At Baku State University (BSU), various projects are implemented to enhance the public engagement of employees and students, encourage their active participation in the university’s and the country's socio-cultural and social life, involve them in large-scale social projects, contribute to scientific enlightenment activities, and organize cultural and mass events. Effective work is carried out to develop and strengthen cooperation between BSU and government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and public associations in implementing joint social projects.
In line with the country’s social policy, BSU supports initiatives and ideas aimed at social development, fostering an environment of social initiative. Social projects focus on ensuring the physical, social, intellectual, and moral development of the university community, protecting their lives and health, promoting innovative ideas, improving awareness-raising activities, protecting nature and the environment, maintaining a tolerant and inclusive society, and enhancing the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market.
Ensuring high-quality working and educational conditions, protecting the health of staff and students, organizing their social protection, improving their well-being, increasing their public engagement, effectively managing their leisure time, creating a comprehensive educational environment for students, and supporting staff and students from socially vulnerable groups are among the university’s priorities. Additionally, the implementation of youth policies and improving the moral and ethical education of students remain at the center of attention.
Regular measures are taken to improve working and educational conditions, as well as public catering and medical services for employees and students. In recent years, BSU has modernized the Student House to meet the highest standards with necessary equipment, carried out extensive renovations of dining halls, and established a Book House, among other initiatives.
Key Areas of Social Projects at BSU:
- Social Research by the Faculty and Professors: In line with BSU’s public mission, faculty members actively participate in scientific enlightenment efforts, expressing their perspectives as prominent intellectuals on the country’s socio-cultural life, economic and social development, and regional and global processes. Their research is presented to the public through mass media, scientific-public publications, and journalistic articles.
- Enhancing Students' Public Engagement and Expanding Student Organizations: Projects are undertaken to promote national and moral values, spread the idea of Azerbaijani identity, study and promote the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, and analyze global processes to provide students with comparative insights. Efforts are also made to instill patriotism, foster innovation, and support student clubs, BSU volunteers, and other student-led initiatives through social projects.
- Large-Scale Joint Social Projects with State and Non-Governmental Organizations: BSU serves as a platform for discussing and presenting humanitarian-social programs and initiatives from government institutions, scientific and cultural organizations, economic institutions, and creative associations.
- Collaboration-Based Social Projects with Employers and Industry: Regular training sessions with employers, career fairs, competitions, debates, roundtable discussions, and other events are held to enhance students’ career prospects.
- Health and Leisure Projects for Staff and Students: Social initiatives such as health awareness campaigns, collaborative events with City Polyclinic No. 30 and the Psychological Support Sector, competitions, environmental cleanup campaigns, and workshops are regularly organized to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Notable Social Initiatives at BSU:
Research on the Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs):
BSU faculty and internationally recognized legal scholars contributed to a Comprehensive International Report on the Violated Rights of Azerbaijani IDPs from Occupied Territories. The report, published in Azerbaijani and English, analyzes the fundamental rights of IDPs before, during, and after occupation, assesses damages caused by the occupation, examines international crimes committed, and presents legal arguments for Armenia’s international responsibility. The report was distributed to international organizations, government bodies, and diplomatic missions.
Analysis of Media Coverage During the Patriotic War:
During the 44-Day Patriotic War, BSU experts, media specialists, and researchers analyzed local and international media coverage of the war. The project resulted in three key publications:
- "Interviews of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev with Foreign Media During the Patriotic War" – Analyzing President Aliyev’s strategic communications and their role in the information war.
- "The Patriotic War in Local and Foreign Media" – Reviewing international perspectives and media coverage of the war.
- "BSU Professors and Students in National Media During the Patriotic War" – Featuring articles and media contributions from BSU staff and students.
Commemorating BSU’s Martyr Graduates:
A documentary film was produced about BSU’s martyr graduates, and a book titled "The Heroic Graduates of BSU" was published. The "Victory Road" program, a series of 44 broadcasts, was aired in collaboration with BSU TV and the Cultural-Creativity Center. Additionally, the "BSU’s Heroic Martyr Graduates" project was launched in partnership with “Missiya” Internet TV, producing reports on visits to martyr families.
Publication of the Two-Volume "History of the Republic of Azerbaijan (1991-2021)":
This book, released in 2021, comprehensively covers Azerbaijan’s 30-year development path, including the struggles for independence, the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, economic and military progress, and victory in the Karabakh War. The book serves as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and students.
BSU’s Role in the Fight Against COVID-19:
During the pandemic, BSU launched several social initiatives:
- Financial and food assistance was provided to over 500 elderly employees and 350 students.
- Free internet packages were distributed to over 300 students facing technical difficulties in online education.
- In partnership with Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s "Regional Development" Public Union, food assistance was delivered to 100 elderly individuals in high-risk groups.
- A COVID-19 vaccination center was set up at BSU’s medical facility, ensuring the vaccination of all staff.
- BSU’s Psychological Support Sector provided counseling for over 300 students and staff struggling with mental health challenges during the lockdown.
The First Turkic World Literature and Book Festival (2022):
BSU, in collaboration with Azerbaijan Writers' Union, Milli Majlis Culture Committee, the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and various other cultural institutions, organized a major literary festival from May 26-28, 2022. The event featured over 100 publishing houses, thousands of visitors, and discussions on renowned Turkic thinkers, including Nizami, Yunus Emre, Ali-Shir Nava'i, and Mahdumgulu Firaki.
BSU’s faculty and students actively engage in the university's and country's social life, participating in nationwide projects, cultural events, and volunteer initiatives. The university continues to expand social initiatives, promote volunteerism, and support student-led social projects.
