platforms;

Creation of modern scientific infrastructure: establishing modern laboratories and research centers using advanced technologies with the recommendations and support of WAAS members and strengthening their material and technical base;

International promotion and image building: carrying out joint activities with WAAS members so that our university is more widely represented on international academic platforms, in ranking systems and scientific networks;

Development of students and staff: involving students and faculty members in international training, academic exchange and internship programs by using the contacts of WAAS members with partner universities;

Implementation of innovative teaching and mentorship programs: involving Azerbaijani scientists living abroad in short- and long-term teaching activities at Karabakh University and in master classes, webinars and mentorship programs.

As Karabakh University, we believe that cooperation to be established in these directions will make an important contribution both to achieving our university's strategic development goals and to the intellectual revival of our native Karabakh.

In our view, cooperation in the listed areas will raise the prestige not only of Karabakh University, but of Azerbaijan as a whole, in the international science and higher education space.

As a university, we consider the transition to a research-based higher education model a priority, and we regard cooperation with WAAS as one of the strategic steps toward this goal. We believe that the scientific potential and intellectual support of our scientists successfully working in different countries will contribute to Karabakh University becoming a respected center of science and education at both regional and international levels.

Karabakh University views its multifaceted cooperation with WAAS not only as a scientific and pedagogical process, but also as a strategically important platform for national unity and the mobilization of diaspora potential.

We express our gratitude to all members, first of all to the head of WAAS, Professor Masud Efendiyev, for their support of this important initiative, and we wish them success in their future activities.

First of all, as a member of the diaspora who lived abroad for a long time, I would like to note that the holding for the first time in Azerbaijan of the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad in Baku, Khankendi and Shusha became an event of great historical importance. It also went down in history as an event that will make significant contributions to the development of science and education in Azerbaijan. One of the main goals of the forum was to bring together Azerbaijani scientists living in different countries, share their knowledge and experience, and strengthen networking within the global Azerbaijani scientific community.

The event brought together more than 80 scientists from 23 countries and nearly 200 scientific figures in total. It was organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Ministry of Science and Education and WAAS. This event demonstrated active cooperation between the Azerbaijani diaspora and the world of science and contributed to expanding our country's international scientific and cultural relations.

One of the most important moments of the forum was the visit of world Azerbaijani scientists to the liberated cities of Shusha and Khankendi. During the visit, they became acquainted with Karabakh University and held consultations with the university's academic staff. As a result, it was decided to support joint scientific activity. This is also an important step toward Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and revival.

The holding of the forum in Azerbaijan serves both to strengthen cooperation in science and to reinforce our national pride and development strategies.

Cooperation and joint activity between Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and WAAS can be carried out through very diverse and effective initiatives and projects.

This cooperation opens great opportunities in science, teaching, research and innovation, and creates conditions for more effective use of the resources of Azerbaijani and diaspora scientists. ASOIU, which began its activity as the first technical university in the region, continues today to cooperate with scientists from leading universities of the world in oil and gas, energy, ecology, green energy, earth sciences, information technologies, innovation and other fields, and is interested in expanding these ties. ASOIU, which will soon become a research university, is also strengthening its position in world rankings year by year.

I would like to highlight the areas and initiatives in which ASOIU and WAAS can work together in the future:

cooperation in various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy, including oil, gas, energy, ecology, technologies, innovation and technology;

formation of joint research groups consisting of diaspora scientists and local specialists and implementation of multifaceted joint research in industrial sectors;

ensuring the representation of scientists at scientific conferences held annually in Azerbaijan and abroad, and organizing international scientific symposia, discussions and exchange of experience within the framework of cooperation;

implementation of exchange programs for ASOIU students, teachers and doctoral students at educational institutions where WAAS member scientists work;

creation of joint master's and doctoral programs and implementation of pilot projects in industry;

organization of training and professional development programs for both sides from the diaspora and local universities;

creation of joint technology and innovation centers, laboratories and technoparks to support startups and technological projects;

formation of programs that integrate the scientific and intellectual resources and modern technologies of the Azerbaijani diaspora worldwide, and centers that coordinate cooperation of Azerbaijani scientists and researchers abroad and inside the country.

