AGP Executive Report

Azerbaijani Culture Abroad: “Azerbaijan – From the Lens to History” opened in Arkadag, Turkmenistan, as part of the Days of Azerbaijani Culture, spotlighting modern architecture and heritage from liberated territories through a new photo exhibition. Cultural Diplomacy: The broader Days of Azerbaijani Culture kicked off in Ashgabat at the Palace of Mukams, with officials stressing growing Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan cooperation through exhibitions, performances, and film screenings. Literary Exchange: A joint scientific conference in Arkadag celebrated Azerbaijani poet Seyid Azim Shirvani and Turkmen poet Dovletmammet Azadi, underlining shared Turkic literary ties. Regional Politics With Cultural Ripples: Armenia’s parliamentary election drew arrests and bomb threats, while the vote is widely framed as a referendum on Pashinyan’s peace push with Azerbaijan and his tilt toward the EU versus Russia. Energy & Lifestyle Economy: The US signaled a bigger role in Azerbaijan’s pipeline and Middle Corridor energy transit at an Azerbaijan–US Economic Dialogue, reinforcing the country’s growing global lifestyle-and-business appeal. Sustainability & Youth Culture: TIKA showcased Azerbaijan-linked cultural cuisine and regional sustainability projects at Istanbul’s Zero Waste Festival, including education initiatives aimed at young people.

Azerbaijan in Zero Waste diplomacy: Azerbaijan joined the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, with a national pavilion curated by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation highlighting the country’s culture, nature and environmental policies, alongside Heydar Aliyev Foundation projects on ecological preservation and park development. US-Azerbaijan energy talks: The U.S. is seeking a bigger role in Azerbaijan’s pipeline and energy infrastructure and wants Azerbaijan to strengthen its position as a key Middle Corridor energy transit node, with ExxonMobil and Chevron already active in the sector. AI & education momentum: ChatGPT leads Azerbaijan’s AI chatbot market (79.52% share in May), and a new memorandum with OpenAI aims to roll out AI-based adaptive learning tools for 500,000+ students. Culture abroad, Azerbaijan style: Days of Azerbaijani Culture in Turkmenistan keep rolling—an “Azerbaijan – From the Lens to History” photo exhibition opened in Arkadag, and Azerbaijani culture was also showcased at Beijing Foreign Studies University’s “Culture of the World’s Peoples” exhibition. Armenia election watch (regional context): Armenia’s parliamentary vote is underway amid Russian pressure and EU-facing reform hopes, with the campaign framed around peace efforts with Azerbaijan and Armenia’s future alignment.

Azerbaijani Culture Abroad: Days of Azerbaijani Culture are in full swing in Turkmenistan, with a major opening at the Mukams Palace, a gala concert, and exhibitions including “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage” and a 900th-anniversary event for Ajami Nakhchivani—showcasing music, carpets, crafts, and film screenings. Cultural Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli met Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and senior officials, stressing culture’s role in deepening Turkmen-Azerbaijani friendship and expanding cooperation between museums, libraries, and creative groups. Heritage on the Move: Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage also reached Beijing Foreign Studies University through the “Culture of the World’s Peoples” exhibition, featuring Azerbaijani language materials, costumes, cuisine, and an interactive quiz. Green Lifestyle & Education: Azerbaijan joined the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul with a Heydar Aliyev Foundation-curated pavilion, while World Environment Day messaging continues to spread via international events. Tech for Students: Azerbaijan’s AI chatbot market is dominated by ChatGPT (79.52% share in May), alongside a planned OpenAI-backed adaptive learning platform for 500,000 students. Regional Context: Armenia’s June 7 election remains a major geopolitical storyline across the South Caucasus, with EU-Russia influence and post-war realities shaping the campaign.

Zero Waste & Environment: Azerbaijan is represented at the Zero Waste Forum 2026 in Istanbul, with a Heydar Aliyev Foundation-led pavilion highlighting the country’s culture, nature, and environmental protection work. Culture Days in Turkmenistan: Azerbaijan’s Culture Days are in full swing in Ashgabat and Arkadag, with a gala concert, exhibitions like “Pearls of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage,” and events marking the 900th anniversary of Ajami Nakhchivani. Diplomacy Through Culture: Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli, stressing that reciprocal Culture Days deepen friendship and humanitarian cooperation. Arts & Museums: The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum opened Elchin Shamilli’s solo exhibition “Catharsis,” exploring abstract textile as a visual language of memory and inner transformation. Heritage Discovery: Researchers identified the exact location of an 8th-century BC Urartian inscription in Nakhchivan, adding a rare, newly precisely mapped piece to Azerbaijan’s ancient history. Consular Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Spain held first consular consultations in Madrid, discussing digitalization of services and cooperation on migration, education, and visa policy.

