KOAZ Annual Ceremony 2025

KOAZ Annual Ceremony 2025 KOAZ Annual Ceremony 2025 https://innews.media/en/news/id-53819

The KOICA Alumni Association of Azerbaijan (KOAZ), in collaboration with the KOICA Office in Azerbaijan, successfully hosted the KOAZ Annual Ceremony 2025 in Baku.

Opening remarks were delivered by H.E. Kang Kymgu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Azerbaijan, who expressed his appreciation to all partners and alumni for their continued efforts in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Mrs. Hwang Sulim, Country Director of the KOICA Azerbaijan Office, also conveyed her gratitude to KOAZ members and partners for their active engagement and contribution to promoting KOICA’s mission, emphasizing the shared commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and human resource capacity building between Korea and Azerbaijan.

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of KOAZ members who implemented impactful initiatives that reflect how alumni continue to apply the knowledge and experience gained through KOICA programs to benefit communities in Azerbaijan.

Under the Share Your CIAT framework, Mr. Vahid Aliyev, Lead Advisor at the International Relations Department, presented the results of the project “Health Insurance Awareness for Medical Students in Azerbaijan.” The initiative, implemented with the support of KOAZ, was carried out by a team including Ms. Nisa Aliyeva, Team Leader, and Mr. Vusal Mammedzade from the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance (SAMHI). The initiative aimed to strengthen understanding of the national Mandatory Health Insurance (MHI) system among future healthcare professionals. More than 600 first-year students at Azerbaijan Medical University participated in interactive sessions and digital learning activities designed to simplify MHI concepts. Post-session evaluations showed significant improvement in students’ comprehension and confidence, enabling them to communicate MHI processes clearly and effectively in their future professional practice, thereby supporting public trust and informed use of health services.

Also under the Share Your CIAT framework, Ms. Gulmina Malikzade, Head of Project Management Department at the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) under the Ministry of Economy, presented the project “Future Skills 4.0: Building University Capacity for the Industry of Tomorrow.” Implemented in partnership with the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction and with funding from KOICA Azerbaijan, the project developed an evidence-based framework to integrate Industry 4.0 competencies—such as artificial intelligence, smart systems, and automation—into higher education curricula. Through consultations with over 500 students, 15 faculty members, and industry representatives, the initiative produced pilot-ready syllabi that bridge the gap between academic training and real-world industry demands, directly contributing to Azerbaijan’s national agenda for digital transformation and human capital development.

As a KOAZ-led social initiative, Ms. Arzu Abdullayeva, Senior Adviser at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, together with her team members Ms. Lala Karimova, Ms. Nigar Hasanzada, and Ms. Aysel Ibrahimli, presented the project “ChildCyberCare: Enhancing Digital Literacy and Online Safety for Vulnerable Children in Azerbaijan.” Implemented in collaboration with SOS Children’s Village and Republican Special Boarding Schools No. 3 and No. 6 for Children with Disabilities, the project provided 83 children, including those with disabilities and those deprived of parental care, with vital knowledge and skills to navigate the online environment safely. The training covered digital literacy, cybersecurity, and data protection, while offering psychological support to help children recognize their rights online and build resilience against cyberbullying. Assessments showed that over 80% of participants significantly improved their digital awareness and confidence, contributing to a safer and more inclusive digital environment within partner institutions.

The KOAZ Annual Ceremony 2025 celebrated these projects as inspiring examples of how the KOICA alumni community in Azerbaijan continues to translate learning into action. Through collaboration, innovation, and service, KOAZ members are advancing KOICA’s core values—People, Peace, Prosperity, and Planet—and fostering meaningful change across sectors in Azerbaijan.