AGP Executive Report

Azerbaijan–NATO Dialogue: Hikmet Hajiyev met NATO’s Caucasus and Central Asia representative Kevin Hamilton, highlighting progress on Azerbaijan–NATO interoperability and broader cooperation. Maqam & Cultural Diplomacy: Culture Minister Adil Karimli took part in the 3rd International Maqom Art Forum in Uzbekistan, stressing mugham’s role in national identity and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s work to boost global recognition. Carpets in Budapest: Azerbaijan’s carpets are set for a Budapest exhibition opening June 26, pairing rare historical pieces with contemporary works and sketches. Fashion Spotlight: Azerbaijan Fashion Week’s 20th anniversary will run July 20–22 at Sea Breeze, with a new partnership with Dome Middle East Fashion Week under the “Water Element” theme. Media & Arts Freedom: OC Media says Azerbaijan has blocked access to its website nationwide, with readers needing VPNs. Sports Hosting: FIFA confirmed Azerbaijan will host the inaugural U-15 World Cup (Oct 22–31, 2026) and the 2026 Festival. Public Sector Reshuffle: A decree reorganizes several state-linked entities into budgetary organizations, including AZERTAG and the Cinema Agency.

Azerbaijan Digital Culture & Media: The Audiovisual Council says Azerbaijan, Serbia and Türkiye held the next phase of a trilateral audiovisual media exchange in Belgrade, focusing on licensing, monitoring and new challenges from social platforms. Arts & Festivals: The Shahin Novrasli Festival marks its fifth anniversary in Baku, with its founder describing how the event grew from a piano project into a multi-genre international music meeting. Local Art Scene: Ganja hosted “Creative Expedition,” a contemporary-art workshop turning the city into an open-air studio and spotlighting young artists reworking local heritage. Books & Reading: The first Gazakh Book Fair opened in the “Garden of Intellectuals” for Samad Vurgun’s 120th anniversary, aiming to boost regional book culture. Tech for Society: Azerbaijan plans a National Supercomputing Centre to back AI projects and high-performance computing as part of its digital development push. Sports & Youth: Bahrain’s youth and junior boxing teams won five medals at an Olympic Hopes tournament in Bosnia, including two golds. International Spotlight: Iran-US Hormuz talks remain politically tangled as shipping traffic resumes, while Azerbaijan’s MFA rejects France’s stance as undermining credibility in the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization process.

Azerbaijan’s Cultural Scene: The Shahin Novrasli Festival marks its fifth anniversary in Baku, expanding from a piano-focused event into a multi-genre international music platform. Arts & Craft Spotlight: Azerkhalcha unveiled its limited-edition “From Sketch to Carpet” collection in Icherisheher, blending contemporary conceptual art with traditional carpet aesthetics. Regional Arts in Motion: Young artists showcased new work in Ganja through the “Creative Expedition” project, turning the city into an open-air studio. Books & Reading: The first Gazakh Book Fair opened in the “Garden of Intellectuals,” spotlighting Samad Vurgun’s 120th anniversary and boosting local book culture. Media & Youth Policy: Parliament is considering a draft to bar children under 16 from creating social media accounts, with 16–18-year-olds allowed only with guardian consent. Aviation & Modern Culture: AZAL received its first Airbus A321neo in Hamburg, a sign of continued fleet modernization that will shape how audiences and artists travel. Tech for Learning: NEQSOL Academy launched SkillHub, a free CrossKnowledge-powered platform for career skills.

Tech for animal welfare: Dosty Walks, an Azerbaijani pet-care startup, is turning everyday steps into shelter food donations—1,000 steps earn in-app coins, which convert into 1kg of food per 1,000 coins—reaching 1,600 users in weeks and targeting 1,500kg donated by August. Arts & culture diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s culture ministry delegation is in Uzbekistan for the 3rd International Maqom Art Forum and Andijan’s “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World 2026,” spotlighting preservation of Eastern classical music and broader cultural ties. Regional arts spotlight: The Earth & East Festival in Norway featured Azerbaijani cultural presentations, linking music, cuisine, crafts, and literature through a Silk Road theme. EU-Azerbaijan talks: Despite tensions with the European Parliament, Baku and Brussels resumed negotiations on a new 2026–2030 partnership framework and a comprehensive agreement. Sports entertainment: UFC returns to Baku with Rafael Fiziev vs Manuel Torres on June 27, while Formula E’s Gen4 era is set to bring all-electric racing back to Brands Hatch from 2027. Islamic finance meets climate goals: Senior leaders gathered in Baku to push Islamic finance toward climate resilience and energy-transition funding, aiming to close gaps between capital and project delivery.

