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The selection and preparation process for the cybersecurity discipline of the international WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 competition, to be held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, from 22 to 27 September 2026, has officially begun. The process of training specialists who will represent Azerbaijan on this prestigious international platform—bringing together more than 1,000 participants and experts from 89 countries worldwide—is being implemented within the framework of a joint strategic partnership between the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA), the State Agency for Vocational Education, and WorldSkills Azerbaijan.
The selection rounds and competition preparation process are organized at the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center, operating under IDDA. These stages aim to develop the national cybersecurity workforce in line with international standards, strengthen the practical skills of young professionals, and enhance their competitiveness on a global scale.
The first round of the selection process, “CTF-1” (Capture The Flag), was held on 20 December 2025 at the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center. A total of 80 candidates participated in the competition. The primary objective of “CTF-1” was to assess candidates’ cybersecurity skills based on real-world scenarios, as well as to evaluate their analytical thinking, technical agility, and problem-solving abilities. Participants completed the tasks presented on the competition platform in accordance with the relevant guidelines. Based on the results, the 20 highest-performing candidates will advance to the next selection stage, “CTF-2.”
The “CTF-2” stage will be held in January 2026 among the 20 selected candidates. Based on the outcomes of this stage, 10 candidates will be selected to participate in an intensive and targeted training program organized by the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center from February to August 2026. Designed in line with international competition formats, the training program focuses on deepening technical knowledge, enhancing practical competencies, and training specialists capable of addressing global cybersecurity challenges. Upon successful completion of the program, two participants will be selected to represent Azerbaijan in the cybersecurity discipline at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
This selection and preparation process makes a significant contribution to the development of a sustainable pool of professional cybersecurity talent in the country, aligning national capacity with global standards, and strengthening Azerbaijan’s position on international professional platforms. Effective inter-agency cooperation and an institutional approach ensure the consistent implementation of strategic priorities aimed at Azerbaijan’s digital future.
