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Story
08 March 2024
When a woman deminer talks…
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Press Release
08 March 2024
UNDP Azerbaijan joined the 10th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event
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Story
04 March 2024
Aytan is one of the first women deminers in Azerbaijan within the UNDP project who discovered anti-personnel mine
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Latest
The Sustainable Development Goals in Azerbaijan
Over the last eight years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its firm commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued the Decree in 2016, to establish the National Coordination Council for Sustainable Development - a key partner for the United Nations to channel its support to the Government of Azerbaijan since then.
Azerbaijan has been one of the first countries to undertake a MAPS mission (Mainstreaming, Acceleration and Policy Support for the 2030 Agenda) which outlined concrete policy and programming steps that could be taken to accelerate the goals nationally, the experience which was presented at the 2018 Baku Forum on Sustainable Development. This regional event also marked the adoption of the Baku Principles which established provisions for the integration of SDGs and acceleration of their implementation.
With UN support, the National Information Portal on SDGs was launched, which introduces an interactive dashboard, collects consolidated data, tracks and monitors progress towards the SDGs in real-time. UN provides continuous support to strengthen national statistical capacities to produce quality data while focusing on disaggregation to Leave No One Behind.
United Nations also makes special efforts to engage different groups including the private sector, media, parliamentarians, and the public, among others, in promoting the Goals.
Publication
16 May 2023
UN Azerbaijan - Annual Results Report 2022
We are pleased to share with you the UN Country Results Report for 2022. The report highlights the last year's results of our joint efforts with the Government, civil society organizations, academia, the private sector, and the achievements in in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Press Release
18 June 2021
UNHCR commends Azerbaijan’s continued support to refugees and Asylum Seekers on the World Refugee Day
While many refugee emergencies are unfortunately becoming protracted, such as that of the Rohingya from Myanmar, new emergencies continue occurring, such as one in Tigray region of Ethiopia, which has displaced hundreds of thousands within Ethiopia and across the border in Sudan.
The global fight against the COVID19 pandemic and its consequences, has shown that we can only succeed if we stand together and this year’s World Refugee Day campaign calls for greater inclusion of refugees in host societies, with particular reference to health, education systems and sports with the key messages of “heal”, “learn” and “shine”.
Azerbaijan hosts 1,616 refugees in total originating mainly from Afghanistan and other countries in central Asia, the Middle East and eastern Europe. On the World Refugee Day, UNHCR Azerbaijan commends the authorities and people of Azerbaijan for granting access to healthcare and employment rights to refugees and asylum seekers living in the country. As we continue working and collaborating to achieve integration and inclusion of refugees, we also sincerely express our gratitude to the Government of Azerbaijan for the successful legal amendment on employment of refugees and access to healthcare insurance.
With growing forced displacement world-wide, it is important more than ever that refugees and asylum seekers receive our solidarity, compassion and support. They want nothing more than protection and the opportunity to make a decent living away from home to support themselves, their families and be part of their host communities. In that regard, UNHCR continues advocating for securing legal status for refugees and asylum seekers living in Azerbaijan, as well as ensuring durable solutions prospects in the form of voluntary return in safety and dignity for Internally Displaced Persons.
“Some of the refugees were born or arrived as small children in Azerbaijan and have a lot of potential to contribute to the development of Azerbaijani society if they are given the opportunity to integrate and therefore to secure a durable solution,” said Guido Ambroso, UNHCR Representative to Azerbaijan. “While progress has been made, more needs to be done to ensure legal status. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan as, after nearly three decades, hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons finally have the possibility to achieve a durable solution by returning to their lands.
World Refugee Day is the day to celebrate refugees’ contributions to communities, their unique experience, resilience and bravery in overcoming the toughest hardships the wars and conflicts can bring.
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Press Release
18 March 2021
ANAMA and UNDP join forces to support mine action in Azerbaijan
With USD 1 million from UNDP crisis response and UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, UNDP will provide support to ANAMA to train, equip and deploy emergency response teams to clear mines and unexploded ordnances which pose grave risks to local communities living in the conflict affected areas.
Mr. Suleymanov expressed his hope for future cooperation, emphasising the importance of this project.
Mr. Fracassetti stated that UNDP will scale up its support for mine action in Azerbaijan by supporting ANAMA with technical expertise, equipment, capacity development and funding which will help communities safely access water, build homes, schools and health clinics.
