JSMT Deputy Chairman Damian Green MP visits project of 2005 Fellow Shahla Ismailova
The Shadow Minister for Immigration Damian Green MP travelled to Azerbaijan in mid September 2009, visiting 2005 Fellow Shahla Ismailova who has launched a pioneering project in the Azeri capital of Baku. In addition, Damian attended ministerial meetings as well as promoting the work of the Trust and encouraging applications for the 2010 John Smith Fellowship Programme. Damian, who has now travelled to all the countries of the South Caucasus in his capacity as JSMT Deputy Chairman, was accompanied by the Trust’s Events Manager Aisling Conboy – both visiting Azerbaijan for the first time.
Damian and Shahla at the Women's Association for Rational Development
Damian and Aisling were welcomed to WARD, the Women's Association for Rational Development, by the WARD Chairwoman Shahla Ismailova (2005 Fellow). WARD is an NGO working to promote and protect human rights, particularly those of women, and manages a large number of projects in this field. Shahla has established the first maternity school in the country – a valuable resource for pregnant women who can attend a series of classes (free of charge). The aim of Shahla’s ground-breaking project is to better educate women and provide them with much needed assistance and support. On the visit to WARD, Damian said:
"It was really inspiring to see the work done by Shahla and her team. It is making practical difference to the daily lives of many women in Baku, and the Trust is very proud to have her as a Fellow. "
Damian and Aisling also visited the work place of 2009 Fellow Samir Alibayov, the Senior Project Coordinator of the Transparency International Advocacy and Legal Advice Center (ALAC). The goal of the ALAC project is to provide citizens with the means to become actively involved in the fight against corruption in their societies. Damian met with Rena Safaraliyeva the Executive Director of Transparency International to discuss how TI is combating corruption in the education and health care sectors. As part of his JSMT Action Plan, Samir plans to promote investigative journalism and increase the media’s ability to expose corruption in his country.
Damian with Nicole la Hausse de Lalouvière (British Council) and Rena Safaraliyeva (Transparency International) at the TI offices
Whilst in Baku, Damian and Aisling were encouraging talented young leaders, like Samir and Shahla, to apply for the 2010 John Smith Fellowship Programme. Six media organisations were present at a press conference held to launch the application process. Damian and Aisling addressed an audience of potential applicants, held at the Landmark Hotel, introducing to them the work of the Trust and providing information about the application process. Damian also attended a lunch with potential applicants organised by 2007 Fellow Fariz Ismailzade.
Aisling and Damian talk to potential applicants about the 2010 Fellowship Programme
Damian and Aisling were keen to meet with as many John Smith Fellows as possible during their visit. At Sultan’s Restaurant, they were joined for an enjoyable evening by Zeynab Isayeva (2009 Fellow), Elshad Mikayilov (2009 Fellow), Rafig Gurban-zadeh (2007 Fellow), Vusal Huseynov (2007 Fellow), Shahla Ismaylova (2005 Fellow), Khalid Rajabov (2005 Fellow), and representatives from the British Embassy and British Council.
John Smith Fellows welcome Damian and Aisling to Baku
Director of the British Council Azerbaijan, Nicole la Hausse de Lalouvière, hosted a reception at her residence in honour of Damian’s visit. Damian and Aisling were able to further promote the Fellowship Programme and met with civil society leaders at this interesting event.
Damian attended a number of ministerial meetings whilst in Baku. He met with Malahat Hasanova MP, Chair of the New Azerbaijan Party, Chair of the working group on human trafficking, and Chair of the Women’s Public Union. Damian and Ms. Hasanova held a wide-ranging discussion on issues such as trafficking, the role of women in politics, and the current situation in the region. Organised by the European Azerbaijan Society, Damian met with Deputy Minister Major General Ali Shafiyev (Ministry of Internal Security). The meeting was beneficial for both Damian and Major General Shafiyev who discussed issues of mutual concern such as immigration, trafficking, terrorism, and continued cooperation between the two countries. Deputy Minister Oruj Zalov (Ministry of Internal Affairs) held a discussion with Damian on IDPs, employment, emigration, security in the region, and the role of the John Smith Memorial Trust in promoting open dialogue between Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
Damian and Aisling meet Malahat Hasanova MP (centre)
The John Smith Memorial Trust would like to thank the British Council, the British Embassy, the European Azerbaijan Society, and its John Smith Fellows for all their help in organizing this successful visit. Special thanks to HM Ambassador Dr Carolyn Browne, Catherine Cleeve, Nicole la Hausse de Lalouvière, Shahla Ismailova, Zeynab Isayeva and Fariz Ismailzade.