AGP Executive Report

Turkic World Week: Participants adopted the Khankendi Declaration, calling for closer cooperation across science, education, language, culture, and history, and thanking President Ilham Aliyev for backing the centenary events. Cultural Heritage in Museums: The National History Museum opened “Baku. 1926: Language, Thought, Unity,” marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress and spotlighting its lasting impact on Turkology and shared cultural study. Arts & Lifestyle: Baku hosted its first international tango festival, “El Calor en Baku,” positioning the city as a bridge between Europe and Asia and framing the event as a broader Argentine culture week. Human Rights & Civic Space: Azerbaijani activist Mamed Mamedzade, held in the pre-trial detention center in the “NGO case,” complained of restricted family contact and isolation. Regional Spotlight: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan reaffirmed plans to deepen ties, with interparliamentary cooperation highlighted alongside culture and humanitarian work.

Turkic World Week: Participants adopted the Khankendi Declaration, calling for cooperation across science, education, language, culture, and history, and thanking President Ilham Aliyev for backing the centenary events. Cultural Heritage Spotlight: The National History Museum opened the exhibition “Baku. 1926: Language, Thought, Unity” to mark the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, highlighting its impact on Turkology and shared heritage. Courtroom & Media Freedom: In the Meydan TV case, the Baku Serious Crimes Court resumed after a judge-composition change; the court rejected defense motions and continued interrogations. Women’s Rights & Safety: Georgia investigated the death of Azerbaijani woman Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi, reported as an alleged honour killing, with local women’s groups seeking involvement in the case. Lifestyle & Arts: Baku hosted an international tango push, El Calor en Baku, positioning the city as a bridge between Europe and Asia through dance, music, and culture. Regional Health Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s health minister met Northern Cyprus officials to expand collaboration in medical education, digital health, and healthcare management. Food & Everyday Wellness: Oba Corporation launched Mega Sardines in Azerbaijan, marketed as a “superfood” option aimed at metabolic wellness.

Turkic World Week Culture: Participants adopted the Khankendi Declaration, calling for deeper cooperation across science, education, language, culture, and history, and thanking Azerbaijan’s leadership for hosting events in Baku and Khankendi. Museum & Heritage: Azerbaijan’s National History Museum opened an exhibition, “Baku. 1926: Language, Thought, Unity,” marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress and spotlighting Turkology’s role in language, literature, and shared cultural study. Arts & Fashion: The “Patterns of Time” fashion show returned to the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, blending contemporary style with carpet-inspired design. Dance in the Capital: Baku welcomed an international tango festival as part of a wider “Week of Argentine Culture,” linking dance with music, cinema, gastronomy, education, and tourism. Lifestyle & Food: Oba Corporation launched Mega Sardines in Azerbaijan, positioning the product as a “superfood” option with a focus on metabolic wellness. Women’s Rights: In Tbilisi, an Azerbaijani woman was reported killed in an apparent honour killing, with local authorities investigating and women’s rights groups seeking involvement.

EU South Caucasus Deal: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced up to €200mn in Global Gateway grants for Azerbaijan (transport, energy, digital connectivity) plus a €20mn “peace dividends” package for border communities, while in Armenia Brussels pledged €52mn and proposed tariff-free access for about 80% of exports to cut pressure from Russia. Women’s Rights & Safety: Azerbaijani 20-year-old Fatima Karimova was found dead in Tbilisi in an apparent “honour killing,” with investigations underway after family allegations and claims of threats and passport seizure. Turkology & Culture: Azerbaijan’s National History Museum opened “Baku. 1926: Language, Thought, Unity,” marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, spotlighting shared Turkic heritage and language scholarship. Carpet Museum Fashion: “Patterns of Time” showcased a new collection inspired by Azerbaijani carpet motifs, including a fresh buta-based ornament. Digital Development: Azerbaijan’s digital reform gets fresh momentum with the Digital Development Council and a 2026–2028 action plan highlighted as a whole-of-society transformation. Religious Dialogue: Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations says Ramin Mammadov will join an international Islamic forum in Uzbekistan focused on peace, tolerance, and education.

Turkic World Week in Aghdam: Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre staged Huseyn Javid’s “Iblis” at the Aghdam Mugham Center, using physical theatre to revisit themes of war, blame, and the fight between humanity and evil. Carpet Museum Fashion: “Patterns of Time” brought new fashion collections inspired by Azerbaijani carpet patterns to the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, marking Latif Karimov’s 120th anniversary. Culture & Education Partnerships: Bir ecosystem and Khazar University signed a cooperation deal to boost internships, mentorship, and career-ready skills for students. Film Industry Support: The Azerbaijan Cinema Agency opened applications for a 2026 co-production support competition, prioritizing projects tied to shared figures, history, traditions, and children’s stories. Digital Development Push: Azerbaijan’s 2026–2028 Action Plan for accelerating digital development was highlighted as the roadmap for upgrading governance and tech capacity. Human Rights Watch: Trade union activist Elvin Mustafaev declared a hunger strike after being placed in a punishment cell, while activist Nijdad Ibrahim remains in solitary confinement with family contact cut off.