UNDP continues to support ANAMA in conducting a mine action needs assessment, provides international expertise and supports ANAMA in procuring personal protective equipment and mine clearing equipment.
Additional support will consist of prioritising mine clearance areas, developing heat maps for mine detection and procuring mine action equipment and mine detecting dogs.
ANAMA was established with UNDP’s support in 1999. Over the past 20 years, ANAMA and UNDP have helped clear over 806,000 mines and other explosive weapons in Azerbaijan, helping to ensure a safe return home for over 160,500 displaced people.
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Story
02 February 2021
UN releases USD 2 million to support emergency humanitarian response in conflict-affected areas of Azerbaijan
The United Nations has released USD 2 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support the UN’s ongoing humanitarian response to temporarily displaced people in the conflict-affected areas of Azerbaijan.
Following the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement, UN resident agencies in Azerbaijan have been providing initial support in the areas of food, shelter, hygiene, preparation for winter, mine risk awareness, access to healthcare, psychosocial support, and education,
“The CERF funding will scale up UN agencies’ ongoing activities to help the conflict-affected people return to normal life ,” said Ghulam Isaczai, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan. “We will continue working closely with the Government of Azerbaijan, civil society, and other stakeholders to meet the urgent needs of the highly vulnerable population, especially women and children.”
The CERF allocation builds on the results of a rapid inter-agency assessment that the UN Country Team conducted in the conflict-affected areas with the support of the Government of Azerbaijan. The funding will help to provide shelter and non-food items to the affected population; assist in the coordination of demining activities; and deliver essential medicines and medical equipment, as well as mental health and psychosocial services.
The UN Country Team in Azerbaijan in partnership with government agencies carried out several preliminary needs assessment missions in conflict-affected areas and has been providing its assistance in the following areas:
Health: WHO and UNFPA have delivered personal protective equipment and emergency kits to families in conflict-affected areas, as well as supported the continuation of primary healthcare services despite the COVID-19 and conflict-induced strains on 60 medical facilities.
Shelter and core relief items: UNHCR mobilized USD 1.5 million to secure non-food items, including tents, blankets and mattresses, and is currently mobilizing USD400 thousand to provide as cash-based interventions.
Psychosocial support: Most of the 40,000 temporarily displaced people have suffered immense stress and anxiety, especially children. Given the severe shortage of medical staff and absence of psychology professionals in the conflict-hit areas, both WHO and UNICEF are training psychology counsellors to support mental health services at hospitals and schools.
Mine risk action: A joint UNDP-UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) assessment mission was undertaken recently in close coordination with ANAMA, the national mine action agency, to assess mines and unexploded ordinance contaminations in several of the conflict-affected districts. UNDP, UNMAS, and UNICEF are currently working with the government to improve awareness of mine risk; support the Government’s demining strategy; and strengthen ANAMA’s capacity.
CERF – managed by the Emergency Relief Coordinator on behalf of the UN Secretary-General - is one of the fastest and most effective ways to help people affected by crises. Since its creation, it has assisted hundreds of millions of people with more than $6.5 billion across 104 countries and territories. This would have not been possible without generous and consistent donor support.
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Story
19 November 2020
UN agencies conclude needs assessment mission to conflict-affected regions of Azerbaijan
An inter-agency coordinated assessment mission comprised of technical experts from various UN agencies has concluded its four-day visit to the conflict-affected regions of Azerbaijan. The mission included representatives from the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), FAO, IOM, OCHA, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNHCR, and WHO.
The mission met with the heads of the local executive authorities in Barda, Aghdam, and Agjabedi districts and visited various sites, where the temporarily displaced persons, as well as conflict-affected communities, reside. The mission members also visited a number of villages and settlements adjacent to the conflict area to assess the scale of damaged civilian houses and civilian infrastructure. The findings of the mission are being prepared that should allow to understand prevailing vulnerabilities and design appropriate humanitarian response mechanisms in different sectors to complement the government’s actions.
