Baku State University (BSU), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4SIR), the “BSU Volunteers” organization, the Artificial Intelligence Azerbaijan Platform, and the World Azerbaijani Youth Organization jointly organized the First Youth Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics at BSU.

In his opening speech, BSU Vice-Rector for Social Affairs, Student Affairs, and Public Relations, Alish Agamirzayev, emphasized that AI-based applications are rapidly expanding in fields such as education, science, healthcare, economy, media, and arts. While AI contributes to the development of these sectors, it also raises ethical concerns related to human rights and civil liberties. He noted:

“This is the first initiative in Azerbaijan raised by BSU. The Department of AI Ethics has been established at BSU to study this field academically, with the support of the International Turkic Academy. From this year, the subject ‘AI Ethics’ is taught to all BSU master’s students. We believe that state policy in this direction will be further improved, and AI ethics will be reflected in the legislation.”

Member of Parliament Nagif Hamzayev highlighted that AI is often misused and should primarily be considered a tool rather than a direct source. He drew attention to the problematic audiovisual content generated by AI on social media, stressing the importance of addressing AI ethics as an urgent matter:

“I believe this youth-led forum will be beneficial.”

Deputy Executive Director of 4SIR, Soltan Bayramov, underlined that humanity is undergoing rapid technological changes that drive economic growth, with AI playing a central role in the 21st century. Referring to the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report,” he noted that AI increases labor productivity, which will lead to the disappearance of traditional professions and the emergence of new ones:

“The acquisition of new skills has become the main formula for competitiveness. In this regard, Azerbaijan has adopted a three-year AI Strategy. The Ministry of Economy and 4SIR are working on improving legislation, while the National Program enhances public awareness of AI and data science. More than 1,600 BSU students and over 120 professors have benefitted from this program and obtained certificates. Empowering young people, the main participants of the labor market in the AI era, is our key mission.”

Other speakers included Ramin Habibzade, Deputy Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Narmin Habibzade, Chair of the Board of the AI Azerbaijan Platform, and Nazrin Suleymanova, Secretary General of the World Azerbaijani Youth Organization. They emphasized the significance of holding the country’s first-ever forum on AI ethics.

The forum continued with panel sessions on “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Future Generations: Challenges and Opportunities” and “AI Ethics and Youth Welfare: Education, Career, and Global Standards in the AI Era.”

SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals