Welcome to the January-March 2014 issue of the ADA University Quarterly Newsletter!

In this first issue of 2014 we are sharing with you summaries of the student activities, faculty news and University organized events. We are also happy to share with you exclusive interviews by ADA University management, news on expansion of our international cooperation, as well as announcements of the upcoming major conferences to be organized by ADA University jointly with its partners.

With best wishes,
Department for Marketing and Communications team
ADA University

Ilham Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, issued a decree on establishment of ADA University on 13 January 2014.

In accordance with the decree, ADA University was established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the basis of the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA) acting under the MFA and University of Information Technologies under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies. "Becoming a full fledged university opens many new opportunities for all of us, in terms of developing and implementing new specializations, programs, schools and further contributing to the cultivation and growth of the young generation of professionals in Azerbaijan and in the region," said ADA University Rector Hafiz Pashayev.

ADA University and Coca-Cola collaborated on the Second Bahar Youth Festival hosted at ADA University attended by 1000 people on 11 March. The festival activities included an exhibition of national costumes, carpets and artworks, a concert of famous singers, a henna decoration ceremony as well as presentation of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine with Novruz sweets. ADA students presented their work on the “Best khoncha” exhibition. Forty foreign students, studying in ADA and 45 pupils from regions all over Azerbaijan attended the event. In addition to professional artists and singers, students of ADA also peformed the “Coca-Cola” stage.

ADA University held its 2nd Career Week through February 24-27 with the support and sponsorship of AZERSUN Holding. This year, ADA University ran 4 panels including major development organizations, local and multinational companies, youth organizations and government agencies to speak of the industry trends and broad range of career opportunities for young graduates. On February 27th, ADA University hosted more than 100 representatives from around 35 companies and government agencies for the Career Fair, where students of ADA been given an opportunity to get acquainted with potential employers. More than 150 jobs, project & internship opportunities were presented by the employers throughout the week events.  Gala Reception culminated success of the week-long event with more than 50 CEOs and HR Heads that been offered an opportunity to vote for graduate students projects aimed at the improvement and prospering of ADA Community.

The 1st Annual School Directors Forum was held at ADA University.  The Forum focused on the topic of "Best Practices in Principal Leadership:  The US and Azerbaijani Approaches". Guests were welcomed by Amb. Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University and Dr. Patrick Quinn, Provost of ADA University. Later Dr. Vafa Kazdal, Dean of School of Humanities and Sciences delivered a speech entitled "Education Model of ADA University: Why and What to Share". Principals of various Baku-based high schools also learned about programs and opportunities offered by ADA University from Dr. Firuza Aliyeva, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission of ADA University.  Within the framework of the Forum, Dr. Barbara Markle form Michigan State University, USA talked about recent trends in North American education.

On 14 February Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev held the first ever online forum in Azerbaijan. Friends and followers of ADA University’s social media accounts were given a unique chance to post their questions, concerns and suggestions under special hashtag #AskRector. These were then commented on and answered by the Rector on the official Facebook page of ADA University. Questions ranged from the mission of ADA University, its structure, programs and schools as well as its admission process, international cooperation, and future plans. The main aim of this forum was to initiate a new social media culture among educational institutions in Azerbaijan, and to create a platform for the exchange of ideas. While answering the questions and assessing the suggestions from various youngsters, the Rector of ADA University highlighted the role of ADA University in preparing t future generation of young leaders and the development of the region as a whole.

Plant a Tree: Give a Gift to Life is a partnership program between CCEE at ADA University and Coca Cola. The joint campaign envisages the planting of 100,000 trees and, thus, promoting massive afforestation and reforestation in designated areas of the country to achieve the preservation and replenishment of fresh water resources in Azerbaijan. Volunteers, mainly comprising of ADA students will be involved wherever possible to carry out work including tree planting in order to promote tree planting among communities. Furthermore, a public awareness campaign in the country will be conducted through various training programs as well as joint research and scientific publications. The project is expected to last 5 years. It will be separated into small projects each lasting a year to simplify management, monitoring and reporting.

In January-March Executive Education has offered a number of open and customized executive programs that deliver the knowledge and skills to help professionals succeed in their business.  102 junior, mid and senior level managers from Azercell, AMEC, Nobel Oil, Ateshgah Insurance, Pasha Insurance, Metak, Pasha Bank, Simbrella, State Treasury Agency, Mitsubishi Corporation and SOFAZ attended the training courses on “Negotiation Skills”, “Advanced Presentation Skills”, “Project Management”, and “Strategic Management and Adaptive Leadership”.  The participants had a chance to improve their practical skills needed to become a more effective manager, leader and change agent within their organizations.  Special tailored trainings were delivered to 30 mid career and senior professionals from BP on the topics of  “Azerbaijani System of Government”, “Advanced Presentation Skills” and 20 mid and senior level managers from OMG International, Baku on the topic of “Fundamental Management Skills”. Another tailored made long term “Management Development Program” has started for 22 professionals from Central Bank of Azerbaijan in March. Today Executive Education is continually evolving to meet the growing needs of businesses and government by creating new tailor-made programs in Spring 2014. To learn more about how ADA University Executive Education can assist you in meeting your professional goals and reach success in your career please contact us at corporateprogram@ada.edu.az.

