AGP Executive Report

Hijab & School Uniforms: A dispute in Sumqayit has reignited debate after hijab-wearing students were reportedly barred from a public school under newly tightened uniform rules, raising questions about religious expression in secular education. Lahore Case Returns Home: Azerbaijani woman Diana Baghiyeva was sent back to Baku under police escort after refusing to board a flight, adding fresh twists to an alleged Lahore gang-rape case. Culture on Stage: Azerbaijan’s Musical Theatre premiered a rock-style “Shahmaran” production, reworking the Turkic legend with Omar Khayyam lyrics and modern themes. Tech Meets Culture: Teknofest Southeast wrapped in Şanlıurfa, spotlighting humanoid robots, “halay dance” performances, and culture-tech energy. EU Food Diplomacy: In Baku, the EU’s “Taste of Europe” Culinary Festival returned for its fourth edition, with European embassies hosting tastings, masterclasses, and music. Heritage & Memory: People’s Writer Ilyas Afandiyev was commemorated at his grave, with speakers highlighting his role in shaping Azerbaijani language, identity, and the Garabagh theme. Refugee Education Alarm: UNHCR warned that 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with funding cuts threatening further losses—especially for girls moving into secondary education.

Military & Security: Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan held the “Power of Unity-2026” exercise in Azerbaijan’s Hojavend, with 3,500 troops rehearsing drone warfare, electronic attacks, border incidents and sea operations, using unmanned vehicles, artillery and aviation. Education & Rights: Azerbaijan’s updated school dress rules have sparked international attention after reports of girls barred for wearing headscarves; Turkey’s Erdoğan criticized headscarf bans at the UN, while Ankara has not publicly answered Azerbaijan’s case. Culture & Literature: Ilyas Afandiyev was commemorated at Baku’s Alley of Honor on the 30th anniversary of his death, with speakers highlighting his role in expressing national identity and the Garabagh theme. Heritage & Arts: Dresden hosted an international symposium on “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud,” with Azerbaijani scholars and partners discussing research and digitization of the Dresden manuscript. EU Lifestyle: In Baku, the EU Delegation’s “Taste of Europe” Culinary Festival (with multiple member-state embassies) brought European food, music and masterclasses as part of the 30-year EU-Azerbaijan partnership celebrations. Community & Multiculturalism: Tbilisoba-2026 in Georgia included a dedicated Azerbaijani corner featuring Borchali carpets, cuisine and dance performances. Humanitarian Watch: UNHCR warned that 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with funding cuts threatening further setbacks, especially for girls transitioning to secondary education.

Regional Security Drills: Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan held the “Power of Unity-2026” exercise in Hojavend, rehearsing drone swarms, cyberattacks, electronic warfare, border incidents and sea operations with 3,500+ troops and 130+ unmanned vehicles. Culture & Food Diplomacy: The EU Delegation in Baku launched the 4th “Taste of Europe” Culinary Festival, while “European Delights” brings EU embassies’ cuisines, masterclasses and music to visitors. Diaspora & Community Life: Tbilisoba-2026 in Tbilisi featured a “Tbilisi Diversity” fair with an Azerbaijani community corner, including Borchali carpets and Azerbaijani dance performances. Literature Commemoration: Baku marked People’s Writer Ilyas Afandiyev’s 30th death anniversary at the Alley of Honor, highlighting his role in Azerbaijani language, identity and the Garabagh theme. Heritage in Focus Abroad: A Dresden symposium examined the epic “Kitabi-Dede Gorgud,” with Azerbaijan’s embassy and the Azerbaijan University of Languages supporting research and digitization of the Dresden manuscript. Education Warning: UNHCR reported 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with funding cuts threatening further setbacks—especially for girls moving into secondary school.

Refugee Education Crisis: UNHCR says 5.8 million refugee children were out of school in 2025, with funding cuts threatening to reverse progress—especially at the secondary level, where girls face the sharpest drop-off. Cultural Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s State Academic National Drama Theater and Moldova’s Eugene Ionesco National Theater signed a cooperation memorandum, aiming to deepen international ties through theatre. Fashion & Heritage: Azerbaijan marked Paris Fashion Week with “Fashion Culture Day in Paris,” showcasing outfits rooted in carpet weaving and national ornamental motifs. Arts Funding: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency approved five international co-production projects, backing stories spanning Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, and more. Regional Security Talks: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia’s defense chiefs met in Shusha, stressing Caucasus security as inseparable and highlighting joint exercises and training. Human Rights Pressure: Azerbaijani political prisoners and human rights defenders appealed to international bodies to cover all cases of alleged politically motivated persecution, citing hundreds of political prisoners. Tourism Access: New direct Brussels–Baku flights are planned from May 8, 2027, with hopes of boosting European awareness of Azerbaijan.

Human Rights & Advocacy: Azerbaijani political prisoners and human rights groups in exile urged international bodies to focus on the full pattern of politically motivated persecution in Azerbaijan, warning against “diluting” Council of Europe standards. Armenian Heritage in Focus: New reporting and appeals highlight disputes over Armenian cultural sites in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh, including claims around Dadivank khachkars and frescoes and calls for Interpol to review origins and removal circumstances. Arts & Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency fully covered the tuition of filmmaker Afaq Yusifli studying fiction/documentary producing at the University of Melbourne. Fashion & Heritage: Azerbaijan showcased carpet motifs and ornamental arts at Paris Fashion Week’s “Fashion Culture Day in Paris,” bringing embassy-backed designers and diplomats together. Sports & Judo: The IJF Executive Committee met in Baku ahead of the 2026 World Judo Championships, praising Azerbaijan’s support and judo traditions. Regional Security Talks: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia held a trilateral defense ministers meeting in Shusha, stressing Caucasus security links and expanding joint exercises. Film Co-Productions: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency approved five international co-production projects under a new support competition. Tourism & Travel: New direct Brussels–Baku flights are planned from May 2027, aiming to boost European awareness of Azerbaijan.

Fashion & Heritage: Azerbaijan brought its carpet motifs and decorative arts to Paris Fashion Week via “Fashion Culture Day in Paris,” turning traditional patterns into contemporary silhouettes at the Azerbaijani Embassy cultural center. Film & Co-productions: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency funded five international co-production projects under its first Joint Film Production Support Competition, backing titles with partners across Türkiye, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria and more. Media & Trust: Baku hosted the CICA Media Forum on “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World,” with panels stressing objective journalism, intercultural dialogue, and media literacy amid disinformation. Arts Diplomacy: A Moldova–Azerbaijan theater cooperation memorandum paves the way for joint performances, festivals, tours and professional exchanges. Language & Culture Abroad: Azerbaijani language classes resumed at Peking University, while Georgia plans higher state funding for Azerbaijani cultural institutions in Tbilisi. Energy & Lifestyle: Azerbaijan reported 61+ bcm of gas delivered to Europe via TAP, alongside growing Azerbaijan–Greece trade ties.

CICA Media Forum in Baku: Delegates toured the Heydar Aliyev Center and held bilateral talks on media cooperation, media literacy, and fighting disinformation, as Azerbaijan hosted panels on “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World.” Language & culture education: Azerbaijani language classes resumed at Peking University, while Azerbaijani language teaching also drew attention at a Language Fair in Sofia. Mugham & music scene: The International Mugham Center staged a gala linked to the 18th Uzeyir Hajibeyli festival, featuring winners of an international composition competition and new works alongside classics. AI in public life: Azerbaijan’s Digital Development Ministry signed a memorandum with SpaceXAI to explore Grok-based models for public services and digital transformation. Travel & lifestyle perks: Kiwitaxi partnered with Azerbaijan Airlines to add pre-booked airport transfers to the AZAL Miles program. Heritage debate: TAAL demanded UNESCO accountability over alleged destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh, keeping cultural heritage politics in the spotlight. Regional cooperation: OTS Secretary General discussed Turkic-world connectivity and the Middle Corridor’s growth during a CAMCA forum in Baku.