Sports & Culture in Motion: Brands Hatch will host Formula E single-seater racing for the first time in over four decades, as the all-electric series moves to its Gen4 era from 2027. Regional Arts & Festivals: Azerbaijan’s cultural presence continues abroad, from Norway’s Earth & East Festival featuring Azerbaijani music, cuisine and crafts to Baku’s Caspian Waves 2026 International Watercolor Festival, with an international exhibition of 165 works from 30 countries. Performing Arts Spotlight: Lankaran State Drama Theatre wrapped up a regional tour with “The Wedding Dress,” while Azerbaijan’s State Symphony Orchestra delivered a classical program at Agjabadi. Media & Public Life: A new Azerbaijani draft would allow temporary restrictions on internet resources for content tied to narcotics, pornography, gambling, suicide and privacy violations. Arts, Identity & Heritage: In Shusha, Aliyev and Turkmenistan’s president viewed bullet-riddled busts of Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibeyli, restored after looting during the occupation.

UN Public Service Awards: Azerbaijan is set to be recognized among 12 countries at the UN Public Service Awards in Tbilisi on 25 June, spotlighting initiatives that boost inclusivity, transparency, and public service delivery, with several projects using digital tools and AI. Cultural Heritage Digitization: Gilavar Photo Club’s “IRS” project is building a digital archive of Azerbaijan’s historical, architectural, and archaeological monuments, starting with Karabakh and East Zangazur documentation and expanding to western regions, now listing 200+ sites online. Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Cultural Diplomacy: A state banquet in Baku for Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov featured Azerbaijani and Turkmen music, underlining growing cultural ties alongside broader cooperation. Aviation & Mobility: AZAL added a fourth Airbus A320neo to its fleet, upgrading passenger comfort and expanding route potential as it targets 50 aircraft by 2032. Arts & Nightlife: The El Calor en Baku tango festival opened in Icherisheher, turning the historic center into a dance-and-music celebration with international guests. Sports: Azerbaijan’s taekwondo schoolchildren’s Olympiad wrapped up with medalists across multiple weight categories, while boxing news highlights strong results at youth tournaments. Heritage Dispute Watch: Claims about the “We Are Our Mountains” monument in Stepanakert being demolished remain unconfirmed, with authorities urging verification before sharing images.

Aviation & Modern Life: AZAL added a fourth Airbus A320neo to its fleet, touting quieter, more fuel-efficient flights plus onboard Wi‑Fi and upgraded cabin comfort as it targets 50 aircraft by 2032. Cultural Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan marked a fresh push in ties with a state visit and document exchanges covering customs data, goods/vehicle information, sports cooperation, and broader partnership. Digital Heritage: Gilavar Photo Club launched its “IRS” digital archive project, building a searchable photo database of historical, architectural and archaeological monuments across multiple regions, including Karabakh and East Zangazur. Arts & Nightlife: The El Calor tango festival opened in Baku’s Icherisheher, bringing Argentine music and dance to the historic city center. Sports for Youth: Taekwondo champions were crowned at the National Schoolchildren’s Sports Olympiad, with medals awarded across 19 weight categories. Regional Connectivity: Telecom Armenia and AzerTelecom signed an internet traffic transit agreement aimed at diversifying regional routes and improving network resilience. Film & Memory Abroad: A documentary on Azerbaijani WWII partisan Mehdi Huseynzade premiered in Ljubljana, spotlighting his resistance legacy in Slovenia and Yugoslavia.

Entertainment Policy: Pakistani actor Faysal Quraishi urged Azerbaijan’s wider region to protect local entertainment jobs, warning that tax relief and incentives for foreign TV could squeeze domestic creators and production teams. Media Governance: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency pushed back on outlets it says distorted university exam statistics, calling for responsible interpretation and proper context. Arts & Culture: A new exhibition, “Threads of Remembrance,” opened at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, adding another stop for Baku’s growing heritage programming. Sports Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s UFC Fight Night Baku logistics hit a quirky snag as a fighter sought a last-minute cornerman, while broader World Cup coverage kept Iran’s “IRN” branding and match build-ups in focus. Regional Trade via Arts-Friendly Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s role in cross-border shipments to Armenia continued, with diesel and grain moving through Baku rail routes—another reminder of how culture and commerce travel together.

Armenia–Europe Public Diplomacy: Armenia’s ambassador in Brussels, Tigran Balayan, is using culture fairs and business links to make Yerevan’s “European turn” visible beyond summit rooms, with the Armenian Fair in Ixelles spotlighting food, music and market access. Regional Security & Military Modernization: Armenia carried out live-fire drills using the domestically produced Atlant multiple rocket launcher system, signaling continued capability upgrades amid fragile normalization talks. Entertainment Policy Debate: Actor Faysal Quraishi warned that tax relief moves favoring foreign TV shows could squeeze Pakistan’s local drama industry and jobs—an argument that echoes wider regional concerns about cultural production. Azerbaijan–Armenia Trade Signals: Azerbaijan shipped about 1,000 tons of diesel fuel to Armenia by rail, alongside reports of Russian grain transiting through Azerbaijan, framed by some as a normalization indicator. Media Accountability: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency criticized outlets for misleading exam-statistics headlines, urging stricter adherence to professional standards. Sports & Culture Crossovers: UFC Fight Night Baku continues to draw international attention, including last-minute cornering logistics from fighters, while Azerbaijan’s own athletes also feature in recent combat-sport results.

Avengers: Doomsday Buzz: Marvel’s next MCU blockbuster is gearing up for 2026, with teasers pointing to a multiverse “collision course” and a stacked cast that’s already stirring debate among X-Men fans. Sports & Culture Crossovers: Azerbaijan’s Qarabag striker Camilo Duran is reportedly on Celtic’s radar after Champions League exploits, while Hearthstone’s “Escape From Violet Hold” lands July 7 with a prison-break theme and new mechanics. Azerbaijan Media Policy: Azerbaijan plans to set up a Media and Broadcasting Council, merging powers from existing bodies to create a more unified, flexible media oversight framework. Local Media Integrity: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency criticized outlets for misleading exam-statistics headlines, urging proper sourcing and context. International Arts/Entertainment: A major Edinburgh mosque-area axe attack is being treated as a possible hate crime, and the US–Iran de-escalation faces its first big stress test as Israel–Hezbollah ceasefire talks wobble. Tech & Skills: An EU-funded “Digital Marketing Essentials” course is helping Azerbaijani professionals build future-ready marketing skills. Regional Links: Azerbaijan and Belarus discussed military cooperation during a Belarus delegation visit.

Sports & Culture in Focus: Azerbaijan’s Balabay Aghayev won gold at the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam while Sukhbat Byambasuren took bronze; the judo event also featured Azerbaijan’s Ahmad Yusifov. International Arts & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Culture Adil Karimli met Italy’s Alessandro Giuli in Rome to discuss cultural heritage protection and cooperation across museums, creative industries, cinematography, music, and performing arts. Media Policy: Azerbaijan is set to establish a Media and Broadcasting Council, consolidating powers currently held by the Media Development Agency and the Audiovisual Council. Local Media Accountability: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency condemned misleading interpretations of student exam statistics, urging outlets to follow professional standards. Arts & Heritage: The “Threads of Remembrance” exhibition opened at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, alongside an anniversary evening at the International Mugham Center for a renowned tar maestro. Business & Entertainment: UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant plans visits to Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, highlighting opportunities for deeper cooperation.

Media Policy: Azerbaijan is set to establish a Media and Broadcasting Council, merging the powers of the Media Development Agency and the Audiovisual Council under proposed Milli Majlis amendments. Music & Culture: A Baku conference marked the 140th anniversary of Uzeyir Hajibayli, spotlighting his students who became the first women composers in the East. Sports & Events: Azerbaijan will host the European Aquatics conference in October, with European federation leaders discussing swimming and other aquatic disciplines. Arts & Heritage: The “Threads of Remembrance” exhibition opened at the National Carpet Museum, while the International Mugham Center held an anniversary evening for a renowned tar maestro. Entertainment & Learning: An EU4Digital “Digital Marketing Essentials” course is helping Azerbaijani professionals build future-ready skills for the digital-first market. Regional Spotlight: IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku highlighted resilience financing via the new 3R Facility and discussed labelled sukuk as a next frontier for sustainable Islamic finance.

