The opening ceremony of the “AZEMBA” programme of IE
University’s Center for Leadership and Innovation was held in Baku
on September 21. The programme is being implemented within the
framework of a strategic partnership between PASHA Holding, SOCAR
and Spain’s IE University, with the support of the Ministry of
Science and Education and the Ministry of Economy of the Republic
of Azerbaijan.
The “AZEMBA” programme aims to contribute to the development of
leadership skills in Azerbaijan, strengthen human capital and bring
international expertise to the country. Participants will receive
internationally oriented education in areas including digital
transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development,
innovation, leadership and modern management. The programme will
also support the integration of Azerbaijani professionals into the
global academic and business ecosystem, while expanding access to
advanced educational opportunities in the country.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Jalal Gasimov, CEO of PASHA
Holding, said:
“The start of education for the first cohort of participants
marks another stage in PASHA Holding’s long-term investment in
human capital, which is a core part of our people philosophy. We
believe that the economic and business environment of the future
will be shaped not only by technology and financial capital, but
also by leaders who can manage change, embrace new approaches and
combine international experience with local realities. I am
confident that the participants of ‘AZEMBA’ will use the knowledge
and experience they gain to foster new ways of thinking and new
approaches within their organisations, while also contributing to
society and the sustainable development of our economy.”
Noting that SOCAR is rapidly and systematically transforming
from a traditional oil and gas company into a diversified and
integrated energy company, Zaur Gurbanov, Vice President of SOCAR,
said:
“The real value of the ‘AZEMBA’ programme will not be measured
solely by the number of its graduates, but by how effectively the
knowledge, ideas and new perspectives gained through the programme
are translated into better decisions, stronger teams and new
initiatives. Our expectation is not simply for participants to
complete an MBA programme and receive a diploma. We expect them to
return with new questions, new perspectives and different
approaches to existing ways of working. We believe that
participants will become people who contribute to the dissemination
of knowledge within their organisations and representatives of a
new generation of leadership.”
The start of education for the first cohort marks the next stage
of the strategic partnership between PASHA Holding, SOCAR and IE
University, signed in April 2026. More than 850 applications were
received for the programme, with 40 participants selected for the
first cohort following the selection process.
PASHA Holding, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year,
is one of Azerbaijan’s leading business groups, operating across
banking, insurance, fintech, real estate, retail, agriculture and
other sectors. With more than 25,000 employees and assets exceeding
USD 18 billion, the Holding continues to expand its international
presence. PASHA Holding currently operates in Azerbaijan,
Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Georgia, Montenegro and the United States.
SOCAR is a global integrated energy company headquartered in
Azerbaijan. The company operates across various segments of the
energy value chain, from oil and gas exploration and production to
refining, petrochemicals, transportation, trading and distribution.
With a broad international footprint, SOCAR contributes to the
energy security of Azerbaijan and its strategic partners while
promoting sustainable development.