Cultural Diplomacy & Media: At Baku’s CICA Media Forum, officials from Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Jordan and others discussed how media can build trust and social cohesion in a polarized world, with CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay highlighting progress under Azerbaijan’s 2024–2026 chairmanship. Education Exchange: Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education chief Erol Özvar visited Türkiye-Azerbaijan University, touring labs and meeting students and staff. Regional Connectivity Forum: Baku hosted the CAMCA Regional Forum, focusing on investment, trade, transport corridors, green finance, AI, fintech, education, tourism and media. Defense Industry & Training: During ADEX-2026, Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister met UK and Slovak counterparts, while Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed defense-industry cooperation deals worth over $500M, including 14 Hürkuş-II trainer aircraft. Arts & Heritage: The 18th Uzeyir Hajibeyli Music Festival wrapped up in Baku, and MEMİM’s “Pearls of Art” lecture-concert project continued at Khazar University. Tourism Spotlight: Azerbaijan promoted its “Silk Road to Ski Slopes” tourism brand at Euronews’ Travel & Tourism Summit in Brussels. Press Freedom Concern: Human rights groups urged medical access and release for imprisoned Meydan TV journalist Aytaj Tapdig, citing serious respiratory health issues. Minority Rights: A Talysh activist, Hafiz Ismayilov, was detained in Azerbaijan on alleged incitement charges, linked by activists to criticism of Talysh arrests.

ADEX-2026 Defense Education Deal: Azerbaijan signed a memorandum on cooperation in higher education, personnel training, scientific research and technology for the defense industry during ADEX-2026, aiming to link universities, enterprises and research centers. Azerbaijan–Türkiye Defense Boost: Türkiye and Azerbaijan inked defense contracts worth over $500M, including Hürkuş-II trainer aircraft and systems for drones, radar and coastal defense. Azerbaijan–Iran Military Talks: Iranian defense officials met Azerbaijan’s top military leadership at ADEX-2026 to discuss cooperation in military, military-technical, education and medical fields. Human Rights & Media Health: The Raoul Wallenberg Centre urged Azerbaijan to ensure medical treatment and release imprisoned Meydan TV journalist Aytaj Tapdig, citing serious breathing issues. Ethnic Minority Case in Baku: Talysh activist Hafiz Ismailov, detained after criticizing arrests of Talysh activists, faces charges tied to inciting hatred. Culture & Language: Khagani Shirvani’s 900th anniversary was marked with a literary and musical event at the International Mugham Center, while Azerbaijani language teaching expanded in Bishkek schools. Tourism Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s tourism brand promoted “Silk Road to ski slopes” experiences at Euronews Travel & Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels.

Uzeyir Hajibayli legacy in focus: MEMİM’s “Pearls of Art” lecture-concert returned to Khazar University, spotlighting the composer’s cultural impact and passing his musical legacy to students. Interfaith culture diplomacy: Leyla Aliyeva attended the Vatican opening of an Azerbaijani carpet exhibition under “Heavenly Religions,” framed as a dialogue bridge among Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Language exchange in education: Kyrgyzstan’s Bishkek schools will teach Azerbaijani via a newly arrived teacher, while Kyrgyz language teaching will be reciprocated in Azerbaijan. Higher education visibility: Azerbaijan’s presence in the THE World University Rankings 2027 grew to five universities, with Azerbaijan Medical University entering for the first time. Clean sport education: Azerbaijan’s Anti-Doping Agency joined a Council of Europe education meeting in London to share skills on preventing doping risks. Diaspora and youth ties: Azerbaijani students in Malaysia met embassy officials to discuss academic life and diaspora solidarity. Community growth: Baku’s Jewish School No. 46 reported steady enrollment growth, topping 100 students in its Jewish education program.

