The 3rd Education Managers Forum Held in Baku

The 3rd Education Managers Forum Held in Baku

On December 20, the 3rd Education Managers Forum was held in Baku, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan State University of Economics and the Hedef Companies Group.

Following the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the heroic martyrs was honored with a one-minute moment of silence.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics Adalat Muradov, Founder Director of the Hedef Companies Group and Project Leader of the Forum Shamil Sadiq, Rector of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University Jafar Jafarov, Head of the Academy of the State Customs Committee Gulu Novruzov, and Member of Parliament Mehriban Valiyeva emphasized that education managers forums, which have gained continuity and public attention, are a significant event in the country’s academic and educational life.

It was highlighted that the forum, which focuses on innovation, digitalization, and effective management models in education, serves as an important platform bringing together education leaders and presenting the most актуal trends and innovative approaches from local and international experts. Discussing the problems and prospects of the education sector—one that requires continuous reforms—at such forums plays a crucial role in defining clear development roadmaps.

It was noted that digitalization and the application of artificial intelligence in education are realities of our time, and technology is no longer merely an auxiliary field but the very foundation of modern education models. In the technological era, education is measured not by space but by thinking, and opportunities to create technology-rich, integrated learning environments are expanding.

Within the framework of the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” declared in the country, the 3rd Education Managers Forum brought together a total of 14 local and international speakers and hundreds of participants. The forum aimed to respond to the challenges of new education governance, discuss innovative management practices in schools and higher education institutions, and seek pathways for sustainable development in education. Today, education management is no longer limited to administrative functions; it has evolved into a strategic leadership field that ensures the formation of human capital, the creation of a quality education ecosystem, and the implementation of long-term national development strategies. In this regard, platforms like the Education Managers Forum are of special importance for collectively addressing modern challenges.

Shamil Sadiq, the ideologist and project leader of the forum, emphasized that the reforms carried out in education and the modern values introduced require both public and private sector education professionals to adapt. He noted that while pedagogical and methodological work is being done, education management as a scientific and practical field remains insufficient. A good education manager means a good school, as not every good teacher can be a good manager due to the demands of modern governance.

Held under the slogan “Let’s Shape the Education Model of the Future Together,” the forum featured speeches by:

• Honored Teacher and Professor at the Amonaşvili Humanistic Pedagogy Academy Asif Jahangirov on “New Approaches to the Education of Generation Alpha”;

• Acting Director of the Education Institute of Azerbaijan Elnur Aliyev on “The Impact of Assessment Results on Real Teaching Changes and the Role of School Leaders”;

• Head of HR at TheClub LLC (PASHA Group) Arzu Musayeva on “The Application of Technology in HR and Its Impact on Education Managers”;

• Executive Director of the Modern Education Complex Tural Abbasov on “Modern School Management: Innovative Approaches and Technology Integration in Education.”

Following the speeches, the Eduventos online education platform was presented.

Within the forum, panel discussions were held on “Effective Education Management: Challenges and Opportunities of Modern School Leadership,” “Financial Sustainability in Education and Effective Budget Management,” and “Artificial Intelligence in Education: Opportunities and Future Perspectives.” Participants discussed current problems in education and proposed practical solutions.

Special appreciation was expressed to the main organizer, the Hedef Companies Group, which has been operating for 15 years and has established itself as a national education brand. The Hedef brand encompasses STEAM lyceums, kindergartens, preparation centers, publishing houses, technology and consulting companies, career and development centers, and creativity centers.

A Education Technologies Exhibition was also organized within the forum, showcasing interactive teaching technologies, digital education platforms, LMS systems, ICT-based management tools, robotics, STEAM and VR/AR learning environments, and smart devices. Opened under the slogan “Discover the Future of Education,” the exhibition was highly valued as a platform for innovation and collaboration.

The forum concluded with a closing speech by Project Executor, PhD in History, Associate Professor Elvin Aliyev. Gifts were presented to speakers and participants, and a commemorative photo was taken.

The forum was broadcast live on “Təhsil TV.”
The 4th Education Managers Forum will be held in 2026.