A joint initiative by the Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communication (CERAC) and Baku State University (BSU) has marked a major contribution to the 150th anniversary of the Azerbaijani national press with the presentation of a new textbook titled "Fundamentals of Public Relations."

The textbook, prepared under the scientific editorship of CERAC Executive Director, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor Vusal Gasimli, features contributions from authors Vugar Zifaroğlu, Aynur Nasirova, Khatira Huseynova, Parvana Ibrahimova, Vafa Isgandarova, Afat Yagubova, Vali Alibayov, Yedgar Jafarov, Zenura Talibova, and Natig Panahli.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Professor Vusal Gasimli emphasized that the book is not only a valuable educational resource for students but also a practical guide for public relations professionals in both public and private sectors. He noted that the publication thoroughly covers strategy, priorities, and current challenges in the field of public relations.

BSU Rector Elchin Babayev highlighted the significance of publishing such a textbook during the national press's anniversary, reaffirming BSU's role as a central hub for training journalism professionals in the country. He also mentioned recent reforms aligning the Faculty of Journalism with modern technologies and new media requirements. A new master's specialization in Public Relations has been launched this academic year, where the new textbook will serve as a vital academic resource and strategic guide in the information age. One of its key strengths is the contextual adaptation of public relations theory to Azerbaijani realities.

Members of Parliament and academic leaders—including Professor Vugar Rahimzade (Head of the Journalism Department at Baku Slavic University), political scientist Hikmet Mammadov, Dean of BSU’s Faculty of Journalism Dr. Vugar Aliyev, Professor Gulu Maharramli (Head of Multimedia and Electronic Communication Department), and Yedgar Jafarov (Deputy Director of the Marketing Department at the International Bank of Azerbaijan)—praised the textbook as a fundamental work encompassing both theoretical and practical foundations of public relations.

The event concluded with the screening of a promotional video about the "Fundamentals of Public Relations" textbook.

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