Interfaith & Culture Diplomacy: Leyla Aliyeva met Vatican officials and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad as the Holy See opened an Azerbaijani carpets exhibition dedicated to Judaism, Christianity and Islam, framed as a dialogue project rooted in Azerbaijan’s weaving heritage. Education & Youth Abroad: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan agreed to expand human-capital cooperation for study abroad, while Azerbaijani students in Malaysia met embassy officials to discuss diaspora work and national solidarity. Campus & Language Life: German Ambassador Dirk Lölke visited Azerbaijan University of Languages to discuss exchanges and joint research, and Azerbaijani language and culture were showcased at a Language Fair in Sofia with a “Find the Similarities!” word game. Sport & Clean Sport: AMADA joined a Council of Europe anti-doping education meeting in London focused on training specialists and preventing unintentional doping. Community Growth: Baku’s Jewish school program passed 100 students, with officials praising the community’s role in Azerbaijan’s tradition of coexistence. Policy & Rights: Azerbaijan approved new state school uniform rules that effectively restrict headscarves, while UNHCR warned funding cuts could leave 8.3 million refugees without protection. Regional Security Cooperation: The Organization of Turkic States is moving toward more regular security council consultations, with Azerbaijan highlighting a “common security architecture.”

School & Secularism: Azerbaijan’s Cabinet approved new state-school uniform rules that effectively restrict headscarves by banning clothing additions deemed inconsistent with uniform standards and secular education. Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan promoted its cultural and tourism potential at Peru’s Lima International Fair of Culture, Tourism, and Education, drawing major local attention. Interfaith Film in Europe: Leyla Aliyeva attended the Rome presentation of the documentary “Harmony,” produced with Azerbaijani religious and media institutions, spotlighting tolerance through the lives of three women from different faiths. Heritage & Memory: A UN framework conference in New York discussed the “Right of Return and Decolonization,” focusing on the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis by Armenia and safe, dignified return mechanisms. Sports in the Region: The CIS Council decided the IV CIS Games will be held in Kyrgyzstan in 2027, with Bishkek nominated as “Sports Capital of the Commonwealth.” Arts & Museums: Ramana Castle in Baku reopened under a new museum concept, “A Window to History,” using multimedia and new sections on medieval life and defenses. Lifestyle: Azerbaijan’s tea culture was showcased at the Brussels Tea Festival 2026 with ceremonies, tastings, and national sweets.

Azerbaijani Tea on the World Stage: Azerbaijan’s tea culture made waves at the Brussels Tea Festival 2026, with a dedicated booth offering traditional tastings, ceremonies, and national sweets to visitors from across Europe and beyond. Remembrance Day in Baku: On Sept. 27, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education visited Victory Park, laying flowers at the Victory Monument to honor martyrs from the 44-day Patriotic War. Music & Heritage in Shusha: “Karabakh Night – Shusha” returned to the city as a charity concert during the Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, spotlighting Shusha’s musical traditions and the cultural life of the region. Museum Upgrade at Ramana Castle: Ramana Castle reopened under a new “A Window to History” museum concept, blending medieval exhibits with multimedia tech and archaeological finds from 2024–2026. Education & Skills Boost: Azerbaijan’s education delegation took part in the Council of Europe’s Steering Committee for Education, while Baku Engineering University ran an entrepreneurship training featuring AI and startup culture. International Recognition: Azerbaijan’s team won a “Medal of Excellence” in cybersecurity at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, underlining growing vocational talent.

