The main purpose of the Conference is to provide a space for reflection on strategies, trends and practices of teacher professional development on the basis of competency based approach with application of different models of Knowledge Society key competencies - ICT, pedagogical and social - for teachers. The event was organized jointly by the UNESCO, the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The initiative to hold the conference in Baku belongs to the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education. One of the key goals of the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE) is to design programs on the ICT application in the education, support its realization and carry out programs directed to the requirements of the world and different countries. The IITE, within its status and functions, aims at expanding support for the education and training, strengthening national capacities in the information technologies field, eliminating the problem of the digital divide in the education and forming a society whereby everybody are able to get an education.  Moreover, the IITE has a good practice in the use of ICT in the vocational education field. In 2001, the organization carried out Information and Communication Technologies in Education Project and has yielded important results in this direction.  The conference was attended by local and international experts from Turkey, Malaysia, Slovakia, Finland, the Netherlands, Ukraine, Italy, Lithuania and Belarus. Speaking at the opening of the event Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov welcomed the participants on behalf of the Minister Misir Mardanov and stressed the importance of the conference, which will play an important role in the development of ICT and other fields of the country. According to him, the development strategy pursued by Azerbaijan has increased the importance of issues on learning the world's leading practices and its effective use in the education.  Speaking about steps taken in the country to develop the ICT, G. Novruzov drawn attention to achievements gained in the execution of adopted documents. He noted successes achieved in the field of training staff for the ICT application and in the e-education and e-Management fields. Deputy Education Minister also gave information on measures implemented within the State Program on lnformatization of the Education System in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2008/2012. Deputy Minister of Communication and Information Technologies Elmir Valizadeh and Director of UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education Dendev Badarch in their speech highlighted the importance of the conference.  The event was continue with plenary sessions and discussions held by Working Groups on topics such as competence of teachers in the use of ICT, open educational resources and development of vocational education.   The conference will continue its work on 2 December.

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The results for accreditation of Siyazan Vocational School and Balaken Vocational School No.2 were discussed at the meeting. Speaking at the opening of the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted the importance of steps taken to hold the accreditation of educational institutions to effectively organize their activity. Chairman of the Accreditation Committee for the Siyazan Vocational School, coordinator of Centre for Initial Vocational Education Development Elkhan Jafarov gave information on results of accreditation held at this institution. He talked on logistic base, the content of education, staff and other indicators of the education establishment. Chairman of the Accreditation Committee for the Balaken Vocational School No.2, director of Baku Vocational School No.14 Vidadi Guliyev gave information on monitoring of the education institution. He also spoke about the activity opportunities of the Vocational School for specialties presented for the accreditation. Next, there have been given answers to questions concerning each vocational school, as well as voiced some opinions and suggestions. Moreover, there were given specific instructions to both schools to eliminate shortcomings over a period of time. In conclusion, the Accreditation Council evaluated the activity of schools as satisfactory and made a decision on the accreditation of their relevant specialties. 

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A wide range of issues such as the execution of State Program on the development of the creative potential of the children (youth) with special talent, results of contests for the Best Secondary School and Best Teacher held in 2008 – 2011, results of final examinations and national evaluation held in 2010/2011 academic year, results of contest for admission of teachers to work at secondary schools of the republic and personnel provision, organization of training courses for teachers on the application of new curriculum subject in grade 5 for 2012-2013 academic year, etc. were discussed at the Board meeting.   Education Minister Misir Mardanov presented a report on the works done within the execution of State Program on the development of the creative potential of the children (youth) with special talent, results of contests for the Best Secondary School and Best Teacher, centrally - conducted final exams and national evaluation, contest for admission of teachers to work at secondary schools of the republic and personnel provision, organization of training courses for teachers on the application of new curriculum subject in grade 5 for 2012-2013 academic year, provision of secondary schools with heating system, preparation of textbooks, measures with regard to age limits, steps taken to improve the activity of school libraries and determine a norm for a teaching load , etc. The Minister also highlighted future obligations. Report Presentation of the Minister of Education Misir Mardanov (in Azeri)

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The conference was attended by representatives of governments, heads of administration academies, institutes and scientific centers of Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Uzbekistan and other countries, international and non – governmental organizations, as well as experts in a relevant field. Speaking at the start of the conference Acting Rector of the Academy of Public Administration (APA) Alikram Abdullayev noted that the main goal of the conference is scientific analysis of reforms implemented in the public administration field of Azerbaijan, achievements and results, as well as possibilities for implementing the practice of foreign countries. Education Minister Misir Mardanov welcomed the guests in his speech and wished good luck with the conference. The Minister highly praised the conduct of this conference at APA with regard to the 20th anniversary of restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan.   Speaking about the activity of great leader Heydar Aliyev, who had made a priceless contribution to the restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan, the Minister highlighted its policy has successfully continued today by the President Ilham Aliyev. He gave information on ongoing reforms implemented in the education field under the leadership of President and achieved successes. According to him, the logistic base of education institutions of Azerbaijan has been strengthened and created all the conditions to receive an education. The Minister spoke on the activity of APA, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary and underlined its role in training highly qualified personnel. UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Fikret Akcura, head of European Union delegation to Azerbaijan, Ambassador Roland Kobia and others made a speech at the conference. At the end, there was demonstrated a video devoted to the path to independence and development of Azerbaijan. The conference will continue its work in sections on December 5.

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The ceremony was attended by the Education Minister Misir Mardanov, Head of Nizami District Executive Power Tahir Budagov, Executive Director of German-Azeri Business Association (DAWF) Florian Schroeder, CIS Director of KNAUF Academy Andrey Bykov, General Manager of KNAUF Marketing Baku, LLC Samir Guliyev, representative of the German Embassy in Azerbaijan Peter Ziegler, heads of KNAUF Group in Germany, Russia and Georgia and others.  The KNAUF Resource Centre was established in accordance with the protocol of intention signed between the Ministry of Education and KNAUF Group on 8 December 2010. The main goal of the centre is to train personnel in the field of construction industry in accordance with the requirements of labor market, the use of global best practices in this field, improve the competitiveness of graduates in the local and international labor market, and provide the construction sector of the country with the qualified personnel. Currently, at the Baku Vocational Lyceum No.4 has started the training of personnel on the KNAUF technologies.      Education Minister Misir Mardanov cut a red ribbon to symbolise the official opening of the KNAUF Resource Centre and congratulated the ceremony attendees on this occasion. Next, participants became acquainted with the centre. They visited the workroom and theoretical training room of the Centre, as well as have acquainted with the conditions created here for pupils.    General Manager of KNAUF Marketing Baku, LLC Samir Guliyev gave information on works and projects implemented by the KNAUF Corporation in Azerbaijan, as well as on the goal and purpose of the Resource Centre. According to him, there are some plans to establish such centers at other vocational education institutions in future. The Minister has remained satisfied with the conditions created at the Centre for students and stressed his satisfaction with the done works. Next, CIS Director of KNAUF Academy Andrey Bykov presented a report on the cooperation of KNAUF Group with the education management organizations and education institutions of CIS countries. In his presentation, he gave detailed information on the activity of KNAUF in different countries, works done in the education field, etc. Speaking at the event, Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed that the development of vocational education is one of the priority issues of the government. He gave information on works done within “State Program on the development of technical vocational education in the. Republic of Azerbaijan (2007-2012 years),” and noted measures taken to develop the vocational education in recent years. According to him, many international organizations and companies have expressed their interest in implementing various projects in this field. Noting the vocational education is of great importance on building social and economic infrastructure of the country, the Minister touched upon issues demanding urgent solutions. In conclusion, the Minister expressed his belief that the opening of resource centre equipped with the latest equipments will play an important role in training professional labor personnel, and the cooperation in the vocational education field with the international organizations and companies will bring great benefits.  

