On May 6, the Azerbaijan State University of Economics hosted an
event titled “Discover IsDB: Opportunities for Youth” within the
framework of the Youth Roadshow initiative of the Islamic
Development Bank Group.
Serving as a preparatory platform ahead of the IsDB Annual
Meetings and the 14th Youth Development Forum, scheduled to be held
in Baku in June 2026, the event aimed to enhance young people’s
awareness of the Bank’s activities, the operational mechanisms of
international development institutions, and the global
opportunities available within this sphere.
Opening the forum, IsDB Department Manager Ahmed Faruk Diken
welcomed the participants and delivered a comprehensive
presentation on the Bank’s youth development strategy, ongoing
initiatives targeting youth empowerment, the Global Youth Forum,
and the significance of the forthcoming international events.
In his address, UNEC Vice-Rector for Administrative and
Organizational Affairs, Associate Professor Shaig Asgarov
underscored the strategic importance of such platforms in fostering
the development of future leaders, strengthening integration within
the academic community, and encouraging interinstitutional
collaboration among young people representing various higher
education institutions. He further highlighted the longstanding
partnership between Azerbaijan and the IsDB, founded on mutual
trust and cooperation, emphasizing the special role this
collaboration occupies within UNEC’s expanding engagement with
international organizations.
The event also featured presentations by IsDB representatives,
including Division Manager and UNEC alumnus Elvin Afandi, alongside
Ali Riza Kayar, Dina Moussa, Mohamed Abdeltavab, Khalid Al
Qabasani, Zeynab Alsayed, and Rahmalia Devita, who delivered
insightful presentations on the Bank’s scholarship schemes and the
career opportunities offered through the Young Professionals
Program (YPP). The presentation delivered by young UNEC lecturer
Zulfugar Ibrahimov, an IsDB scholarship recipient, was received
with particular interest by the participants.
During the interactive “Fireside Chat” session, representatives
of the Bank shared their professional experiences and success
stories, motivating participants to pursue careers within the field
of international development and global cooperation.
At the conclusion of the forum, participants were encouraged to
actively engage in the global events scheduled for June 16 and were
provided with detailed guidance regarding the registration
process.
The event is scheduled to continue on May 7.
