The first stage of the selection process for the Microsoft World
Championship, in partnership with PASHA Bank, kicked off on May 23,
2026, with a hackathon.



This competition is an international examination format that
assesses digital literacy, knowledge, and skills in information
technology.


Organized by the Baku Design Academy, the event brings together
more than 400 participants from over 30 countries every year. This
prestigious world championship will take place in California on 27
July this year. For the first time, the Azerbaijani youth have
begun competing for the opportunity to represent the country on a
global stage.


Of over 200 applicants, 50 participants were selected to join
the hackathon. Twenty of them will advance to the next stage - the
international certification exam. The three finalists who
successfully pass the exam will travel to California and compete on
the world stage against representatives from 30 countries.



Speaking during the hackathon, PASHA Bank Marketing Department
Director Gunel Mavliyarova highlighted the importance of such
events for the development of the younger generation.


“International programs help expand both our knowledge and
professional experience. Such initiatives create new perspectives
and development opportunities. The world is changing rapidly, and
the key is to be able to adapt to these changes. Programs like this
help exactly with that,” Mavliyarova said.








It should be noted that each stage of the process provides
participants not only with competition experience but also with the
opportunity to obtain an official Microsoft Excel international
certification and join a global professional network.


The project is organized by the Baku Design Academy, sponsored
by PASHA Bank, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, and the ASAN Innovative Development Center, and
implemented in partnership with Certiport/Pearson and
Microsoft.


PASHA Bank continuously supports initiatives aimed at youth
development, enhancing digital knowledge and skills, and expanding
access to international platforms. The Bank considers human capital
development one of the key pillars of sustainable development and
contributes to projects focused on innovation, technology, and
modern professional skills for young people.