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov has warmly greeted the guests and stressed the existence of great interest in the Agency's activity in the country. The Minister noted that the establishment of cooperation with the Reuters Agency will be particularly important for the development of science in Azerbaijan and its worldwide recognition. He put forward the idea for the establishment of relations in the existing directions and underlined the feasibility of implementing this work in cooperation with the relevant structures.  The Country Manager for Central and Eastern Europe at Thomson Reuters David Horky has thanked the Minister for the warm reception. He gave detailed information on the Reuters Agency noting its database is used in more than 100 countries around the world. According to Mr. D. Horky, the Agency database is being used in determining the world top university rankings as well. He stressed that the Agency database contains scientific journals which have an impact factor, and information on international conferences and patents. Moreover, Mr. Horky underlined their readiness to establish cooperation. Noting the Republic of Turkey has implemented the relevant work in this field since 2001, Sales Manager of the Thomson Reuters Agency Metin Tunc underlined the importance of using the Agency database. He stressed the existence of high scientific potential in the country and importance attached to the development of science and technology in Azerbaijan. The Minister noted the importance of preparing the relevant draft document, and reviewing it jointly with several structures to receive the right of access to the database of the Agency. Moreover, the sides have had an exchange of views on the future directions and opportunities for the use of Agency database.  

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Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov touched upon issues done by the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in recent years to improve the education and create an effective liaison between parents and teachers. Noting the main goal of the organization is to build close collaboration and good communication between parents and teachers, the Minister highly praised the events held by the organization in the mentioned direction. He highlighted the important duties laid upon this organization to build a civil society in Azerbaijan, improve the quality of education and authority of school. Moreover, Education Minister stressed the importance of organizing the PTA activity more effectively and underlined the appropriateness to study in this regard the practice of other countries. He underscored the strengthening and expanding of PTA activities as one of the important issues, as well as importance of strengthening the propaganda work. The Minister said that the necessary support will be given to the organization and gave his recommendations on some current issues.   Executive Director of Azerbaijan Parent Teacher Association Tarana Sharifova thanked the Minister for holding the meeting and his support. According to her, the number of members of PTA has risen and in the current year, about 100 secondary schools and preschool education institutions of Baku have applied to PTA in this regard. Speaking about the positive results of parental involvement in the centrally conducted final examinations, T. Sharifova also gave information on projects that PTA is taking part and measures implemented by the organization. Moreover, T. Sharifova initiated the creation of affiliates of the PTA, development of mechanism to increase the sense of responsibility of parents, organization of Azerbaijan Teachers House for teachers to organize their communication and exchange of practical experience, etc. She also talked on some problems and difficulties faced by their organization. National PTA board members - director of secondary school No. 46 of Baku Sevinj Budagova, director of educational complex No. 132 – 134 Sara Khanlarova, director of Environmental Lyceum “Araz” No.291 Sudaba Mikayilova, director of the full secondary school No.18 of Baku Vagif Huseynov, director of XXI Century International Education and Innovation Center Vafa Mammadova, deputy director of the Kindergarten - school-lyceum complex of Baku Kamala Badalova, parent of school-lyceum No.20 of Baku Rafig Ramazanov, and director of full secondary school No. 152 of Baku Gulara Verdiyeva in their speech put forward proposals for a more efficient organization of liaison between parents, teachers and schools, to enlighten parents, enhance the authority of teachers in society, etc. In conclusion, there were made decisions on the activity of press body of the PTA, as well as to strengthen propaganda work and liaison between parents, teachers and schools to inform the society on works implemented in the relevant direction.

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The Spartakiade has devoted to the 20th anniversary of the restoration of State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The event was attended by Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov. He welcomed the participants and spoke about sporting opportunities created in the country, conduction of spartakiade and its results. According to G. Novruzov, the interest in sport creates positive turning points for children and young people, keeps them physically and mentally healthy, makes possible for them to keep up their position in society and abide by moral rules. Noting the existence of a solid foundation for the work with children and young people in the country, the Deputy Education Minister stressed the significant role of these kinds of events in physical and moral development of young generation. G. Novruzov said that the winners of spartakiade were awarded in September and today’s event is devoted to rewarding executive educators, methodologists and teachers, who have contributed to the conduction of spartakiade.  Next, G. Novruzov presented to the heads of city, district education departments and units, which teams have shown a high result in the spartakiade, as well as directors of initial vocational education establishments with cups and diplomas.  The award was presented in 3 categories. The first place in the first category on cities was given to the Baku City Education Department, second place to Sumgayit City Education Department, III place to the Mingechevir city and Lenkeran district education departments. The winner of the first place held in the second category on districts became Jalilabad District Education Unit, the second place Sabirabad District Education Unit and the third place Gazakh and Gusar districts education units. The winner of the first place held in the third category on vocational education establishments became Baku Professional Lyceum No. 7, the second place Baku Professional Lyceum No.12 and the third place Baku Professional Lyceum No. 9. At the end, directors of distinguished district education units, schools, methodologists and teachers were handed over honorary diplomas.