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Story
12 March 2024
When a woman deminer talks…
Samaya Ahmadli: My father supported me in this decision, he always stood behind meSamaya is originally from Aghdam. She worked as a geography teacher for six years, and always had an interest in the military. Her brother is a soldier who passed through the war. Samaya is one of the eighteen newly trained women deminers that were accredited in November 2023 during a ceremony in Baku with participation of high-level officials from ANAMA, the European Union (EU), UNDP, and other officials. Thanks to theoretical and practical trainings conducted by the international experts of the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), the first teams of women deminers acquired the foundational knowledge, skills and required code of conduct to recognize, detect and mark mines and unexploded ordnance, and to provide first aid.“I started work with great enthusiasm, as if I was going to be rewarded. You must be cool-headed, I have no fear.”She talks about her friends at the school who did not expect her to become a deminer, but now they follow her with great interest. She is very happy."My family did not agree at first, but my father supported me in this decision. My mother was not used to seeing me in special clothes, now she accepts it easily. She is still a bit worried, they regularly contact me."Samaya had difficulties at first, it was not easy for her to work under the sun, mainly in hot weather, but later she got used: "I have always had white and sensitive skin, so I avoided the sun, but I got tanned here," she jokes.Samaya is so proud of being a part of this initiative, the first one in Azerbaijan."I want to contribute to the Great Return. We are working on our lands."The two demining teams of 24 people, including 18 women deminers, 2 healthcare workers, 2 team leaders and 2 deputy team leaders were established within the framework of the “Supporting safe return of Internally Displaced People through capacity building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” initiative funded by the EU andimplemented by UNDP in partnership with ANAMA, the International Eurasian Press Fund (IEPF) and the MAG. Jeyhun Alakbarov, UNDP Azerbaijan
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Story
06 March 2024
Aytan is one of the first women deminers in Azerbaijan within the UNDP project who discovered anti-personnel mine
“My name is Aytan, and I am one of the first women deminers in Azerbaijan”, says Aytan Ismayilova, a young woman originally from the Gazakh Region located in north-western part of Azerbaijan. Aytan is one of the eighteen newly trained women deminers that were accredited in November 2023 during a ceremony in Baku with participation of high-level officials from ANAMA, the European Union (EU), UNDP, and other officials. Thanks to theoretical and practical trainings conducted by the international experts of the Mine Advisory Group (MAG), the first teams of women deminers acquired the foundational knowledge, skills and required code of conduct to recognize, detect and mark mines and unexploded ordnance, and to provide first aid.“In the mornings, I clean my boots while everyone gets yourself in order. I have never had regrets; I am stubborn, and I love to go all the way. It means, I overcome every difficulty because I love my job.”When Aytan speaks, she is visibly proud of her work and the contribution she is providing to her country.“My family has always been working in the army. I wanted to follow in their footsteps, my father, and my brother, and even my grandparents. I lost my uncle during the war, my cousin sustained injuries in a mine explosion in Lachin. When I first heard that ANAMA was hiring women deminers, I told my family I wanted to apply for the job. My father supported me in this decision, others disagreed, and my mother did not want me to become a deminer because of the incident with my cousin. They thought I will quit it. When I was certified my mother shared that picture to express pride in me.”Thus, being an ecologist, Aytan started her trainings to become a deminer, she always tended to join the military as her family members. “At the beginning it was very difficult. I was excited but the work was hard. Thanks to the continuous trainings we receive, I feel more and more confident to do my job in the best way possible.” To the question about the relationship with her family now, Aytan replies: “They know I always look for new things to challenge myself, new projects to do. They understood my choice and they support me.”Aytan has a parasailing experience, as well. She is the second in the group who discovered an anti-personnel mine. Aytan is aware of the importance of this initiative, the first one in Azerbaijan. “I am thankful for this opportunity”, she says, “this is a glorious work, and I am proud to do it.” The two demining teams of 24 people, including 18 women deminers, 2 healthcare workers, 2 team leaders and 2 deputy team leaders were established within the framework of the “Supporting safe return of Internally Displaced People through capacity building of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA)” initiative funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP in partnership with ANAMA, the International Eurasian Press Fund (IEPF) and the MAG. Jeyhun Alakbarov, UNDP Azerbaijan
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Story
28 December 2023
Gunel’s Journey to a new beginning as a hairdresser
When hundreds of thousands of people had to flee their homes due to the Karabakh War in the early nineties, the tranquillity of Shaplar village in Kalbajar district was shattered too, leaving Gunel’s family, their home, gardens, livestock, and all they owned, swept away. The family found temporary shelter at the “ECO” camp in Yevlakh district which was established by the local authorities in 1993 with the support of the international community.
"I was one year old when my family came to the “ECO” camp where I started and completed my full secondary education. Becoming a hairdresser was my childhood dream. In the upper grades, I even tried to gain experience by offering beauty services to my relatives and neighbours," said Gunel.