Uzeyir Hajibayli Legacy: A Baku conference marked the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s composer, spotlighting the “first women composers” from his school and their lasting impact on national music. Cultural Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Italy discussed expanding cooperation across heritage protection, museums, creative industries, cinematography, music and performing arts. Music & Heritage: The International Mugham Center hosted an anniversary evening for a renowned tar maestro, while Sahib Pashazade chaired folk-instrument exams in Uzbekistan, with Azerbaijani works featured in students’ repertoires. Sports in the Spotlight: Baku will host the European Aquatics Conference for the first time, and an Azerbaijani archer won a European Games quota after a strong European Outdoor Championship showing. Global Arts & Entertainment: IU Jacobs’ free summer concerts bring chamber music to audiences, and World of Warcraft: Midnight rolled out its “Revelations” update with new zones and raid content. Media & Rights: The ECHR ruled Azerbaijan responsible for torture and killing of an Armenian soldier in 2016 clashes, ordering damages.

Court & Rights: A Baku Court of Appeal has rejected a bid to release journalist Afgan Sadigov, keeping him in custody after prosecutors reopened an extortion case, despite an earlier ECHR move blocking extradition. International Law: The ECHR found Azerbaijan responsible for the torture and killing of an Armenian soldier in the 2016 clashes, a case tied to allegations of mutilation after capture. Culture & Heritage: The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum opened “Threads of Remembrance,” using textile art to explore memory, language, and cultural continuity. Music: The International Mugham Center marked the 80th anniversary of tar maestro Vamig Mammadaliyev with an anniversary evening featuring mugham and folk performances. Arts & Community Events: The Azerbaijan Tango Festival program was unveiled, with an opening ceremony planned in Icherisheher. STEM for Youth: Azerbaijan officially joined the Formula 1-backed STEM Racing program, launching a STEM Racing Hub and naming the “Caspian Apex” team for world finals. Digital Safety: The UAE approved stricter rules for minors’ social media use, including a minimum age of 15 for account creation.

Carpet Museum & Textile Art: The Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum opened “Threads of Remembrance,” linking Finnish and Azerbaijani textile traditions to living cultural memory through works by Elina Juopperi and Henna Aho. Mugham Spotlight: The International Mugham Center marked the 80th anniversary of tar master Professor Vamig Mammadaliyev with an anniversary evening featuring mugham and folk performances. International Arts Event: The Azerbaijan Tango Festival is set to open in Baku’s Icherisheher on June 19–24, with world tango stars, orchestras, masterclasses, competitions, and open-air cultural programming. STEM for Youth: Azerbaijan officially joined Formula 1-backed STEM Racing, inaugurating a STEM Racing Hub and naming the “Caspian Apex” team for the 2026 world finals in Singapore. Sports & Talent: Azerbaijani taekwondo clubs topped the European Club Championships in Sarajevo with multiple medals, while Azerbaijan’s Amin Mammadzada is set to face Nikhil in the Boxing World Cup quarterfinals. Digital Governance & Inclusion: Khankendi will host “SocGov2026: Digital Analytics for Smart Governance” in October, with AI and data-driven social solutions on the agenda. Media Policy: Parliament is debating amendments that would create a new Media and Broadcasting Council by merging existing regulators, raising questions about further centralization.

IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku: A key side event on “Regional Energy Interconnections for Sustainable Development” brought together Azerbaijan and IsDB partners to push cross-border power links, renewables integration, and energy security. Media & culture: Azerbaijan’s media reform agenda and international cooperation on fighting disinformation featured a meeting between the Media Development Agency and OIC News Agencies’ head, while the Azerbaijan National Art Museum hosted a talk on Danish-German artist Olaf Viggo Langner’s Baku legacy. Arts & heritage: A documentary premiere in Ljubljana spotlighted Azerbaijani partisan Mehdi Huseynzade, with Azerbaijani institutions backing the film. STEM & youth: Azerbaijan officially joined Formula 1-backed STEM Racing, launching a training hub and setting up the “Caspian Apex” team for the 2026 Singapore final. Sports spotlight: Azerbaijan crowned world champions at the Chovqan World Championship in Baku, and the Azerbaijan Athletics Championship wrapped with multiple gold medalists. Public life & rights: A Baku court replaced the full judge panel in the Meydan TV financial crimes trial, raising defense fears of a restart.