Culture & Heritage: The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum opened “Catharsis,” a solo exhibition by Elchin Shamilli, using abstract textile works to explore memory, distorted perceptions, and cultural codes. Archaeology: Researchers located an 8th-century BC Urartian cuneiform rock inscription in Nakhchivan, naming kings Ishpuini and Menua and detailing victories and ritual offerings. Arts & Youth: Baku wrapped up the First Children’s World International Music Festival with a big closing concert featuring classical, pop-jazz, choirs, poetry, theatre, and art—plus performances by children with special needs. Environment & Lifestyle: World Environment Day 2026 spotlighted urgent climate action as Azerbaijan hosted official commemorations; Azerpost also issued a recycled-paper postage stamp to promote ecological responsibility. Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Days of Culture kicked off in Turkmenistan, with music, dance, carpet weaving, and kelaghayi craft showcased in Ashgabat. Education & Creative Careers: Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry launched a scholarship program for students in cultural and creative industries to study abroad.

Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry opened applications for a Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries, backing Azerbaijani students (15+) to study abroad in fields like audiovisual arts, fashion, design, curatorial studies, architecture and more. Music & Youth: Baku wrapped up the First Children’s World International Music Festival with a big closing gala at the State Academic Philharmonic Hall, featuring kids’ choirs, pop-jazz, retro wave, poetry and theatre, plus performances by musicians alongside young talents (including participants from Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia). International Cultural Exchange: Azerbaijan Culture Days kicked off in Turkmenistan, with Azerbaijan’s delegation arriving in Ashgabat for concerts, exhibitions and showcases of traditions like carpet weaving and kelaghayi. Sports & National Pride: Azerbaijan won the European Mini-Football Championship title again, beating Ukraine 2-0 in the final in Slovakia. Policy for Creatives: The Culture Ministry’s scholarship push is framed as part of Azerbaijan’s 2022–2026 socio-economic strategy and “Azerbaijan Culture–2040.” Cyber & Digital Resilience: The 4th National Cybersecurity Forum convened in Baku, bringing together government, parliament, international partners, universities and the private sector to discuss building Azerbaijan’s cybersecurity ecosystem. World Environment Day (Local Host): World Environment Day 2026 spotlights climate action under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” with Azerbaijan hosting the global commemoration in Baku.

World Environment Day: Azerbaijan is hosting global observances on 5 June, with the theme pushing climate action and schools/office-friendly ideas to spread awareness. European Parliament Watch: Hearings on Azerbaijan in the EU Parliament’s human rights subcommittee heard claims of intensified repression, including ongoing detention of civil society figures and prison mistreatment concerns. Cyber & Digital Resilience: Baku hosted the 4th National Cybersecurity Forum, bringing together government, parliament, academia and industry to discuss building a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem and AI’s security impact. Culture Abroad: “Days of Azerbaijani Culture” kicks off in Turkmenistan (5–7 June) with concerts and exhibitions in Arkadag and Ashgabat, continuing regional cultural ties. Tourism Promotion: Azerbaijan’s tourism push in China continues after a Beijing office opening and rising visitor numbers. Arts & Stage: Azerbaijan’s National Drama Theatre is set to bring Shakespeare’s “King Lear” to a Turkish festival. International Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s FM met Brazil’s incoming ambassador, discussing cooperation across trade, energy, culture and climate.

Cyber & Digital Resilience: Azerbaijan’s 4th National Cybersecurity Forum opened in Baku, bringing together government, parliament, universities, and industry to discuss building a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem, digital transformation, and AI’s security impact. Diplomacy & Culture Links: FM Jeyhun Bayramov met Brazil’s incoming ambassador, with cooperation flagged across trade, energy, tourism, education, culture, and high technologies. EU Academic Bridge: A new Belgium–Azerbaijan Forum session in Brussels gathered higher education, research, culture, media, and civil society groups to map future cooperation. Healthcare Science: MEAPEN 2026 kicked off in Dubai, uniting 500+ experts from 15+ countries to advance clinical nutrition and patient-centered care. Arts & Heritage Abroad: “Days of Azerbaijani Culture” starts in Turkmenistan (June 5) with concerts and exhibitions in Arkadag and Ashgabat, while Azerbaijan’s National Drama Theatre brings Shakespeare’s “King Lear” to Turkey. Tourism Push to China: Azerbaijan promoted its tourism potential in China, with a Beijing tourism bureau opening and visitor numbers from China rising 9.5% (Jan–Apr 2026). World Environment Day: Azerbaijan is hosting World Environment Day events on June 5, with school and office activity ideas circulating to boost climate awareness. Human Rights Call: Artsakh residents are urged to file ECHR applications over property seized by Azerbaijan, with claims reportedly reaching 600 submissions.