"I was going to enrol in a vocational school to become a hairdresser, but it didn't work out due to the challenges of commuting to the city of Yevlakh,” she added.
At the age of 18, Gunel was married and became a mother of two girls within a couple of years. In 2010, their lives shifted when the camp was moved to the “32nd Quarter settlement” in Yevlakh city, and the family relocated.
Starting over in a new place, Gunel began providing beauty services to acquaintances in the settlement. Despite all her efforts, her lack of advanced skills and working from home led her clients to opt for services provided by established beauty salons.
During this period, tragedy struck Gunel’s family as her husband passed away, leaving her alone to manage the household responsibilities and provide care for her children, with no income and only the small allowances that internally displaced families were entitled to. Gunel had enrolled in a six-month-long hairdressing course provided by an NGO in the settlement but was forced to give up due to the hardships she was facing during that period.
The turning point arrived in early 2023 with the launch of the “IDP Community Mobilization and Capacity Development” project in the settlement where she lives. Upon learning about a vocational course offered by the project, Gunel immediately applied. The project is funded by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and implemented by the Azerbaijani NGO “Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union.
Selected among numerous applicants due to her passion, skills, and experience, Gunel embarked on a two-month intensive apprenticeship course in ladies' hairdressing where she attended theoretical and practical courses with her mentor and completed training sessions on “Business Plan Preparation” and “Introduction to Entrepreneurship”.
Simultaneously, Gunel expanded her expertise by actively participating in round tables and training sessions of the Community Development Council, of which she became a member.
“All my life I have looked for opportunities to acquire the skills to master this trade. In this project, I got that opportunity and started making my dreams come true,” said Gunel.
As Gunel’s skills in hairdressing improved, and the training courses provided her with renewed self-esteem, skills, and hope, her vision of opening her own ladies’ beauty salon crystallized, an aspiration she hadn’t imagined pursuing alone before. Determined, she started searching for locations for a new hairdressing salon and secured a bank loan to procure equipment and establish her workspace.
With the successful completion of her apprenticeship course, Gunel obtained a certificate, transforming her dream of a fully functional beauty salon into a reality. Hiring two employees, she started to introduce salon services to the residents of Yevlakh district. Through entrepreneurship skills learned during the courses, Gunel was able to expand her outreach and advance customer satisfaction together with her new team.
Gunel shared her hopes of one day returning to Kalbajar. “Our dreams have become reality! Kalbajar is home again! My family and I aspire to return and establish a larger branch of my salon there. I am immensely grateful to the “Umid” organization, the reason for all my achievements, and to the UN Refugee Agency for their invaluable financial support. Their assistance helped me realize my dream and opened the door to a new world for me.”
Prepared by:
Elsevar Aghayev, Senior External Relations Associate, UNHCR Azerbaijan
Aynur Taghiyeva, Information Manager, "Umid" Support to Social Development Public Union
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Story
28 December 2023
Young chef seizes opportunity through apprenticeship programme
Born into a lineage of culinary enthusiasts, 20-year-old Ravan Ahmadov’s fascination with cooking was stimulated already at a young age, as he observed his father skillfully preparing delightful dishes. His father graduated with honors as a chef and dedicated himself to the culinary craft, serving as a professional cook in village assemblies.
Inspired by this legacy, Ravan aspired to pursue formal education and followed in his father's footsteps as a professional chef. However, financial constraints cast a shadow on his dreams.
Driven by the responsibility to support his family, who had been displaced to Yevlakh from Shusha city in the early nineties, Ravan took on multiple jobs, including working as a waiter during school breaks and after hours while he was a teenager.
Despite his very demanding schedule, including traveling to distant regions for work, Ravan seized every opportunity to delve into the culinary world. While working as a waiter, he diligently observed chefs to learn the intricacies of vegetable chopping and the art of preparing kebabs. On top of all this, he completed his general secondary education and pursued his passion for music, learning to play the accordion at a local music school.
In April 2023, the launch of the “IDP Community Mobilization and Capacity Development” project in the settlement was a turning point in Ravan’s life. The aim of the project, which is funded by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and implemented by the Azerbaijani NGO “Umid” Support to Social Development Public Union, is to address challenges faced by internally displaced people participating in the Azerbaijani Government’s “Great Return” programme, and to create new employment opportunities for aspiring young professionals under the “Apprenticeship” initiative.