EU Connectivity & Peace Package: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced up to €200mn in grants for South Caucasus connectivity, plus a €20mn peace-fostering programme for border communities in Azerbaijan and Armenia, aiming to turn “peace on paper into peace in practice.” Turkic World Week in Aghdam: Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre staged Huseyn Javid’s “Iblis” at the Aghdam Mugham Center as part of Turkic World Week, while international congress guests toured the Imarat Historical and Architectural Complex after major restoration. Carpet Museum Meets Fashion: “Patterns of Time” fashion show debuted at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, with local designers creating new collections inspired by museum carpet motifs. Film Industry Boost: Azerbaijan Cinema Agency opened applications for a 2026 co-production support competition, prioritizing countries including Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia. Education & Youth: Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening of a new school building in Yevlakh, and Bir ecosystem signed a memo with Khazar University to expand internships and mentorship. Military Education Ties: Azerbaijan’s National Defence University hosted a Turkish National Defence University delegation to discuss joint military education cooperation. Activism Update: Appeals saw partial mitigation for activist Zamin Zaki, while another activist, Nijdad Ibrahim, remains out of contact with family.

Turkic World Week in Baku: An open-air concert at Seaside National Park brought together dance and music groups from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Türkiye, marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. Turkology & language scholarship: A panel on Turkic history and ideological approaches gathered scholars to discuss shared historical memory and scientific cooperation. Culture museum spotlight: The Carpet Museum opened the exhibition “Treasure of Culture: Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk,” linking language, history and art for modern audiences. Restoration in Sheki: Leyla Aliyeva reviewed plans to restore Muhammad Fuzuli Culture and Recreation Park, including the historic Summer Theatre. Education & learning: ADA hosted the 9th International Education Conference on pedagogical transformation, while new rules ban mobile phones and other devices during lessons in Azerbaijani schools. EU peace through connectivity: Ursula von der Leyen unveiled EU support for connectivity and border communities, aiming to turn peace “into practice.” Health cooperation: Soroka University Medical Center expanded partnerships with Azerbaijani hospitals in research and pediatrics. Energy & lifestyle: BSTDB plans solar investments, and Oba Corporation launched “Mega Sardines” in Azerbaijan.

Turkic World Week in Baku: An open-air concert at Seaside National Park brought Azerbaijani folk dance “Uzundara” and performances from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Türkiye, marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress. Turkology & language scholarship: A panel on “Views on Turkic History and Ideological Approaches” gathered scholars to discuss shared historical memory and scientific cooperation, with attention to Turkic ornamentation. Culture museum spotlight: The exhibition “Treasure of Culture: Dīwān Lughāt al-Turk” opened at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, linking language, history and art for modern audiences. Restoration in Sheki: Leyla Aliyeva reviewed reconstruction plans for Muhammad Fuzuli Culture and Recreation Park, including reviving the historic Summer Theatre. Education & teaching reform: The 9th ADA International Education Conference opened with discussions on AI, labor-market needs and building a modern education ecosystem. Healthcare cooperation: Soroka University Medical Center expanded partnerships with Azerbaijani hospitals and providers, including pediatrics and medical training. Energy & investment: BSTDB said it plans to finance solar power plants in Azerbaijan, while also eyeing logistics, tourism and education projects. Religious cooperation: OTS religious affairs chiefs held their first meeting in Shusha, launching a new cooperation mechanism. Public opinion: A national survey reported very high trust in President Ilham Aliyev, with 93.6% approving his performance. Health & lifestyle product news: Oba Corporation launched “Mega Sardines” in Azerbaijan, promoting metabolic wellness and “superfood” nutrition.

Religious Diplomacy in Shusha: Azerbaijan hosted the first meeting of heads of state bodies responsible for religious affairs of the Organization of Turkic States, launching a new cooperation mechanism focused on secular-state relations, religious education, heritage restoration, youth and interfaith dialogue, and a joint push against extremism in the digital sphere. Turkic Culture Spotlight: As part of Turkic World Week marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkology Congress, Baku hosted panels on Turkic languages and a broader international congress celebrating shared scientific and cultural heritage. Cinema Across Regions: The Azerbaijan Filmmakers Union kicks off “Cinema Days in Astara” (July 1–3) with screenings of feature films and documentaries, bringing national stories beyond Baku. Education Reform Watch: Kyrgyzstan moves to a 12-year school system, while Azerbaijan announces changes for teachers, including removing certification requirements for full-time teachers. Tourism & Food: Wego partners with the Azerbaijan Tourism Board to promote Baku, Shaki and Shahdag across MENA, and India’s Embassy launches a free Great Indian Mango Festival in Baku on July 5. Human Rights & Activism: Azerbaijan sentences an opposition activist to two years in prison, while civil rights activists in Iran’s Evin Prison reportedly begin a hunger strike over transfer conditions.

Mass Graves in Karabakh: Azerbaijani officials say 32 new mass graves were found, with remains of 893 people recovered; 327 identified by DNA and 226 returned to families, while 3,683 still remain missing. Child Payments Debate: Azerbaijan’s “child money” issue is back after Milli Majlis budget execution discussions, as analysts warn savings on social aid could worsen a demographic crisis. Turkic Language & Religion Events: A panel on the evolution of Turkic languages was held in Baku, and the first meeting of religious affairs leaders of Turkic states began in Shusha, focusing on education, heritage protection, and countering extremism. Digital Reform: A new Digital Development Council met under Mehriban Aliyeva to coordinate digitalization, AI, cybersecurity, and innovation, aiming to modernize public administration and attract investment. Cinema & Tourism Culture: The Filmmakers Union launches “Cinema Days in Astara” (July 1–3) with Azerbaijani film screenings, while Wego and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board promote Azerbaijan across MENA. Human Rights Pressure: Civil rights activists in Evin Prison reportedly began a hunger strike, and EU human-rights concerns are raised ahead of von der Leyen’s visit. Azerbaijan–India Lifestyle: India’s Embassy in Baku will host the first-ever Indian Mango Festival on July 5, with free entry and mango varieties plus mango-based dishes.

Turkic World Week (100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress): The week-long cultural and scientific program kicked off in Baku at the Heydar Aliyev Center, with President Ilham Aliyev’s message read out and Culture Minister Adil Karimli saying events will also continue in Shusha, Khankendi and Aghdam; the agenda includes international Turkology discussions and plans for a UNESCO-linked anniversary event in Paris. Digital policy push: Azerbaijan held the first meeting of the Digital Development Council under Mehriban Aliyeva, focusing on a 3-year roadmap for digitalization, AI, cybersecurity and an innovation ecosystem. Heritage in focus: A Bulbul memorial tribute concert marked the opera singer’s 129th birth anniversary at the Bulbul Memorial Museum, featuring theatre soloists and young performers. EU human-rights pressure: Imprisoned Azerbaijani activists urged EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to keep human rights central during her July 1 visit. Healthcare cooperation: Azerbaijan’s health minister met Latvia’s counterpart to expand medical education, research and digital transformation in healthcare. Port upgrade: APM Terminals Poti announced a new multipurpose mobile harbour crane to boost cargo handling capacity and efficiency.

Turkic World Week in Baku: Azerbaijan’s Culture Minister Adil Karimli and President Ilham Aliyev kicked off the Turkic World Week at the Heydar Aliyev Center, marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress and promising cultural-science events to continue in Shusha, Khankendi and Aghdam through July 3. Cultural Heritage & Arts: The Bulbul Memorial Museum hosted commemorations for the opera singer’s 129th birth anniversary, featuring performances by theatre soloists and young conservatory talent. Education & Community: Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva attended the Kindness Festival for teachers at the Central Botanical Garden, bringing together nearly 1,000 educators for workshops, performances and interactive activities. Digital Governance: Azerbaijan held the first meeting of the Digital Development Council under Mehriban Aliyeva, focusing on coordinating digitalization, AI, cybersecurity and innovation. Health Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Health Minister met Latvia’s counterpart to expand cooperation in medical education, research and digital transformation. Human Rights Watch: Ahead of Ursula von der Leyen’s planned visit, Azerbaijani political exiles urged the EU to put political prisoners and media freedom on the agenda. International Tensions: Azerbaijan again condemned Israel’s formal recognition of the Armenian genocide, calling it a distortion of historical facts.

Cultural Diplomacy in Baku: The 9th Youth Council meeting of the CICA Interparliamentary Assembly wrapped up in Baku with 120 delegates from 17 countries, focusing on how youth can help shape sustainable urban development, from air quality to resilient infrastructure. Maqom on the Global Stage: The 3rd International Maqom Art Forum in Namangan, Uzbekistan (June 23–27) brought together musicians, scholars, and officials for concerts, competitions, masterclasses, and cultural exchanges celebrating the region’s traditional music as a bridge between nations. Mountain Tourism Boost: Shahdag Tourism Center officially launched its 2026 summer season, expanding beyond winter sports with year-round outdoor recreation, family activities, and sports events. Nature & Heritage in Focus: Field research across the Shirvan Plain tracked plant cover, rare species, and accelerating ecological shifts, while Azerbaijan also marked Hasan bey Zardabi’s 189th birth anniversary, honoring the press pioneer’s legacy. Azerbaijani Cuisine Abroad: Azerbaijan’s dolma tradition took center stage in Paris via a hands-on masterclass at the Azerbaijani Embassy’s cultural center, with French participants learning grape-leaf dolma techniques. Education & Community Building: Registration opened for the 6th Teachers’ Networking Forum in Gakh on July 4, aiming to connect educators across regions around shared teaching values. Sports & Lifestyle in Baku: At Seaside National Park, new projects were presented including the renovated “Boulevard Sports Club” and the “WasteShark” floating water-cleaning device for Baku Bay.

Mountain Tourism: Shahdag Tourism Center officially kicked off its 2026 summer season, leaning into year-round nature travel, active recreation, and family-friendly outdoor experiences, with sports events planned to boost eco and mountain tourism. Ecology & Heritage of Place: Geobotany researchers studied the Shirvan Plain’s plant cover across several districts, tracking degradation, desertification pressures, and shifts in ecosystems—from saline communities to Artemisia and other vegetation changes. Education Growth: Undergraduate admissions rose 18% over four years, with 60,860 students taking up 98.4% of available places in 2025/26; master’s admissions also climbed to 14,335. Great Return in Education: Under the “Great Return” State Program, preschool and school education expanded in liberated territories, alongside the growth of Karabakh University, including new faculties and a clinic. Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan’s culinary heritage got a spotlight in Paris with a dolma masterclass at the Azerbaijani Embassy cultural center, led by food blogger Ulviyya Mammadli. Teaching Community: Registration opened for the 6th Teachers’ Networking Forum (July 4, Gakh), aiming to connect educators across regions around shared educational values. Academic Law & Sports/Tourism: Baku State University hosted master’s thesis defenses in Sports Law and Tourism Law, chaired by Azerbaijan Bar Association head Anar Baghirov. International Cultural Science: Azerbaijan’s National Academy of Sciences met Vatican Library and Archive officials, discussing cooperation amid renewed focus on protecting cultural heritage. Armed Forces Day Lifestyle: Seaside National Park ceremonies unveiled a renovated “Boulevard Sports Club” and the “WasteShark” floating water-cleaning device as part of recreation and environmental efforts.

Armed Forces Day in Azerbaijan: On 26 June, the Azerbaijan Army held events nationwide and abroad, starting with a minute of silence for Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs, and highlighting the army’s historical continuity from the 1918 Separate Azerbaijan Corps. Seaside National Park upgrades: Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attended ceremonies at Baku’s Seaside National Park, including the opening of the renovated “Boulevard Sports Club” (gym and padel courts) and the presentation of the “WasteShark” floating water-cleaning device for Baku Bay. Opera Days culture night: The 2nd Opera Days project brought a major concert, “Legacy Passed Down Through the Centuries,” to the Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, featuring symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists with Mozart and Verdi highlights. Azerbaijan Tango Festival finale: The El Calor en Baku – Azerbaijan Tango Festival wrapped up in Icherisheher with a closing concert honoring Carlos Gardel and performances by international tango stars. UFC in Baku spotlight: UFC signed a multi-year partnership with Azerbaijan’s Youth and Sports Ministry, with UFC Fight Night Baku set for 27 June, putting local MMA talent in the spotlight.

Seaside National Park Projects: Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva attended ceremonies in Baku for the renovated “Boulevard Sports Club” and the new “WasteShark” floating water-cleaning device, aimed at boosting recreation and improving Baku Bay’s water quality. Opera & Classical Music: The Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall hosted “A Legacy Passed Down Through the Centuries” as part of the 2nd Opera Days project, featuring symphony orchestra, choir, and soloists performing Mozart and Verdi highlights. Tango Culture: The Azerbaijan Tango Festival wrapped up with a grand finale in Baku’s Old City, including a concert by La Argenta Ensamble and performances by international tango stars. Sports Spotlight (UFC): UFC returns to Baku with a June 27 fight night; Matheus Camilo says local pressure will be on Nazim Sadykhov as he faces a home crowd at the National Gymnastics Arena. International Diplomacy (Azerbaijan–Italy): Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov spoke with Italy’s Antonio Tajani about expanding cooperation in trade, energy, transport, industry, investment, and education, with a business forum planned for autumn. Civic Space Debate: PACE adopted a resolution on Azerbaijan focused on silencing critical voices, including concerns over political prisoners, media pressure, and shrinking civic space.