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The event was attended by Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov, MPs Kamila Aliyeva, Jeyhun Osmanli, Sadaqat Valiyeva, Jala Aliyeva, director of Department for Education and Extra – School Institutions Agababa Ibrahimov, deputy director of Baku city Education Department Mammad Bayramov, heads of circles, etc. The competition, which was conducted in accordance with the relevant order of the Ministry of Education, is one of a series of events held with regard to the 20th anniversary of restoration of the independence of Azerbaijan Republic. The main goal of the competition is to promote the creativity potential of talented children and youth, increase the interest of pupils in creativity circles, and organize exchanges of experience among centers for children’s creativity. The competition was held in two stages: district (city) and Republican stages.   Speaking at the opening of the event, Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov underlined the special role of extra-school education in the life and intellectual development of pupils. He highly praised an active participation of pupils in the competition and a great interest of pupils from districts in the centers for creativity. According to G. Novruzov, about 400 handcrafts were submitted to the Republican stage of the competition and 60 winners were determined by Jury. He has congratulated the winners and wished them every success for the future. Other speakers have talked about the importance of competition and the role of these kinds of events in all-round development of pupils. The winners of the first, second and third places of the competition were awarded with diplomas and prizes of the Ministry of Education.

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Issues such as the execution of State program, its results, improvement in program execution, solutions to existing problems and determination of priority specialties for the next academic year were discussed at the meeting. The event was attended by the heads and employees of different state bodies, rectors of universities, pro – rectors, and representatives of other bodies. Education Minister Misir Mardanov has welcomed meeting attendees and underlined that the scientific and education fields of the country are involved in the extensive integrative processes as the economic field. Noting the State program for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015, approved by the order 2090 of the President Ilham Aliyev of 16 April 2007 has successfully implemented, the Minister stressed that the main goal of the program is to satisfy the need of the country for personnel fully meeting the latest requirements to create a competitive economy and ensure continuous improvement. Moreover, it aims to expand the opportunities for talented youth to study in the world’s top countries. According to the Minister, 5 000 youth are planning to be sent to the world’s top universities, and up to now 1204 young people were sent to the world's leading universities on different levels of education on specialties which are needed in the country. Noting currently there are some graduates out of 322 young people, who have graduated within the relevant program, studying at the next levels of the education, the Minister stressed that other graduates are working in different state bodies and private sectors. He said that the Ministry successfully cooperates with German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and CNOUS (National Center for University and school) of France within the bilateral agreements in order to provide the study of Azerbaijani youth at the world’s top universities.  Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov gave detailed information on the execution of State Program for the Education of Young Azerbaijanis Abroad in 2007-2015, and highlighted statistics on priority specialties selected by young people currently studying at the top universities of foreign countries. He named countries where the vast majority of students prefer to study and highly praised the year-on-year increase in the number of young people wishing to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. Having noted Azerbaijan is worthily represented by young Azerbaijanis studying abroad, Deputy Education Minister put forward proposals of the Ministry of Education for the efficient implementation of the State Program and thanked everyone who has contributed to its realization.  Next, Minister of Youth and Sport Azad Rahimov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Hafiz Pashayev, Executive Director of the State Oil Fund Shahmar Movsumov, Rector of Baku State University Abel Maharramov, Rector of Azerbaijan Medical University Ahliman Amiraslanov, and Rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University Shamsaddin Hajiyev made a speech at the event noting the importance of deep study of knowledge by young Azerbaijanis and care provided by the state for them. They highlighted the necessity to consider proposals of all relevant bodies in the execution of the State Programme to prepare young people of Azerbaijan, where one of the priorities of the public policy is to turn the oil capital into the human capital, to meet the latest requirements.

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