First-Ever Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025 Organized in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, was the location for the inaugural “Youth Cybersecurity Forum 2025,” held at the Baku Convention Center.

According to a report by News.Az, citing Azertac as its source, the forum was a joint undertaking. The Azerbaijan Union of Student Youth Organizations spearheaded the event, receiving backing from organizations such as the Youth Foundation, the State Service for Special Communications and Information, the Electronic Security Service operating under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, and the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center.

The forum began with the playing of Azerbaijan’s national anthem, after which participants observed a silent tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the defense of Azerbaijan’s territorial sovereignty.

Opening addresses were given by prominent figures including Rashad Zeynalov, who chairs the Azerbaijan Student Youth Organizations’ Union; Elvin Shahverdiyev, the Deputy Head of the Electronic Security Service; Shahmar Hajiyahyayev, the Head of the Information Security Department at the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center; and Gadir Khalilov, the Acting Executive Director of the Youth Foundation. These speakers offered their insights on the forum’s significance and underscored the attention and guidance directed towards the younger generation.

The program continued after the initial ceremonies with a musical interlude and subsequent panel discussions. These discussions revolved around key themes in cybersecurity, specifically “Cybersecurity: Novel Strategies in Programming and Data Security” and “The Impact of AI and Human Elements: Emerging Shifts and Vulnerabilities in Cybersecurity.”

The primary objectives of the forum were to increase young citizens’ awareness of cyber threats, improve their digital safety habits, promote the growth of a national cybersecurity culture, introduce them to cutting-edge technological advancements, and bolster Azerbaijan’s potential within this vital sector.

Additionally, the event sought to establish a strong national cybersecurity ecosystem and to improve the collective knowledge and expertise in the area of cyber defense.

Resource:

https://azertag.az/en/xeber/azerbaijan_hosts_youth_cybersecurity_forum_2025_for_first_time-3520003

https://news.az/news/azerbaijan-hosts-youth-cybersecurity-forum-2025-for-first-time