Education minister meets Azerbaijani students receiving higher education abroad during Paris visit PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, met with Azerbaijani doctoral students studying in France and other Western European countries during his ongoing visit to Paris.

The meeting took place at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in France, where Amrullayev highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to advancing science and education, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry's press release.

He provided insights into recent higher education reforms and innovations, emphasizing opportunities at the newly established Karabakh University and the extension of the state scholarship program for education abroad until 2028, which includes a dedicated quota for doctoral students.

The minister provided students with the opportunities to ask questions and exchange views on their academic and research prospects, with Amrullayev encouraging them to contribute to Azerbaijan’s scientific and educational development after completing their studies.

In the course of his Paris visit, the minister also participated in the Global Ministerial Dialogue at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on March 26, focused on "Scientific Diplomacy in a Rapidly Changing World – Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women." The event brought together ministers, policymakers, and experts to discuss the role of scientific diplomacy in fostering international cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development amid global challenges.

Amrullayev met with Lydia Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, within the framework of the UNESCO meeting to explore joint projects and institutional partnerships in natural sciences. They also discussed integrating climate literacy indicators into the International Student Assessment Program (PISA) as part of an agreement between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education and the OECD reached during the COP29 that was hosted in Baku.

Additionally, the Azerbaijani delegation received the opportunity to meet with Morocco’s Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation, Azzedine El-Midaoui, to review current collaborations and explore future opportunities in science and higher education.

By Nazrin Sadigova