The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan
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A training session was conducted to strengthen the digital skills of gender focal points
The training session was organized by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan to enhance the digital knowledge and skills of gender focal points working in government institutions on 29 July 2026. Delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee, Ms. Sadagat Gahramanova, emphasized that digitalization has become one of the key pillars of public administration, economic development, citizen satisfaction, and security. She noted that, in an era of rapidly evolving digital technologies, it is strategically essential for both senior officials and all public sector employees to possess digital competencies. "While digitalization was once regarded primarily as the responsibility of IT specialists, today one of the key prerequisites for successful digital transformation is that every public servant is able to effectively manage this process, understand the opportunities offered by technology, and make strategic decisions based on a digital approach," she stated. The Deputy Chairperson also highlighted that, although digital transformation creates new opportunities for women and girls, it also introduces a range of challenges. She stressed that women and girls increasingly face online violence, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, the unlawful dissemination of personal data, AI-generated deepfakes, disinformation, and digital fraud. In this context, she underlined the importance of enabling women not only to use digital tools effectively but also to identify gender-based risks in the digital environment, promote a culture of cybersecurity, oversee the ethical use of artificial intelligence systems, and integrate a gender perspective into the development of public policies and programmes. During the training, presentations were delivered by Ms. Tahir Gurbanov, Chief Artificial Intelligence Specialist at the Caspian Innovation Center and Information Security Trainer; Mr. Adil Aliyev, Senior Software Engineer at Samsung Research Canada; and Ms. Aygun Ahmadova, Expert on Digital Transformation, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Policy. Their presentations covered Azerbaijan's digital development priorities, the evolving cyber threat landscape, social engineering, digital identity and data security, the applications of artificial intelligence, the risks associated with AI technologies, ethical considerations, and the principles of responsible AI use. Participants also received practical recommendations on maintaining safe and secure practices in the digital environment. At the conclusion of the training, certificates of participation were awarded to all participants. The training was organized in accordance with Section 2.4 of the Digital Development Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The “Sharing My Book” Project Implemented in the Regions
The “Sharing My Book” project was implemented by the Child and Family Support Centers operating under the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shuvalan, Goygol, Goranboy, Aghdam, Zardab, Gabala, Ismayilli, Zagatala, Saatli, and Hajigabul regions from 20 to 24 July 2026. The project aimed to foster reading habits among children, increase their interest in books, promote a culture of reading, broaden their outlook, and encourage sharing and social solidarity through book exchange. During the event, the Centers' staff read excerpts from Azerbaijani folk tales and stories, engaging the children in discussions by asking thought-provoking questions and encouraging them to share their opinions. As part of the programme, the children exchanged the fiction books they had brought with them, shared passages they found particularly interesting, and discussed their reading experiences with one another.
A meeting was held at the State Committee with Mr Mirshahin Agayev, Real TV's Director General
On the occasion of 22 July – National Press Day, a meeting was held at the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs with Mr. Mirshahin Agayev, Director General of Real TV and Honored Journalist. The event was organized to familiarize children and young people with the rich history of the Azerbaijani press, its path of development, and its significant role in modern society. Representatives of the Azerbaijan Children's Development Platform Public Union and the Children's Ambassadors Assembly took part in the meeting. Opening the event, Ms. Sadagat Gahramanova, Deputy Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, emphasized the media's vital role in providing society with timely and objective information. She highly praised Real TV's activities in this field and highlighted Mr. Mirshahin Agayev's contributions to the development of Azerbaijani journalism. The Deputy Chairperson also noted that the Children's Ambassadors Assembly and the Azerbaijan Children's Development Platform make an important contribution to fostering a socially active, proactive, and responsible young generation while encouraging their active participation in public life. Addressing the participants, Mr. Agayev, Director General of Real TV and Honored Journalist, spoke about the history of Azerbaijan's national press. He noted that the foundation of the national press was laid in 1875 with the publication of the newspaper "Akinchi" by Hasan bey Zardabi. He emphasized that Akinchi was not only the country's first national newspaper but also an important publication that promoted enlightenment, informed society, and contributed to the nation's development. According to him, the newspaper featured a variety of sections covering the most pressing issues of the time and provided readers with valuable information. Mr. Mirshahin Agayev also discussed the various stages in the development of the media sector, noting that newspapers were considered the primary source of information for society during the 1990s. Today, however, the information landscape has undergone a profound transformation driven by digitalization. Alongside traditional media, digital platforms have become faster and more accessible sources of information. He stressed that the model of information dissemination has also changed, allowing anyone with the ability to create content to act as both a producer and distributor of information. The Honored Journalist underlined that, in today's rapidly evolving information environment, a responsible and professional approach remains one of the key prerequisites for ensuring that society receives accurate and reliable information. The meeting continued with an interactive discussion. Members of the Children's Ambassadors Assembly and young participants asked Mr. Mirshahin Agayev questions on topics of interest. The discussion covered a wide range of issues, including the challenges facing the media in the digital age, information security, the impact of social media on society, the importance of media literacy, and the future directions of journalism.