Sarvar, the Community Development Center leader and a settlement resident, informed Ravan about the project. Upon learning about the opportunity, Ravan eagerly prepared and applied. Among numerous applicants in the settlement, Ravan’s passion and keen interest in the culinary field favoured his inclusion by the Selection Commission for a three-month cooking course.
As part of his apprenticeship course, Ravan engaged in a comprehensive theoretical and practical course conducted by a master chef three days a week and completed training sessions on “Business Plan Preparation” and “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” organized by the Yevlakh office for small and medium-sized enterprises. Even before he had concluded the course, Ravan received a job offer from a renowned restaurant in Yevlakh, where he currently works as an assistant chef, marking a significant milestone in his culinary journey.
Initially, Ravan expressed his doubts about being chosen for the apprenticeship. “While eagerly anticipating the selection outcome, I presumed that young female candidates applying for the cooking field would secure the opportunity. Surprisingly, I received the news of my acceptance when the results were announced. The overwhelming joy I felt was indescribable as this course presented an incredible chance for me to pursue further studies and training.”
Reflecting on the impact of the apprenticeship course, Ravan remarked, “it not only sharpened my professional skills but also taught me the ability to take risks. Balancing my familial responsibilities and striving toward my aspirations became feasible. Despite the demanding work schedule at the restaurant, attending the course for three days and three hours a week was a significant achievement, enhancing my culinary proficiency.”
Enthusiastic about the possibility of returning to the birthplace of his father he said, “upon return to Shusha with my family, I intend to continue my education and advance as a professional chef. My ultimate dream is to establish a modern catering enterprise in Shusha, meeting contemporary standards.”
Prepared by:
Elsevar Aghayev, Senior External Relations Associate, UNHCR Azerbaijan
Aynur Taghiyeva, Information Manager, "Umid" Support to Social Development Public Union
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Story
01 November 2023
Youth in Vocational Education: Five skills at Once
18-year-old Ozjan Ibrahimov is simultaneously a talented tailor, a teacher’s assistant, a young man who makes money from his favorite profession, a self-taught writer and a successful graduate. How did Ozjan master these different skills? Let’s take a look at the past recent year and get to know how Ozjan succeeded to wear many hats.
Ozjan studies at the Ganja State Vocational Education Center on Industry and Technologies, closely assists teachers in giving lessons on inclusive courses and herewith, works after school.
After graduating from the 9th grade of upper secondary school, Ozjan decides to apply for vocational education. He has finished his 3-year tailoring faculty. “I can say that this vocation chose me rather than I chose it. Actually, I applied to study cooking but was admitted to tailoring. I don’t regret it, on the contrary, it is great. Currently, I work as a dress cutter in one of the city’s prestigious clothing stores.
This vocational education center is one of the vocational education and training institutions benefiting from the “VET for the Future” project funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the State Agency on Vocational Education (SAVE). The project collaborates with 8 different vocational education institutions in Baku, Ganja, Jalilabad, and Shaki. The project aims to support the modernisation of vocational education and training (VET) providers in Azerbaijan and increase the labour market relevance of vocational education.
Ozjan is one of the hundreds of students who have benefited from the new opportunities provided by that project and is quite satisfied with his current specialty. “If we crack our eyes open and look around, we will see a lot of our young people wasting the best treasure they have which is time. Based on my experience, I can tell my peers that everyone should do the work they love. There is a wonderful educational institution for this, and they must consciously benefit from this opportunity.”
It was no coincidence that in 2019, the tailor workshop meeting the latest international standards was established with the support of an earlier vocational project funded by the EU and jointly implemented by UNDP and SAVE.
To continue this activity, as part of the current project, teaching resources were updated, and according training series were arranged for the teaching staff. As a result of the increasing demand and interest in tailoring there is already an opportunity to study “Fashion Design” faculty at a high VET level. Students can also use the career services created by the project.
Preparedness for future’s changing challenges and mastering new skills take a significant place on today’s global development agenda. The 8th and 10th of the Sustainable Development Goals focus, respectively, on decent work and reducing inequalities. To achieve these goals, special emphasis is placed on education and skill development. In this sense, vocational education helps to increase the employment opportunities of young people by facilitating access to various trainings. Also, through its teaching form, VET can contribute to the development of competent professionals in a short time while contributing to a sustainable economy and a better future in general.