Arts & Memory: In Baku, Katy Perry faced sharp backlash over a performance accused of “whitewashing” the Artsakh genocide, as debate over culture, politics, and symbolism spills into Azerbaijan’s public stage. Charity & Heritage: Shusha hosted “Karabakh Night – Shusha” charity concert with officials and cultural figures as part of the 18th Uzeyir Hajibayli International Music Festival, marking Remembrance Day with a minute of silence. Carpet Culture: Azerbaijan’s National Carpet Museum welcomed Tajikistan’s PM delegation, highlighting UNESCO recognition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving and new cross-cultural exhibitions. Museums Diplomacy: The UAE embassy in Azerbaijan ran a museum-focused cultural event on UAE and Azerbaijan heritage, aiming to strengthen cultural exchange and tourism ties. Education & Sustainability: UI GreenMetric 2026 results announced in Baku ranked Lagos State University top in West Africa for sustainability, underscoring the growing global spotlight on greener campuses. Energy & Lifestyle: XRG announced the Final Investment Decision for Absheron offshore gas expansion, with production targeted for 2029—another reminder that Azerbaijan’s lifestyle news is increasingly tied to its energy future. International Dialogue: UNAOC’s Group of Friends met in New York with Azerbaijan and Turkic partners, stressing cultural diplomacy as a tool against polarization and for long-term peace.

Remembrance Day in Baku: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education visited Victory Park, laid flowers at the Victory Monument, and honored martyrs who died for the country’s territorial integrity. UN crime policy talks: The 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi (Day Two) focused on practical responses to cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, corruption, and the responsible use of digital tools and AI. Energy & investment: UAE-linked XRG announced the Final Investment Decision for the Absheron offshore gas expansion (30% stake), targeting production start in 2029 and boosting Caspian gas exports via the Southern Gas Corridor. Human capital push: Azerbaijan’s labor minister said skills and human capital are central to long-term development, citing expanded employment, self-employment, vocational training, and digitalized social services. Cultural diplomacy: UNAOC’s Group of Friends met in New York with Azerbaijan and TURKSOY, stressing cultural heritage protection and dialogue to prevent conflict. Heritage on display: The National Carpet Museum hosted Tajikistan’s PM’s delegation, highlighting UNESCO-listed Azerbaijani carpet weaving and cultural exchange through exhibitions. Diaspora remembrance: Azerbaijani communities in Georgia held “Those Who Live Forever” in Marneuli to pass martyrs’ stories to younger generations.

Remembrance & Diaspora Culture: In Marneuli, Azerbaijanis in Georgia marked Sept. 27 Remembrance Day with “Those Who Live Forever,” featuring a minute of silence and speeches aimed at passing martyrs’ stories to younger generations. Human Rights & Displacement: Three years after Ruben Vardanyan’s arrest near the Hakari bridge, coverage revisits the detention of Artsakh figures and the long legal process described by their defense. Cultural Diplomacy: UNAOC’s Group of Friends met in New York with Azerbaijan and Turkic partners, stressing cultural dialogue, heritage protection, and preventive diplomacy. Turkic Heritage Spotlight: TÜRKSOY chief Sultan Raev highlighted the shared cultural values of the Turkic world and pointed to the World Nomad Games as a global peace platform. Energy & Lifestyle Economy: XRG announced a Final Investment Decision for Absheron offshore gas expansion, with production targeted for 2029—another signal of Azerbaijan’s regional energy role. Museums & Heritage Exchange: UAE and Azerbaijan held a cultural event on how museums preserve heritage and strengthen cultural exchange, while Tajik officials visited Baku’s National Carpet Museum. Education & Skills: Azerbaijan’s leadership and labor officials emphasized human capital and education as long-term priorities, alongside digitalization of public services. Sustainability in Higher Ed: UI GreenMetric 2026 results were announced in Baku, with Lagos State University retaining top West Africa status. Tourism & Regional Appeal: Azerbaijan Tourism Board CEO said tourism growth is not just Baku—regions, culture, heritage, and projects like Sea Breeze are key. Sports Culture: F1 coverage notes Azerbaijan GP 2026’s Saturday race and George Russell’s win in Baku.