A citizens`s reception was held in Sumgayit.
On July 10, 2026, Ms. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, held a public reception for citizens in Sumgayit. Prior to the reception, participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, laid flowers at its base, and paid tribute to his memory with deep respect. During the reception, appeals from residents of Sumgayit City and Gubadli District were heard. The issues raised included employment, legal assistance, family-related matters, the improvement of the services provided by the Care Center, and other concerns. Each appeal was considered individually, and relevant instructions were issued to ensure that the matters raised would be addressed promptly. Appeals requiring further examination were officially registered and placed under follow-up supervision.
Swearing-in Ceremony held for Newly Appointed Permanent Civil Servants at the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs
A swearing-in ceremony was held at the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs for employees who have been appointed to permanent civil service positions. Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Bahar Muradova, Chairperson of the State Committee emphasized that public service is one of the most honorable fields of activity, carrying a high level of responsibility toward both the state and society. She highlighted the ongoing reforms aimed at developing the civil service system and strengthening the professional capacity of civil servants, noting that these reforms contribute to enhancing professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. Ms. Muradova called on the newly appointed permanent civil servants to remain faithful to the principles of statehood and the oath they had taken, and wished them every success in their future careers. The newly appointed permanent civil servants—Mr. Nureddin Babazade, Ms. Bahar Hasanli, and Ms. Aysel Babayeva—then took the oath of office, pledging to justify the trust placed in them and to carry out their official duties conscientiously and responsibly. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the employees were presented with certificates confirming their appointment to permanent civil service positions.
Interactive Training Sessions Organized in the Liberated Territories
As part of the ongoing measures implemented by the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs to carry out psychosocial work with the population returning to the liberated territories, interactive training sessions were conducted for parents and children. The trainings were held from 30 June to 2 July by staff of the Goranboy and Goygol Child and Family Support Centers under the State Committee, including psychologists Ms. Gunay Garayeva and Ms. Aytaj Aliyeva, and social work specialists Mr. Hajiaga Nabiyev and Mr. Mirkazim Mirzayev. The sessions took place at the Kirmizi Bazar settlement secondary school of Khojavand district, the Khojavand city school, Khankendi City Secondary School No. 4, and Lachin City Secondary School No. 2. The trainings contributed to participants’ adaptation to the new environment, strengthening of family communication, and support for psychosocial well-being. Opening remarks were delivered by Ms. Sugra Jafarova, an employee of the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts, Ms. Aytan Bayramova, an employee of the Restoration, Construction and Management Service in Lachin district, and Mr. Loghman Mammadov, acting principal of Khankendi City Secondary School No. 4, who spoke about the importance of the trainings. The sessions covered two main directions. The psychological trainings conducted for children aged 8–16 aimed to develop self-expression skills among adolescents, build healthy communication habits, and enhance active listening skills. The training on “Enhancing Parenting Skills” aimed to support the development of assertive communication within family relationships during the adaptation period, address children’s hidden psychological and emotional needs, strengthen active listening skills, and provide psychosocial support for constructive conflict management. Overall, 241 participants attended the trainings, which were received with great interest by the participants.
Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan Re-elected as a Member of the UN CEDAW Committee
On 26 June 2026, elections for membership of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) for the 2027–2031 term were held in New York during the 24th Meeting of the States Parties to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). In the election, which involved 189 States Parties, Azerbaijan's nominee, international law expert and Doctor of Philosophy in Law Mr. Elgun Safarov, received 133 votes and was re-elected as a member of the CEDAW Committee for a new term. It should be noted that Mr. Elgun Safarov previously served as a member of the CEDAW Committee from 2019 to 2026. In 2021, during the Committee's 78th session, he was elected Vice-Chair of the Committee. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Committee's Working Group on Individual Communications. Mr. Elgun Safarov obtained both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Faculty of International Law and International Relations at Baku State University. He earned his PhD in Law after defending his dissertation entitled "The Activities of the United Nations Security Council in Maintaining International Peace and Security". He is also an alumnus of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (2008), the Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Programme of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (2009), the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (2010), the joint programme of the International Management Centre and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (2012), the School of International Affairs of ADA University (2014–2015), and the executive leadership programme of the U.S.-based EPAM Systems (2025–2026). By the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated 1 February 2016, he was awarded the "Progress" Medal in recognition of his effective contribution to addressing gender issues and implementing socially oriented policies in Azerbaijan. Over the past 24 years, he has represented Azerbaijan in the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other international organizations on issues related to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the promotion of the rights of women and children, international humanitarian law, and other fields. For many years, Mr. Safarov participated in the work of the Council of Europe's Gender Equality Commission (2007–2018). He is currently a member of the Expert Council on the Assessment of the Content of Cinematographic, Audiovisual and Digital Works operating under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as a member of the Safe Sport Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijan. Mr. Safarov has also taught international law, family law, international humanitarian law, and other subjects at higher education institutions in Azerbaijan and abroad. He is the author of more than 100 scholarly articles and research papers published in Azerbaijani, English, and Russian. We congratulate Mr.Elgun Safarov on his re-election to this prestigious international body and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
Public hearings were held on the topic of "Measures to Protect Children from Harmful Content and Influences in the Digital Environment."
From 22 to 25 June 2026, the Child and Family Support Centers operating under the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs in Shuvalan, Aghdam, Saatli, Sabirabad, Hajigabul, Gabala, Ismayilli, Zagatala, Goranboy, Goygol, and Zardab held public hearings on the topic “Measures to Protect Children from Harmful Content and Influences in the Digital Environment.” The hearings were attended by representatives of the Child and Family Support Centers, local government bodies, public institutions and organizations, experts, and members of the local community. The purpose of the public hearings was to discuss the current situation regarding children's use of social media, the risks they face, and existing protection mechanisms; to raise public awareness of the measures being implemented in the country to strengthen children's digital safety; to gather the opinions and recommendations of relevant stakeholders; and to develop recommendations for further action in this field. During the hearings, participants were informed about the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on “Measures to Protect Children from Harmful Content and Influences in the Digital Environment.” The discussions highlighted the risks children encounter in the digital environment, the impact of these risks on their health and well-being, and the importance of promoting digital literacy, cybersecurity, and responsible online behavior. In addition, participants discussed existing challenges and possible solutions, answered questions, and put forward proposals to strengthen cooperation among families, schools, and communities, as well as enhance collaboration between relevant government institutions and civil society organizations in supporting children's healthy development.
Open-Air Event to Be Held Under the Slogan “Our Family – Our Greatest Value!”
The State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Baku City Executive Authority, will hold an open-air event under the slogan "Our Family – Our Greatest Strength!" on 30 June 2026 at 4:00 p.m. The event will take place in the park located in the area known as "Antenna" in the Narimanov District. The event aims to promote family values, strengthen family relationships, encourage healthy lifestyles, provide meaningful leisure opportunities for families, and raise public awareness of family-related issues. The program will include panel discussions featuring experts, engaging and interactive activities for families, an entertainment program for children, various competitions and games, and a live concert. We warmly invite you and your family to join us for this special event. Let us come together to create joyful memories and give our children a truly unforgettable day. Because family is the greatest value that unites us, strengthens us, and leads us into the future.