In this light, taking you back how Ozjan continued his journey. Along with graduating from the short-term inclusive tailoring course arranged by the Project, Ozjan also joined the newly opened courses, but this time as not a student but a teacher’s assistant. “On inclusive courses, I assist our teachers” A total of 33 persons studied tailoring here, including 8 students with disabilities. Along with this specialty, a total of 90 people benefited from the hairdresser and computer operator courses. In Ganja, 66 students have successfully completed the course and 18 people with disabilities (PwD) are among these successful graduates.
With the EU’s financial support, the project organised inclusive VET courses in 3 vocational education institutions located not only in Ganja, but also the capital Baku. The courses were arranged in 10 different vocations, including computer operator, social media management, SQL (programming language), floristry, pottery, stained glass, tailoring, hairdresser, confectionery, and chef. Participation in the courses was carried out through certain selection stages. Also, a pre-upskilling programme was organised for the instructors who will teach in these courses in order to increase their knowledge and skills on inclusive education. 60 specialists across the country, including teachers, training masters, and assisting personnel have improved their educational methods suitable for students with special needs.
The courses were attended by people aged from 15 up to 62. As a result, a total of 400 people, including 94 PwD (people with disabilities) benefited from the short-term courses. Thanks to the skills gained from the courses, 46 people started new jobs. Taking into account the successful results and demand, the project will support the opening of the next inclusive group.
Proudly talking about his specialty, Ozjan shares the cause for his interest in this work: “I like to create a new style, a new design, and the best aspect of this art is that everything depends on you, you can create whatever you want,” he stresses. He states his wish to bring completely unusual styles to Azerbaijan, create alternative designs, and present them to the people: “it’s wonderful when people like the clothes you create, isn’t it?”
“My further plans are a bit vague since I am also a writer. I have written 2 novel volumes, and my further plans include both becoming a writer and a tailor, creating new lines and a different style… Currently, I am studying, working, and earning money” (he proudly notes).
In fact, both plans are based on the desire to create. Those who are or want to be creative, or who want to express themselves freely choose vocational education. Ozjan believes that he can make himself and other people happy by creating new things.
He also tried other ways to make people happy. On this point, Ozjan candidly supported his fellow students with limited health conditions and encouraged them to choose VET and continue in their work. One of them is Ahmad.
“We were informed that there is such an opportunity in this enterprise, so we came and got interested. Actually, I didn’t want to come to the class at first, but then the course participants, specially Ozjan, supported me and after seeing the environment here, I liked it. Everyone helps each other here. I joined the classes 3 times a week for 2 months” says Ahmad. “After finishing the 9th grade, I also received 2 years of vocational education in auto plumbing, though I have been familiar with sewing since I was a child. Sewing calms a person, I enjoy it. I would like to mention that the new equipment provided in this workshop also encouraged me to work in this area. Everything here is just modern and new”.
Ahmad, who is now 30 years old, plans to level up his skills in this vocation and work as a tailor. “People should not shy away, regardless of whether there are more women or men in any vocation, they should come to VET, they will like it,” he concludes his conversation with the piece of advice.
Raviyya Aliyeva sharing the same educational path as Ozjan was also enrolled to the same vocational education center after completing the 9th grade of school. She also successfully completed the short-term courses here.
Being this year’s graduate herself, Raviyya notes that her relatives recommended this specialty to her, but she was also interested in it from the very beginning. “I like to design clothes using my imagination,” Raviyya says. Like her colleague Ozjan, she assists in teaching of the mentioned courses attended by students with all abilities.
“VET for the Future” project works with the aim 1) to introduce innovations in vocational education institutions, 2) improve infrastructure in the VET providers, 3) strengthen networking in vocational education, and 4) improve the prestige and visibility of vocational education and training in Azerbaijan.
If you want to know further about the project or are about to choose your career, you can learn more on the vocational education opportunities using the hashtag #PeşəiləMümkündür (meaning: it’s possible with VET).
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Press Release
12 March 2024
UNDP Azerbaijan joined the 10th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality event
Baku, March 7th, 2024.