A memorandum was signed by Shahin Mustafayev, the Minister of Economy and Industry, and Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Rector of ADA University on 25 February 2014. In accordance with the signed memorandum, the Ministry and the university will exchange their experience and cooperate to create a business incubator as an innovation laboratory at the University to support small and medium businesses. In accordance with the signed document, the Ministry of Economy and Industry and ADA University will also cooperate on developing direct foreign investments to the non-oil sector, as well as in the development of the strategy of marketing and branding of Sumgait chemical industrial park (SKSP) and other potential economic areas.

On March 11, Robert Wolcott, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Kellogg Innovation Network delivered a public lecture at ADA University. The main topic of lecture was “Unlocking the power of innovation”. A leading expert revealed practical steps anyone can take to harness their creative or entrepreneurial potential before explaining how the next wave of innovation will fundamentally change the global economy. Robert Wolcott is Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Kellogg Innovation, a global community of innovation leaders, and on the faculty of the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University.

On March 6, 2014, ADA University held its Oscar ceremony. This is the biggest event in ADA held every year to honor students and staff for their involvement in various activities in ADA. The awards are given to the person who smiles the most, the most social person, the most outspoken person, the most knowledgeable person, the kindest person and the most creative person. Each category has 3 nominees and the one with highest vote wins. The day saw many activities including the introduction of the ADA Choir , which gave a beautiful performance. It was also a very special day as it marked the 8th anniversary of the University. The Rector Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev closed the ceremony by congratulating both students and staff for their commitment and wished the ADA community a happy Birthday. There was cake-cutting commemorating the anniversary.

The presentation of the Azerbaijani edition of The Economist`s annual publication The World in 2014 was held at ADA University in Baku. Addressing the event, The General Manager of GT Group George Sharashidze stressed the importance of publishing the magazine in Azerbaijani. The Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev described the publishing of The Economist in Azerbaijan as ‘an important event’. He also noted the importance of implementing such projects. The magazine includes articles by experts, diplomats, famous businessmen, as well as Azerbaijani ministers and Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev.

ADA University and Azerenergy Joint Stock Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding on expanding bilateral cooperation.  With the establishment of Information Technology and Engineering School housed in the ADA University issues such as conducting feasibility and research studies, the endorsement of higher education meeting international standards with the purpose of raising qualified personnel in the sphere of information technology and engineering were reflected in the Memorandum.

The Global Perspectives Lectures Series conducted by ADA University in partnership with Azercell continues successfully. On March 14 Bogdan Aurescu, Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs of Romania and Ambassador  Araz Azimov, Deputy Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan Republic gave a public lecture within GPLS.

On 19 February 2014, another prominent and successful person, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez delivered a lecture on the topic "US Foreign Policy".

U.S Ambassador, Richard Morningstar delivered a public lecture focusing on the relationship between Azerbaijan and the World Trade Organization on 10 February 2014.

Within the Global Perspectives Lecture Series ADA University hosted Guillaume Garot, the Minister of Agro-Food of France on Monday, January 27th 2014.

ADA University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ritsumeikan University of Japan on 18 February 2014. The signed MoU creates a great opportunity for students enrolled at both ADA and Ritsumeikan universities to study at the other institution free of charge for a maximum period of 1 year. It is also a wonderful chance for faculty and researchers at both institutions to engage in (co-)teaching and (joint-)research at the other.

ADA University launched new MBA program on January 28, 2014. Presentation ceremony of the new MBA program took place in the Student Center of ADA University. After the opening speech by Rector, Hafiz Pashayev, and Vice Rector of Academic Affairs, Patrick Quinn, the Founding Dean of School of Business Dr. Nejdet Delener introduced the program for the participants of the event. It was noted that this 16-month MBA program will help to build a new professional future for many young talented students and employees.

MBA program provides accounting, finance, leadership, economics and other important courses taught by both foreign and local professors. This program does not require any prior work experience. The registration for the program has already started and will continue until May 1, 2014.

Baku Summer Energy School (BSES) is an annual two-week certificate program of the Caspian Center for Energy and Environment (CCEE) of ADA University held in July in partnership with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR). 8th Annual BAKU SUMMER ENERGY SCHOOL will take place on July 5-18, 2014. Application deadline is April 23, 2014.

Learn more here