Energy & Diplomacy: Ukraine’s First Deputy PM Denys Shmyhal met Azerbaijan’s energy minister Parviz Shahbazov to expand energy transport routes, including using Ukrainian infrastructure for supplies to EU countries, and to discuss rebuilding Ukraine’s energy system after Russian attacks. Disability & Cities: Senator Asia Yaghi took part in Baku’s World Urban Forum, presenting papers on accessible cities, independent living for people with disabilities, and a gender perspective on climate and population sustainability. Labour & Social Policy: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Labour Anar Aliyev addressed the ILO’s 114th session in Geneva, highlighting digitalization of labour services, AI and transformation priorities, and new decent work programmes. Culture & Heritage: Sumgait hosted the 3rd Kelaghayi Festival, celebrating the traditional silk headscarf as a living symbol of Azerbaijani identity. Mugham for Kids: The International Mugham Center staged a concert for International Children’s Day, featuring young performers of mugham and folk music. EU Relations: Azerbaijan and the EU provisionally agreed on a 2026–2030 Partnership Priorities document after talks in Baku. Environment: Ahead of World Environment Day, UNDP and the NGO “Yash Tebigatchy” ran a youth-led coastal clean-up in Turkmenbashi to tackle marine litter.

Armenia Election Watch: With Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary vote looming, coverage frames it as a showdown between autocracy and democracy, while polls suggest Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract could win big—yet Russia is pushing for a referendum-style choice on EU vs the Eurasian Economic Union. Human Rights & Activism: Artsakh activist Artur Osipyan’s detention is condemned as political retaliation by opposition figures, with calls for his release and criticism of how the campaign is overshadowing the case. Azerbaijani Culture Spotlight: The third Kelaghayi Festival in Sumgait brings the iconic silk headscarf to life through performances, remembrance, and efforts to pass on national-moral values. Music & Youth: The International Mugham Center hosts a concert for International Children’s Day, featuring young singers and traditional instruments. Diplomacy & Education: Azerbaijan’s Speaker Sahiba Gafarova highlights gender equality progress at an Inter-Parliamentary Union forum in Belgrade, while India’s ambassador tours Ganja, Goygol and Shamkir, linking heritage sites like Nizami Ganjavi’s mausoleum with regional ties. Regional Lifestyle Events: EU Fest 2026 opens in Kyrgyzstan with free, family-friendly culture activities, and Azerbaijan-linked children’s initiatives in Baku blend robotics and heritage visits.

Independence Day Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan’s Independence Day celebrations reached Sweden, with the “Azerbaijan Garabagh Center” staging a Gothenburg event featuring history and culture stands plus performances by the “Khari Bulbul” dance group. Children’s Day & Regional Tech Learning: Trendyol and PASHA Holding marked International Children’s Day with schoolchildren from Shabran, running robotics master classes and a visit to Icherisheher to spark digital skills and cultural pride. Music for Young Audiences: The “Children’s World” International Music Festival opened at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, bringing together ensembles, dance groups, and young soloists to celebrate children’s creative culture. Diplomacy Through Heritage: India’s Ambassador Abhay Kumar toured Ganja, Goygol and Shamkir, visiting Nizami Ganjavi’s mausoleum and local cultural sites, while an international conference on India’s ethnic minorities is set for Baku on June 3. Women in Parliament: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova addressed the IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in Belgrade, focusing on overcoming gender stereotypes and expanding women’s education and employment. Education & Skills Partnerships: Baku Engineering University and South Korea’s Inha University signed a cooperation deal to continue their dual diploma program. Sports & Youth Development: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Youth and Sports ran children’s rowing training and an Icherisheher sports day with try-outs across multiple disciplines.

Children’s Day Culture: Baku Zoo hosted “The Future Belongs to Children,” with games, masterclasses, animal-care education, and visits for 250+ kids from orphanages and kindergartens. Youth & Sports: The Youth and Sports Ministry, with the Water Sports Federation, ran an open rowing training for children and athletes, plus a lively multi-sport day in Icherisheher under “Champions of the Future.” Music & Performance: The “Children’s World” International Music Festival opened at the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, featuring folk ensembles, dance groups, and young soloists with works by Azerbaijani composers. Classical Spotlight: Young pianist Jamil Sadizade wowed audiences with his “Renaissance” solo concert at the International Mugham Center. Regional Culture Links: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan partnership talks gained momentum, with education and professional training cooperation highlighted. International Attention on Activism: Azerbaijan-linked political prisoner claims grew louder as 28 prisoners declared 18 November “Political Prisoners’ Day,” while international groups urged action over Artur Osipyan’s case. Energy & Diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev opened Baku Energy Week events, underscoring Azerbaijan’s role in energy security and global partnerships. Sommelier Pathway: Azerbaijan is set to take part in the Central Asian II National Sommelier Competition in Bishkek, part of a wider regional talent pipeline.