The Baku Stock Exchange in collaboration with the World Federation of Exchange organized the 10th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony. The event was held in partnership with the Women’s Economic Empowerment in South Caucasus project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by UNDP. Mr. Mehman Ramazanov, the Member of the Management Board at the Baku Stock Exchange, Mr. Alberto Hernandez, the Deputy Regional Director of Cooperation and the Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Ms. Alessandra Roccasalvo, the UNDP Resident Representative a.i.in Azerbaijan, Mrs. Nani Bendeliani, the Programme Analyst on Women’s Economic Empowerment at UN Women, and other officials and representatives of the private sector participated at the event. During the event, wide-ranging discussions were conducted on gender equality and the empowerment of women, the gender-sensitive ecosystem that drives the gender equality agenda forward, as well as the sustainability of the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Ms. Roccasalvo greeted the participants by noting the importance of initiatives to collaborate, innovate, and implement strategies that foster women empowerment and break down barriers hindering women's progress.At the end of the event the Ring the Bell ceremony took place. The event dedicated to the International Women’s Day was also a great opportunity in terms of networking and new partnerships.
The Baku Stock Exchange in collaboration with the World Federation of Exchange organized the 10th Annual Ring the Bell for Gender Equality ceremony. The event was held in partnership with the Women’s Economic Empowerment in South Caucasus project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by UNDP. Mr. Mehman Ramazanov, the Member of the Management Board at the Baku Stock Exchange, Mr. Alberto Hernandez, the Deputy Regional Director of Cooperation and the Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Ms. Alessandra Roccasalvo, the UNDP Resident Representative a.i.in Azerbaijan, Mrs. Nani Bendeliani, the Programme Analyst on Women’s Economic Empowerment at UN Women, and other officials and representatives of the private sector participated at the event. During the event, wide-ranging discussions were conducted on gender equality and the empowerment of women, the gender-sensitive ecosystem that drives the gender equality agenda forward, as well as the sustainability of the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs). Ms. Roccasalvo greeted the participants by noting the importance of initiatives to collaborate, innovate, and implement strategies that foster women empowerment and break down barriers hindering women's progress.At the end of the event the Ring the Bell ceremony took place. The event dedicated to the International Women’s Day was also a great opportunity in terms of networking and new partnerships.
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Press Release
28 December 2023
ATTENTION
It has come to our attention that there is a website operating under the name of the United Nations in Azerbaijan: https://z2wo757732g.typeform.com/to/Xl1IW5vv
We would like to clarify that this website is not an official United Nations in Azerbaijan website, and it is not affiliated with the United Nations in any way.
The unauthorized use and display of the United Nations emblem, as seen on this website, is highly restricted and essentially limited to the activities and initiatives of the United Nations itself. The use of the emblem without proper authorization is a violation of international law and can lead to confusion and misinformation among the public.
We urge all individuals and organizations to exercise caution and discernment when visiting websites that claim to represent the United Nations or its initiatives. Misleading websites can propagate false information, and we encourage everyone to be vigilant about the authenticity of the sources they consult.
To ensure that you are accessing accurate and official information from the United Nations, please visit our official website, which is include our website here . The official United Nations website provides up-to-date information about our work, initiatives, and activities in Azerbaijan
If you come across any websites, social media accounts, or individuals falsely claiming to represent the United Nations in Azerbaijan or any other location, please report them to us immediately so that we can take appropriate action.
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Press Release
14 December 2023
FAO Office in Azerbaijan organized a meeting of partners to discuss water resources management
The Partnership and Liaison Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Azerbaijan organized a meeting of partners to discuss the widespread application of advanced irrigation systems in the country within the framework of the project "Improved Agricultural Water Resources Management: Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development."
Bariz Mehdiyev, Deputy Representative of FAO in Azerbaijan, spoke at the event, providing information about FAO's mandate and activities in the country. He emphasized the importance of discussions on the event's topic and stated that support is provided in this direction within the framework of the projects being implemented, with a commitment to continued support in the future. In turn, Firidun Taghiyev, head of the Department of Land Use in the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, welcomed the participation of the participants in such events on an open platform and noted that they should not hesitate to discuss the problems.
During the event, Rovshan Mammadli, Head of the Credit Department at the Agrarian Credit and Development Agency, made a presentation about the state subsidy program supporting and stimulating the adoption of modern irrigation systems. Additionally, Professor Olcay Unver from Arizona University shared insights into Turkey's experience on the same topic.
Farmers, agricultural associations, government agencies, and private sector representatives participating in the event shared shortcomings in irrigation water management and discussed region-specific problems. The discussion emphasized the multifaceted role of the private sector in developing agricultural practices, particularly irrigation. The event also explored the interaction between the public and private sectors to address complex issues related to the management of agricultural water resources, intending to promote a unified approach.
