On the 26th of December 2023, Azerbaijan State Agricultural University (ASAU) hosted the forum ‘Graduates’ Forum 2023: the role of education in the formation of human capital’.
In the opening speech, the Rector of the University, Zafar Gurbanov, told about the importance of the event and emphasised that such forums serve the purpose of sustainable development. The rector mentioned that such events are quite a useful platform for the development of university-industry and university- graduate communication, networking between graduates and students.
Recep Oztop, Consul General of Turkey in Ganja, in his speech drew attention to the relevance and importance of the forum and wished success.
Elton Abdurakhmanov, the director of the Republican Centre for Artificial Insemination, mentioned in his speech that he was glad to participate as a guest at the university where he studied, as well as other graduates. He mentioned that graduates of the Agricultural University representing various companies today are proud to be back in their higher education institutions.
Panel discussions continued the work of the Forum. The panel discussions were focused on the development of university-industrial cooperation and improvement of the quality of education in the agricultural specialties, adaptation of university graduates to the requirements of the labour market. Quality Education (SDG 4): during the forum the role of education in the formation of human capital was discussed, which is linked to quality education, one of the four goals of sustainable development. Establishing links between universities and graduates and supporting networking indicate the expansion of educational opportunities and the application of education in a wider range of fields.
Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8): the forum also discussed the development of University-Industry Relations, which contributes to addressing unemployment and creating more employment opportunities, as well as contributing to the creation of decent jobs and economic growth.
Sustainable Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9): developing the relationship between education and industry is essential for technological innovation and the development of a sustainable industry. Issues related to the development of the agricultural sector and the involvement of graduates in the field that contribute to this goal were discussed at the forum.
