BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 28. On April 28, PASHA
Holding and SOCAR in strategic partnership with IE University, with
the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the
Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of
Understanding to collaborate on the establishment of the IE Hub for
Leadership and Innovation in Baku, Trend reports.


The initiative aims to create a regional platform for leadership
development, innovation, and international collaboration,
supporting Azerbaijan’s human capital development.


The planned Hub will host executive education programs, global
events, and research initiatives, with a focus on key areas such as
digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and sustainable
development. The partnership also seeks to advance educational
excellence and support institutional capacity through collaboration
with national stakeholders. As part of the collaboration, there are
also envisaged tailored education programs to support the
professional development of employees of SOCAR and PASHA
Holding.


In his speech, the Minister of Science and Education, Emin
Amrullayev, noted that this initiative is an important step toward
improving the lives and professional activities of Azerbaijani
youth and specialists, and an overall valuable contribution to
education in Azerbaijan. Expressing his gratitude to all parties
involved in the establishment of the center, Emin Amrullayev stated
that this collaboration is a successful example of partnership
between the state, the private sector, and the business industry,
and a logical continuation of previous successful joint efforts. In
his remarks, the Minister also expressed confidence that the
initiative will expand networking opportunities for Azerbaijani
professionals and create conditions for their more active
participation on global platforms. In conclusion, Emin Amrullayev
emphasized that the main goal is to make higher education more
accessible, affordable, and internationally competitive.


First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev noted that
initiatives aimed at strengthening human capital and addressing
challenges such as artificial intelligence and digital
transformation represent strategic investments in innovation-driven
development. In this context, expanding international education
opportunities is of particular importance. Based on the agreement
reached between PASHA Holding, SOCAR, and Spain’s IE University,
the establishment of the IE Center for Leadership and Innovation in
Azerbaijan will contribute to the application of international
experience and the enhancement of modern knowledge and skills.


In his speech, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf stated that SOCAR
places great importance on the development of human capital, noting
that the company is contributing to the implementation of this
initiative through its experience and capabilities.


He emphasized that the main goal of this project is to bring
internationally recognized knowledge, skills, and leadership
competencies to Azerbaijan and make them accessible, as well as to
support the development of leaders with a broad vision in the
country.







Santiago Íñiguez de Onzoño, Executive President of IE
University, added: "At IE University, we express our sincere
appreciation to PASHA Holding and Socar for their vision, belief,
and steadfast support in advancing this initiative. Together, we
are laying the foundations for a hub that will nurture leadership,
innovation, and global collaboration in Azerbaijan. This
partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering talent,
strengthening institutions, and shaping a more dynamic and
competitive future."


Commenting on the initiative, the CEO of PASHA Holding, Jalal
Gasimov, mentioned: “For PASHA Holding, this initiative is deeply
personal on three levels. It is an expression of our purpose — to
strengthen human capital in Azerbaijan and across the Caucasus and
Central Asia. This is a region of nearly 100 million people at a
pivotal moment in its story, and we feel a real responsibility to
contribute to that future, not just observe it.


It reflects our belief in leadership — not as a title, but as a
practice. And it speaks to who we are — a company that is deeply
international in its partnerships and deeply Azerbaijani in its
roots. From correspondent account partnership with BNY and
Raiffeisen to affiliation with WEF to hotel management partnerships
with Four Seasons, Marriott Group, and One&Only, and equity
partnership with Kerzner Group and NRI for real estate development
in NY state, we have always believed that global connection and
local commitment are not in tension. They strengthen each other.
Our partnership with IE University is exactly that.”


Established in 2006, PASHA Holding is one of the leading
conglomerates in Azerbaijan operating across a diverse range of
sectors, including banking, insurance, fintech, real estate, retail
grocery, agriculture etc. With a workforce of more than 25,000
employees and total assets exceeding USD 18 billion, the Group has
a growing international footprint. PASHA Holding currently operates
in six countries: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Georgia,
Montenegro, and the United States.


SOCAR, a global energy company headquartered in Azerbaijan,
specializes in the extraction, processing, and distribution of
energy resources. As a large integrated energy enterprise, the
company has a significant presence worldwide, underscoring its
importance in various international markets.