It should be noted that the "Meeting of Stakeholders" event organized by FAO in Azerbaijan served as a dynamic forum to promote partnership and exchange experiences in modern irrigation, contributing to a sustainable and robust future.
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Press Release
14 December 2023
UNDP Azerbaijan Takes Strides Towards Climate Action at COP28
For the first time in its history, the United Nations Development Programme in Azerbaijan participated in the annual United Nations climate change conference, known as the Conference of the Parties or COP. At this year's event, the Energy and Environment Portfolio, featuring the EU4Climate and GCF-funded National Adaptation Plan (NAP) projects, represented UNDP Azerbaijan at the Azerbaijan Country Pavilion of COP28.
The EU4Climate initiative and the NAP project mark significant milestones in accelerating Azerbaijan's commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
As a part of the event, Mr. Nazim Mammadov, the EU4Climate National Coordinator, and Mr. Zaur Aliyev, the NAP Project Manager, delivered a presentation titled “Azerbaijan's climate change actions for the sustainable future.”
“Engaging in COP28 provides us with the opportunity to showcase Azerbaijan's efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation on the global stage, as well as to exchange experiences with other nations”, Mr Aliyev stressed.
During his speech, Mr. Mammadov highlighted the pivotal role of the EU4Climate project in Azerbaijan, engaging in modeling for priority sectors and exploring various development scenarios.
“A significant milestone achieved under the EU4Climate project is the development of a gender-sensitive, long-term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) aligned with the targets set in the NDC”, he shared the achievements and lessons learned from the implementation of the EU4Climate project in Azerbaijan.
The presentation was delivered during the COP28 side event organized jointly by UNDP Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The event saw opening speeches by Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, and Mr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, the UNDP Executive Coordinator and Director-Environmental Finance for Nature, Climate, and Energy. Mr. Nuri Ozbagdatli, the Climate Change Specialist for the Europe and Central Asia Region, joined the session as the main speaker.
“The partnership between UNDP and Azerbaijan has been instrumental in fostering innovation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in various domains related to climate action”, Mr. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya said in his speech: “Together, over the last 30 years, UNDP has partnered with Azerbaijan with support from numerous donors, especially GEF and GCF, to implement projects that promote sustainable development, protect biodiversity, and empower communities to adapt to and mitigate the changing climate.”
EU4Climate and NAP projects pave the way for comprehensive, low-emission and climate-resistant development of Azerbaijan.
The NAP project supports the Government of Azerbaijan in three key sectors – water, agriculture, and coastal areas, identified as top priorities through stakeholder consultations conducted by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. This complements the EU4Climate project's focus on policy development and implementation to ensure the concerns of these sectors are heard at policy-making tables.
The participation of UNDP Azerbaijan projects at the global COP28 event highlights their dedication to the Paris Agreement and the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Azerbaijan is taking decisive action to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases it emits into the atmosphere. It has pledged to cut emissions by 35% by 2030 and reaffirmed its commitment to achieve a 40% reduction by 2050 by harnessing its vast potential for renewable energy generation and enhancing natural carbon sequestration via sustainable land and forest management. Upholding and actively implementing the commitments made in the Paris Agreement is currently a top priority for the Government of Azerbaijan.
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Press Release
13 December 2023
UNDP to award new organizations joined the Women Empowerment Principles
The Women’s Economic Empowerment in South Caucasus project supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by UNDP, organized a networking event to share the companies` experience, obstacles they face, and practices they utilize in their organizations to ensure gender equality and the empowerment of women, as well as to exchange identifying concrete actions for putting their commitment into practice.
The event aimed at increasing the sustainability of the Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) by creating a gender-sensitive ecosystem of companies that drive the gender equality agenda forward.
Ms. Alessandra Roccasalvo, the UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Azerbaijan, greeted the participants by noting that the event stands as a testament to collective dedication towards creating a world where every woman could thrive, contribute, and lead. She stressed the initiative to collaborate, innovate, and implement strategies that foster empowerment and break down barriers hindering women's progress.
“Today, as we convene, we embark on a journey of learning, sharing, and inspiration. Our distinguished speakers and panelists graced us with their invaluable insights and experiences, offering us a deeper understanding of the challenges women face and the remarkable strides they make despite adversities”, Ms. Roccasalvo added.
At the end of the event newly joined seven companies have been awarded relevant certificates.
The networking event was also a great opportunity for the WEPs signatories, that joined the global UN Principles, to grow their business, expand their relations, and find new partners for their businesses.
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