A two-day international conference titled “The Future of Higher Education: Global Perspectives, Local Impact” is being held at Azerbaijan University. The event is dedicated to discussing the interaction of modern trends, innovative approaches, and local realities with global changes in the context of the future of higher education.

The purpose of the Conference, co-organized by Azerbaijan University and the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, is to exchange views on the modernization of higher education systems, digital transformation, internationalization, and skills development in line with rapidly changing labor market demands. Representatives of the scientific and educational community, scientists, researchers, and experts from more than 20 countries are participating in the Conference. 

Before the start of the event, the University administration and the Conference participants visited the grave of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honor, paid tribute to his memory, and laid flowers at his monument. The grave of academician Zarifa Aliyeva was also visited, and flowers were laid at her monument. 

Opening the international event, the Rector of Azerbaijan University, PhD in Philology Saadat Aliyeva, noted that the development of Azerbaijan's higher education system is based on the strategic line set by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. As a result of his wise and far-sighted policy, education has become one of the priorities of state-building. This strategic course is successfully continued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. At the same time, the constant attention and support provided to education, social, and other spheres by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva are a great contribution to the development of human capital as a whole. 

In her speech, the Rector noted that the higher education system is undergoing a historical transformation. Globalization, digitalization, the development of artificial intelligence technologies, and the changing labor market are causing major changes in this field. Higher education is no longer just a system for transferring knowledge, but a dynamic ecosystem that creates innovation, shapes critical thinking, and guides the development of society. In this context, the approach of “global vision and local impact”, which is the theme of the Conference, is of particular importance and includes a very important idea. We must learn from international experience and adopt advanced models, but at the same time adapt them to the local context and make a real impact. Because every university is not only part of a global system, but also a center that plays an important role in the development of its own society.

Saadat Aliyeva noted that in the modern era, the role of scientific research is increasing. Universities must become the main platforms producing knowledge and promoting innovation. In this direction, international cooperation, an interdisciplinary approach, and the principles of scientific openness are of particular importance. 

Rector Saadat Aliyeva also noted that Azerbaijan University, which she heads, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. “We look back on a 35-year journey of activity. The experience gained over these years shows us that sustainable development is possible only with openness to changes. That is why today we are together here discussing the model of the higher education of the future”, the Rector noted. 

Then, speeches were delivered by Ulkar Sattarova, Chairperson of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education; Prof. Anar Isgandarov, Chairman of the Committee for Science and Education of National Assembly of Azerbaijan; and Bakit Altinbashov, Vice-Rector of the Khalel Dosmukhamedov University in Atyrau, Kazakhstan. The speeches touched upon modern challenges facing higher education: digitalization, the integration of artificial intelligence into education, improving the quality of education, strengthening cooperation between universities and industry, developing innovation and research activities, as well as strengthening the positions of national higher education systems in conditions of global competition. 

Following the opening ceremony, the Conference continued with two plenary sessions. At the first plenary session, Prof. Kurshat Chagiltay from TED University, Turkiye, delivered a report on the topic “Is Artificial Intelligence the New Savior of Higher Education?” and presented a comprehensive analysis of the role, opportunities, and potential risks of artificial intelligence in higher education. At the second plenary session, Prof. Paul Gibbs from Middlesex University (UK), in his report “Thinking, AI and the future of the scholar”, drew attention to questions of balance between academic activity and entrepreneurial approaches. 

Within the sectional sessions of the event, results of scientific research were presented and discussions took place regarding the role, opportunities, and potential risks of AI in higher education; digital transformation in higher education, knowledge transfer, globalization and international cooperation, sustainable development, social responsibility and equality, as well as governance, quality assurance, and skills of the future.

The international conference “The Future of Higher Education: Global Perspectives, Local Impact” will continue tomorrow.  

Public Relations Department