From September 9-11, 2024, the Forum of Azerbaijani Scientists Living Abroad took place at Gulustan Palace in Baku, supported by the State Committee for Work with Diaspora, the Ministry of Science and Education, and organized by the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists. The forum aimed to unite Azerbaijani scientists residing in various countries, facilitate meetings with local researchers, encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and foster networking among Azerbaijani scientists worldwide. Over 80 Azerbaijani scientists from 23 countries, along with approximately 200 local scientists, participated in the forum.

At the opening ceremony, Farah Aliyeva, head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Issues of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, read a congratulatory letter from President Ilham Aliyev addressed to the Forum participants. Following that, a video titled “Heydar Aliyev and Education” was presented.

The event’s moderator, academician Rafael Huseynov, who is also the director of the National Azerbaijan Literature Museum named after Nizami Ganjavi, described this day as a crucial moment in Azerbaijan’s history. He emphasized that the forum, featuring Azerbaijani scholars from various regions of the world, showcases the strength and unity of Azerbaijan. The academician stated that the collaboration among Azerbaijani scientists signifies a boost in the intellectual capacity of our nation.

Next, Hafiz Pashayev, the rector of ADA University, highlighted the importance of advancing our scientific standards with the involvement of Azerbaijani scientists living abroad and training specialists to meet the demands of the modern era.

Distinguished scholar and professor at the Technical University of Munich, Masud Efendiyev, the first Azerbaijani to be awarded the Humboldt Prize and a doctor of physics and mathematics, highlighted the aim of fostering connections between professional and young scientists. He stressed the significance of combining efforts to further enhance Azerbaijan’s global standing and elevate the level of scientific progress in the country. “We are prepared to contribute as much as possible to the advancement of our nation,” said the renowned Azerbaijani scientist

Emin Amrullayev, the Minister of Science and Education, expressed confidence that the forum would host valuable discussions aimed at advancing Azerbaijani science. He emphasized that the key issue within the event’s framework is the integration of scientists living abroad. The minister also spoke about the support and opportunities provided by the Ministry of Science and Education, pointing out that the biggest challenge lies in transformation. He noted that science cannot be quantified and acknowledged that Azerbaijan faces certain challenges in the fields of science and education. However, he highlighted that significant progress has been made in these areas over the past ten years.

In his address, Fuad Muradov, the chairman of the State Committee for Work with the Diaspora, emphasized the significance of organizational efforts and mentioned that the committee operates in line with the state’s policy, its “Road Map.” He also highlighted that “The committee’s work is connected to the ongoing activities in Karabakh, which was recently freed from occupation. The involvement of internationally renowned Azerbaijani scientists at Karabakh University would be a valuable contribution to the country’s scientific community.”

The forum then proceeded with discussions in various panels. The first panel, led by Azerbaijan's official representative Dinara Abbasova (Austria) at the World Association "Women in Nuclear," focused on "The Role of Scientists in the Internationalization of Science and Higher Education in Azerbaijan."

Rector of ADA University Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of Azerbaijan State University of Economics Adalat Muradov, Rector of Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts Jeyran Mahmudova, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Sumgayit State University Rufat Azizov spoke at the discussions. Attracting foreign students and faculty to teaching, obtaining grants, implementing exchange programs, organizing events at the regional and international level, enhancing the capacity of university staff to collaborate with foreign scientists and other issues were touched upon in the speeches.

Hamlet Isakhanli, the founder of Khazar University and chairman of its board of directors and trustees, who is widely recognized as a polymath outside of Azerbaijan, emphasized the practical side of the issue during his panel speech. He stated, "In higher education, 'quality education' is the goal, and it is believed that this can be achieved within a 'strong university.' The people and resources involved in higher education must be excellent. Who are they, and what do they entail? 1) The learner, or student; 2) The educator, which includes scientists, specialists, and teachers; 3) The content and methods of teaching—what is taught and how it is delivered to those eager to learn, such as the educational model, curriculum, and programs; and finally, 4) The material and intellectual infrastructure that supports education, including well-equipped buildings, libraries, laboratories, technological tools, and a healthy and inspiring spiritual environment."

He continued by stating that, in his view, the most crucial factor is the presence of a skilled scientist and specialist. A capable student will be drawn to a competent teacher. The material infrastructure can be developed gradually. With effective management, a positive spiritual environment can be created if both the teacher and student are strong. Ultimately, everything relies on the scientist and expert. However, it is impossible to supply scientists and specialists solely from one country's internal resources, including Azerbaijan. A university that cannot attract professionals from various countries cannot become strong, nor can it compete on the global stage. Moreover, the business sector cannot effectively connect with the world of industry under these conditions.

In his address, Hamlet Isaxanlı also referred to Wilhelm Humboldt’s speech on this topic during the 1810 inauguration of the University of Berlin, discussing Humboldt’s profound concept of universality and highlighting the founding principles of Khazar University. He answered questions and talked with scientists from abroad.

The forum featured panel discussions, sessions, introduction ceremonies, book presentations, and other events on various topics. Participants visited the cities of Khankendi and Shusha. After exploring Khankendi, they met with the rector and staff of Karabakh University. The university’s rector, Sahin Bayramov, provided an overview of the institution’s activities, its alignment with modern standards, and discussed future plans. They also exchanged ideas on establishing scientific collaborations between international scholars and Karabakh University, as well as the possibilities of using their knowledge and experience.

An appeal to President Ilham Aliyev from Azerbaijani scientists living abroad,  was delivered in the city of Khankendi.

Following this, the forum participants traveled to Shusha, where they observed the ongoing reconstruction efforts and visited the historic sites of our cultural capital.

The Azerbaijani scientists described the continuation and conclusion of the forum in Karabakh as a historic event, pledging to keep working for the future of our country and to help strengthen the connection between Azerbaijani science and global scientific communities.