On 9-11 September 2024, an unforgettable and strategically important event took place in the history of Azerbaijan - the First Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad was held. Covering Baku, Khankendi and Shusha, this forum was not merely a scientific event. It was a turning point in terms of the internationalization of Azerbaijani science, the formation of national intellectual unity and the mobilization of diaspora strength through science.

The organizers of the forum - WAAS, the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Ministry of Science and Education - succeeded through this initiative in uniting Azerbaijani scientists working abroad around a single strategic agenda. With the participation of more than 150 Azerbaijani scientists and intellectuals from over 30 countries, the event became a unity of solidarity, science and national consciousness.

The opening ceremony took place at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. The message addressed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to the forum participants clearly showed the place of the event in state policy. The President drew special attention to the role that scientists would play in the restoration of Karabakh and emphasized the importance of involving intellectuals living abroad in the process of national development.

Within the forum, reports covering various scientific fields were presented. From artificial intelligence and data science to bioinformatics, green energy, climate change, diaspora policy, education systems and the protection of cultural heritage, the wide range of presentations once again demonstrated the level of integration of Azerbaijani scientists into the world's advanced knowledge systems.

At the plenary sessions, letters sent to the forum participants by Nobel laureates Aziz Sancar and Arieh Warshel confirmed the resonance the event created in international scientific circles.

One of the most impressive parts of the forum was the visits to Khankendi and Shusha on 11 September. In these cities, which have become symbols of free Karabakh, participants united their scientific and intellectual perspectives with love of the homeland. The visit to Karabakh University and the appeals voiced there revealed the desire of scientists abroad to participate in the reconstruction of these lands through their knowledge and experience.

The official formation of WAAS and the definition of its operating principles were among the most important achievements of the forum. The ideas expressed once again showed that Azerbaijan's scientific diaspora is no longer merely an observer, but an initiating and constructive partner. Azerbaijani science can strengthen its position not only domestically but also worldwide through the diaspora. Speaking in the language of science, this forum will play an important role in Azerbaijan's future global promotion and technological development.

As Baku Engineering University, we highly value the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad, held on 9-11 September 2024 in Baku, Khankendi and Shusha, as a historic event of great importance in the scientific and national-spiritual life of Azerbaijan.

The purpose of organizing the forum was to bring together Azerbaijani scientists living abroad, direct their scientific and intellectual potential toward the development of our homeland, strengthen national solidarity and expand international scientific cooperation. We believe that these goals were successfully achieved.

Hundreds of scientists participating in the event delivered valuable presentations in various scientific fields and raised many topical issues related to the preservation of Azerbaijan's scientific and cultural heritage, the application of modern science and technology in the restoration of the Karabakh region, the solution of environmental problems, increasing young people's interest in science and strengthening international scientific relations. The appeal addressed to President Ilham Aliyev and the proposals adopted within the forum will make valuable contributions to Azerbaijan's future development.

As Baku Engineering University, we consider this initiative a very important step toward the unity of the Azerbaijani intellectual diaspora and the effective use of its potential. Our university is always open to establishing mutual cooperation with Azerbaijani scientists working abroad and implementing joint research projects. We believe that our scientists who have gained rich experience abroad can, after leaving their main workplaces, return to our country and play an important role in the maturation of young scientists and the formation of new scientific schools. From this point of view, creating the necessary conditions for them and evaluating their scientific potential inside the country are of special importance.

At the same time, we believe that such forums will also be an important stimulus for the broader international promotion of Azerbaijan's scientific brand and for the development of young researchers.

On behalf of the staff of Baku Engineering University, we congratulate the organizers of the forum, participating scientists and all contributing institutions, and wish them new achievements in their future activities.

We are confident that turning this forum into a tradition and holding it continuously will provide strong support to Azerbaijan's science and education strategy and further strengthen our country's position in the international scientific environment.