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Happy New Year and Solidarity Day!

Welcome to the October-December issue of the ADA Quarterly Newsletter. In this last issue of 2013 we are sharing with you summaries of the student activities, faculty news and Academy organized events. We are also happy to share with you news on expansion of our international cooperation, as well as announcements of the upcoming major conference to be organized by ADA jointly with its partners.

ADA Family wishes you a very prosperous New Year and Happy Solidarity Day!

Best,

Department for Marketing and Communications

Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy

Pioneering Group of Exchange Students from ADA

ADA’s first group of study-abroad students have been chosen. The six students will be attending a variety of institutions on three continents: James Madison College, Michigan State University, USA, School of Business and Management, Aberystwyth University, UK, and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea, Seoul. Congratulations to Leyla Abdulrahimova, Fakhri Khanlarzade, Farhad Huseynov, Elvin Mammadov, Elchin Hasanov, and Nuray Akhundzade!

Executive MBA Grand Opening

On 2 October Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy held the opening ceremony of the EMBA program jointly with Maastricht School of Management. Among the distinguished speakers were Rector of ADA Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, Ambassador of Netherlands to Azerbaijan Robbert Gabrielse, Executive Director of SOFAZ Mr. Shahmar Movsumov, Deputy Minister of Education Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov and Dean/Director of MsM Dr. Wim Naude.

4th Baku Course for Afghan Officials “State and Nation Building in Transition”

Executive Education of ADA with the support of Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, and Swiss Embassy launched its 4th Baku Course for Afghan Officials titled “State and Nation Building in Transition” on 21 October.  The nine-day training course focused on the topics like Managing Gender, Peace & Justice within Plural Systems, Providing Security with Society’s Oversight, Handling the Media, Human Rights in Transition, Tackling Corruption in Government and the Judiciary, Government and Consent, Education, Civil Society, Human Security, Population Movement, and Fighting Extremism. Participants also got a chance to have campus tour at ADA, as well as to visit various historical sights of Baku, Azerbaijan.

ADA Hosted the 3rd Annual International Festival

On 15 November together with the representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan, international organisations, local and international students studying at ADA and other universities, ADA hosted its 3rd Annual International Festival. The Festival was organised with an aim to create and foster a cultural dialogue between different nations by bringing together representatives of different nationalities in ADA for a cultural and networking event. During the event international students have an opportunity to work with their respective embassies to showcase their countries’ cultures and traditions against a backdrop of music and national cuisine.

New English Language Teaching Centre Launched

Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy in partnership with the British Council opened a new English Language Teaching Centre in Baku in November 2013. The British Council ADA English Centre has the overall aim of contributing to better quality teaching, learning and assessment of English, thus creating greater opportunities for learners in Azerbaijan. The English Centre operates within the ADA premises and with organisational support of  ADA. Courses are  managed and implemented by the British Council according to British Council quality standards.  Courses are open for all.

ADA Held Graduate Student Government Elections

Graduate Student Government Elections took place on 09 December at ADA. The event started with a short report by current the Graduate Student Government who elaborated on the initiatives and work done during their term. Then the floor was given to the candidates. The number of candidates doubled this year . Students were able to choose a roster of four pairs of candidates. Each slate of candidates presented their ideas on improving both academic and social life at ADA. In the end, the team of Lilioza Szilagyi and Rustam Mammadov were victorious against Tural Salimov/Turana Gasimova, Sevinj Huseynova/Nigar Asgarova, and Dorothy Muthui/Ulker Panahzade teams.

ADA Hosted Azerbaijan Business Case Competition 2013

On 8 December ADA hosted the Azerbaijan Business Case Competition (ABCC 2013) for 2013 organized by the US Educated Azerbaijan Alumni Association (AAA). This competition is a great opportunity for students to prepare themselves to become future business leaders of Azerbaijan, to enhance their networking skills, to win scholarships and prizes, and explore possible employment and internship opportunities.  Out of 84 teams from 16 universities only 18 teams were able to make it to finals. All teams had five weeks of training on topics such as business analysis, presentation skills, and strategy building.

Delegation of US Congressmen Paid a Visit to ADA

A delegation of U.S. congressmen including Democrat Jim McDermott from Washington's 7th congressional district, Democrat James Moran from Virginia's 8th congressional district, Republican Billy Long from Missouri's 7th congressional district, and Democrat Donald Payne, Jr. from New Jersey's 10th congressional district visited ADA and met with the Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev on 25 November 2013. Rector Pashayev said the visit by the U.S. congressmen was a good opportunity for them to familiarize themselves with Azerbaijan as well as its education system. The congressmen praised the rapid development of Azerbaijan.

Acting Head of Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan Gave a Lecture at ADA

On 21 November Mr. Toralf Pilz, Acting Head of Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan delivered a lecture at ADA as part of the Global Perspectives Lecture Series. The topic of his lecture was “Eastern Partnership". The presentation took place on the eve of the important Eastern Partnership (EaP) summit in Vilnius and its main purpose was to raise awareness of the EaP and the summit where Azerbaijan is expected to sign a visa facilitation agreement with the EU for Azerbaijani students.

ADA Organized a Forum Titled "Latest Trends in the field of Human Resource Management"

On 7 November, ADA and the Azerbaijan Bank Training Center (ABTC ) jointly organized a Forum titled "Latest Trends in the Field of Human Resources Management".
The main purpose of the forum was to discuss current trends in the field of human resources management in Azerbaijan, as well as in various countries around the world.  Vice-rector of ADA Emin Huseynov stressed the importance of the event, saying it also helps build an effective network between managers for human resources. Huseynov also highlighted the activities and programs offered by ADA. He also spoke of ADA`s Career Management Center, which helps to prepare ADA students for labor market and helps in the career paths.

