Azerbaijan hosts Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025 to boost digital literacy, cyber awareness PHOTO

On April 23, Azerbaijan’s capital Baku hosted the Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025, a significant event aimed at enhancing digital literacy and promoting cybersecurity awareness among the youth.

The forum was organised with the support of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the Electronic Security Service under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Centre, and the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organisations' Union, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The event took place at the Baku Convention Center and began with a solemn opening ceremony, which included the performance of the national anthem of Azerbaijan. A moment of silence was observed to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The opening speeches were delivered by key figures, including Gadir Khalilov, Acting Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation; Elvin Shahverdiyev, Deputy Head of the Electronic Security Service; Shahmar Hajiyahyayev, Head of the Information Security Department at the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center; and Rashad Zeynalov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organisations' Union. In their remarks, they emphasised the importance of youth involvement in cybersecurity, highlighted the significance of the forum in fostering future development, and wished the participants success in their endeavors. 

The official part of the forum concluded with a musical performance by students from the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, offering a cultural touch to the event. The forum featured a series of panel discussions led by experts in the field of cybersecurity. The sessions covered critical topics such as "Artificial Intelligence and the Human Factor: New Changes and Risks in Cybersecurity" and "Cybersecurity: Innovative Approaches to Programming and Data Protection." 

The overarching goal of the forum was to increase digital literacy among young people, instill a culture of cybersecurity, and introduce the latest technological advancements in the field. Additionally, the event aimed to contribute to the strengthening of Azerbaijan's national cybersecurity infrastructure, enhancing knowledge and skills related to cyber defence, and fostering a resilient national cybersecurity ecosystem.

By Naila Huseynova