Azerbaijan–Georgia Defense Talks: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani in Tbilisi, with both sides discussing deeper military, military-technical, and military-education cooperation and visiting key memorial sites. Baku Energy Week Opens: President Ilham Aliyev attended the official opening of the 31st Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, the 14th Caspian Power clean energy event, and the 31st Baku Energy Forum at Baku Expo Center. International Children’s Day in Baku: Leyla Aliyeva’s IDEA Public Union and Baku Zoo hosted “The Future Belongs to Children” for 250+ kids from orphanages and child centers, mixing games, art workshops, and animal-care education. Film & Culture Industry Push: The Azerbaijan Republic Film Agency launched a state-supported 2026 competition for film projects, aiming to boost local production and filmmakers’ professional experience. Science & Astronomy Link: Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory director Namig Jalilov represented Azerbaijan at a Silk Road astronomy conference in Tashkent, where participants agreed the next meeting will be held in Azerbaijan. Regional Education Exchange: Azerbaijan’s Academy of Public Administration begins training and internships for Uzbek civil servants on innovative technologies in public administration. Turkiye Night Museums: Turkiye’s “night museum” season opens with 20 museums and archaeological sites welcoming visitors after dark until Oct 1, spotlighting a growing trend in cultural tourism.

Energy & Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev opened Baku Energy Week events, including the Caspian Oil and Gas exhibitions and the Baku Energy Forum, underlining Azerbaijan’s role in global energy security. Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met Georgia’s leadership in Tbilisi, discussing deeper military, military-technical, and military-education ties and visiting key memorial sites. Film & Culture Industry: The Azerbaijan Republic Film Agency launched a 2026 state-supported film project competition, aiming to boost local filmmakers and strengthen the national cinema ecosystem. Education & AI: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and OpenAI began work on an AI-based adaptive learning platform for the “Digital School” project, targeting personalized support for hundreds of thousands of students. Youth & Tourism Leadership: “Young Tourism Leaders-3” ran in Guba to train future tourism leaders, with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, the State Tourism Agency, and ATMU. Children’s Rights: International Children’s Day (June 1) spotlighted Azerbaijan’s child protection framework, including the 1998 Law on the Rights of the Child and focus on vulnerable groups. Civil Society Pressure (Regional): International NGOs renewed calls for the release of Armenian activist Artur Osipyan, linking his detention to politically motivated prosecution. International Conference (Diaspora/Minorities): A Baku conference on India’s policy against ethnic minorities is set for June 3, bringing diaspora and human-rights voices into the spotlight.

AI in Education: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and OpenAI are rolling out an AI-based adaptive learning platform under the “Digital School” project, aiming to support 500,000+ students with personalized assignments and teacher-supervised diagnostics. Youth & Tourism: The “Young Tourism Leaders-3” camp in Guba is training future tourism leaders through leadership sessions, innovation talks, and a start at the Heydar Aliyev monument. Diaspora & Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan marked Independence Day with music and mugham performances in Prague, while Azerbaijani communities in Los Angeles and Scotland hosted receptions and cultural events featuring national anthems and diaspora unity. Science & Space: Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory released updated space weather forecasts, noting mostly C-class solar flares and changing geomagnetic activity. Health Awareness: World No Tobacco Day 2026 spotlighted nicotine addiction risks and pushes for stronger youth-focused rules on flavors, advertising, and packaging. Sports: Azerbaijani rhythmic gymnasts competed at the European Championships in Varna, adding more international experience to the country’s growing program. Tech Infrastructure: Azerbaijan plans a National Supercomputer Center in 2026 to boost domestic data processing and support AI development.

AI in Education: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and OpenAI are launching an AI-based adaptive learning platform under the “Digital School” project for 500,000+ students, with personalized assignments and teacher-supervised diagnostics. Youth & Tourism: The “Young Tourism Leaders-3” camp in Guba trained young people for leadership in tourism, with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, the State Tourism Agency, and Azerbaijan Tourism and Management University. Science & Forecasts: Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory released updated space weather forecasts, noting mostly C-class solar flares and changes in solar wind and geomagnetic activity through May 25–31. Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan plans a National Supercomputer Center as part of its digital development push, aiming to boost local data processing and AI capabilities. Health Awareness: World No Tobacco Day 2026 highlights new nicotine tactics and calls for stronger youth-focused bans and cessation support. Diaspora & Community: Diaspora Committee chief Fuad Muradov met Azerbaijani community members in Scotland, strengthening ties and cultural outreach. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijani gymnasts competed at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Varna, while World-class opera and ballet events continue to draw attention across the region.