Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan-UK Alumni Association (AUKAA)
Our network expanded considerably in 2005 when Azerbaijan was made a Fellowship country. In September 2005, John Smith Fellows Khalid Rajabov, Ramil Isganderov, and Shahla Ismayilova played an active role in the establishment of the Azerbaijan-UK Alumni Association (AUKAA) after taking part in the 2005 Fellowship Programme. The AUKAA is a network of Azerbaijani professionals who have been to the UK under various study programmes. The organisation is run by its members and specifically by its Chairman, 2005 Fellow Khalid Rajabov. Their aim is to develop an effective professional and social network of UK alumni. Their further goals are to: maintain professional links and potential business relationships between Azerbaijan and the UK; promote professional development opportunities for its members; and assist in the reform process of their country. The AUKAA has 140 members at present and is supported by the British Council, the British Embassy, and BP.
The AUKAA held its first regional conference in February 2007, bringing together the British Alumni Associations of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. The participants were welcomed by Dr. Laurie Bristow, the British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Khalid Rajabov, AUKAA Chairman, and Elmar Gasimov, Deputy Minister of Education. Key-note speeches were made on sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, whilst the second day of the event was devoted to networking.
JSMT News
Trust Advisor Michael Moore MP visits Baku to promote 2008 John Smith Fellowship Programme
On 24th September Trust Advisor and Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesman Michael Moore MP and Deputy Director Joanna Lamb travelled to Baku. This visit was co-sponsored by the British Embassy and British Council in Azerbaijan. Read More
Baroness Stern travels to Baku to promote Penal Reform - inspired by John Smith Fellow, Ramil Isganderov
On 2nd October 2006, Trust supporters Baroness Stern and David Croft joined Deputy Director Joanna Lamb in Baku in order to encourage applications to the 2007 Fellowship Programme. Read More
Vice-Chairman Sir Menzies Campbell MP visits Azerbaijan on behalf of the Trust
Vice-Chairman, Sir Menzies Campbell, CBE, QC, MP, and the Trust Director, Emma MacLennan, visited Baku from 5th to 7th October 2005 to meet the Azeri Fellows and to promote understanding in Azerbaijan of the Trust's aims and methods.
Azerbaijan becomes a Fellowship country
The Trust are delighted to be extending the scope of the Fellowship Programme to include Azerbaijan. The 2005 Programme will include three young leaders from the South Caucasian country. The Rt Hon Lord Robertson, Chairman of the John Smith Memorial Trust, welcomed this development saying: 'There has been keen demand from young civil society and political leaders in Azerbaijan to participate in our Programme. We are delighted to be able to respond. Our fellowships are an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills, and will help to encourage a dialogue between young Azeri leaders and those in Armenia and Georgia.'.
Articles
Azerbaijan sees Armenia Differently after Elections
by Fariz Ismailzade, 2007 Fellow
This essay explores the issue of democratic development in Armenia and Azerbaijan and the impact of the recent Armenian presidential elections.
Azerbaijan's Traffic Deaths: Time to Buckle Up
by 2007 Fellow Fariz Ismailzade
Eight persons dead in a head-on car collision. Twenty-nine soldiers injured in an army vehicle crash.
First published in Eurasia Insight on 3rd August 2007.
A Karabakh Azeri Perspective
by 2006 Fellow Tabib Huseynov
Peace talks to resolve the conflict over Nagorny Karabakh have been under way for more than a decade with virtually no tangible progress.
A Guide to the Republic of Azerbaijan Law Research
by 2005 Fellow Ramil Isgandarov
Evolution and Resistance: Democracy in Azerbaijan
by Shahla Ismayilova 2005 Fellow
There are many definitions of democracy, but none which reflects its full essence. The term ‘democracy’ is more ideological than scientific. Democracy is the most complex of all the forms of government. It is not designed for efficiency, but for accountability.
An Invisible Conflict between Unknown Enemies
by Khalid Rajabov 2005 Fellow
Democratic governance, democratic institutions, free and fair elections, the rule of law, market economics, trade liberalization, privatization, political pluralism – these are some of the watchwords the West uses in relation to the post-Soviet republics, and with little regard for local sensitivities.