Mr. Rene van der Linden’s visit to EMBA Class of 2015, ADA School of Business

On November 1, 2013, Mr. Rene van der Linden, Chairman of the Maastricht School of Management (MsM) came to ADA for a special session to address and meet the members of the inaugural EMBA class of 2015. Both Ambassador Pashayev and Chairman van der Linden shared stories of how their relationship began, and the subsequent meetings that led to this cooperative agreement to offer a unique program at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy that represented both a partnership between the two schools, and also a broader initiative between their two countries to foster both academic and business cooperation . This meeting  provided the opportunity to introduce each of the EMBA students, key ADA faculty, and administrators to Mr. van der Linden. The event was a dynamic session, marked by interaction that strengthened the personal bond between ADA and MsM.

Cardinal of the Catholic Church at ADA

ADA was honored by a visit by Gianfranco Ravasi,  Cardinal of the Catholic Church, who delivered a lecture to interested students and faculty. The discussion focused primarily on three concepts: Culture and cultures; Multiculturalism and interculturalism; Faith and Religion.  Gianfranco Ravasi currently serves in the Roman Curia as President of the Pontifical Council for Culture. On 20 November 2010 Ravasi was made cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI.

ADA Signed MoU with University of Glasgow

ADA and University of Glasgow, UK signed a memorandum of understanding on November 4. According to the memorandum, a student exchange will be carried out between the two universities each academic semester. Each semester two students will have the opportunity to participate in this programme. It should be noted that the memorandum of understanding was signed by the ADA Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr Patrick Quinn and Head of the College of Social Sciences of the Glasgow University, Professor Anne Anderson. University of Glasgow was established in 1451 and is one of the four oldest universities of Britain.

Deloitte Week launched at ADA

From October 28 through 1 November, Career Management Center and Deloitte Azerbaijan launched “Deloitte Week,” an induction program at ADA for both national and international students currently enrolled in the Master’s Program. Through the five-day-program, students were introduced to and educated about Fundamentals of Risk management, The Practice of Law, and A Review of Taxation System and Policy.  The most distinguished students were selected to have summer internships at Deloitte Azerbaijan upon the completion of 2013-2014 academic year. The certificate ceremony was followed by a networking cocktail where ADA students and staff met with Deloitte Partners and Managers to discuss current opportunities  at Deloitte as well as to share their visions on mutual cooperation.

ADA Students' Study Tour to Brussels

MADIA/MPP 2015, BA 2016 and BA 2017 students had a Study Tour to Brussels on October 24-25, 2013.  The group spent the first day of the program at NATO HQ. The students had a chance to meet with Ms. Despina Afentouli, Regional Coordinator for the Caucasus, and attend the following briefings: NATO’s Operations, NATO’s Partnerships, and New Security Challenges. The delegation also attended  the presentation of the book “Azerbaijan as a Regional Hub in Central Eurasia”. Moreover, the Public Diplomacy Division hosted a lunch for the group on that day. Finally, the students had a meeting with representatives of the Missions of Azerbaijan and Turkey to NATO.  The students took an active part in discussions and asked quite a lot of questions. I had a chance to talk briefly to the presenters and organizers, and they were also pleased with the level and types of questions asked by the students.

ADA Hosted the First International Model UN Security Council Conference

ADA hosted the first ever International Model UN Security Council Conference, co-organized by the Azerbaijani Youth and Sports Ministry and UNDP. The conference brought together 45 university students and graduates of 15 states currently serving as members of the UN Security Council, including Azerbaijan to discuss issues of cyber security. Six ADA students were among the participants. The participants of the conference were awarded with internationally recognized certificates at the official closing ceremony. Afterwards, an intercultural evening for representatives of countries representing the UN Security Council was organized.

Presentation of the “Business Opportunities in Africa” project

On 11 October Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy jointly with AZPROMO held a presentation of the “Business Opportunities in Africa” project which aims to enhance the business interests of Azerbaijan and to research investment opportunities in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, South Africa. On May 2013 students of Masters program in international affairs at ADA paid a visit to these countries to explore the business environment by assessing political, economic, social and cultural environments of the continent. Among the keynote speakers of the event were Rector of ADA and Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Hafiz Pashayev, President of AZPROMO Mr. Rufat Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Araz Azimov, President of Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ (Employers’) Organizations of Azerbaijan Mr. Mammad Musayev. The opening and introductory speeches were followed by presentation by local and international MA Students & Alumni of ADA.

"Norwegian Energy Experts in Azerbaijan" Partnership Program Launched

The Caspian Center for Energy and Environment of ADA in cooperation with the Embassy of Norway launched "Norwegian Energy Experts in Azerbaijan," a year-long partnership program involving exchange of ideas and sharing of experiences among the energy scholars and practitioners between the two countries. The CCEE hosted Dr. Øystein Noreng, a Professor of Petroleum Economics and Management at BI Norwegian School of Management, Oslo, Norway.  The program consisted of a roundtable brainstorming session with Azerbaijan energy experts on “Oil Market, Political Risks and Implications for Caspian Basin," a discussion with ADA Senior Management and Deans of Schools on possible areas of cooperation between ADA and Norwegian universities, and a lecture by Dr. Noreng for BA and EMBA students on Management in the Energy Industry.