2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (MENAFN)
In the modern world, digitalization plays a crucial role inreshaping economies. The increasing integration of digitaltechnologies into all aspects of life and business has made itimperative for nations to adapt to the digital economy. Forcountries like Azerbaijan, embracing digitalization is not justabout advancing technology but also ensuring economicsustainability, enhancing public services, and preparing theworkforce for the demands of a rapidly changing labor market.
Bytransitioning to a digital economy, countries can unlock newopportunities, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive edge inthe global marketplace. It is with this strategic vision in mindthat Azerbaijan has launched its new National Program aimed ateducating and upskilling its citizens to thrive in the FourthIndustrial Revolution. National Program: A step towards digitaltransformation The newly launched“National Program,” a collaborative effortbetween the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the FourthIndustrial Revolution (4SIM), the Education Development Foundation,and the US-based online education platform Coursera, reflectsAzerbaijan's commitment to digital transformation.
The program, which is designed to provide over 8,000 freetraining courses from approximately 350 prestigious universitiesand leading tech companies, marks an important milestone in thecountry's efforts to prepare its population for the digitaleconomy. Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of 4SIM, highlighted during arecent panel discussion that over 100,000 Azerbaijani citizenswould have access to free online courses in cutting-edgetechnologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning,data analytics, blockchain, and cloud computing. This initiativealigns with the country's strategy to equip its citizens with theskills necessary to adapt to the disruptions caused by automationand digital technologies.
Digitalization: Addressing the skillsgap Azerbaijan is not alone in recognizing the impact ofdigitalization on the labor market. As Jafarov noted, while theintroduction of new technologies creates millions of new jobopportunities, it also leads to the reduction of others. Thechallenge lies in preparing the workforce to transition into thesenew roles.
With this understanding, the National Program focuses onproviding citizens with the tools they need to successfullynavigate the changing job landscape. By offering courses from world-renowned institutions such asOxford, Stanford, and IBM, the program ensures that Azerbaijan'scitizens receive high-quality, globally recognized education.Additionally, the integration of AI tools in the platform-such asthe“Coursera coach” function-helps users choose courses alignedwith their educational and career goals, further facilitating theirprofessional development.
Enhancing digital sovereignty throughAI The program also addresses Azerbaijan's broader ambitions tostrengthen its digital sovereignty. One of the key components isthe development of large language models in the Azerbaijanilanguage, which will aid in preserving cultural identity whileintegrating global digital standards. Fariz Jafarov emphasized thatthe implementation of AI technologies in various sectors, such asagriculture and education, will allow for efficient infrastructuredevelopment and decision-making, improving overall governance andpublic service delivery.
Bridging the gap: Accessibility andinclusivity An essential feature of the National Program is its commitmentto inclusivity. Over the past year, the project has reached adiverse audience, with participants ranging from 9 to 73 years old.This age range demonstrates the power of online education totranscend traditional barriers, offering equal opportunities toindividuals regardless of their background, age, or socialstanding.
Furthermore, the program is focused on connecting users withpotential employers. Through tools like the“Hiring Solutions”feature, companies in Azerbaijan will have access to a pool ofqualified candidates who have completed relevant courses. This notonly enhances employability but also bridges the gap betweeneducational institutions and the job market.
Building a sustainable economy As Azerbaijan continues to diversify its economy, there is aclear focus on building a workforce that is not only digitallysavvy but also equipped with the skills needed to drive innovationin emerging sectors such as green energy and sustainabledevelopment. The National Program supports this vision by trainingspecialists who will contribute to the country's growing digitaleconomy. The integration of technology into traditional industrieswill foster a more sustainable and resilient economy, positioningAzerbaijan as a leader in the digital age.
Azerbaijan's National Program is an important step towardsensuring that the country remains competitive in an increasinglydigital world. By providing access to world-class training andpromoting digital literacy, the program empowers citizens tonavigate the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth IndustrialRevolution. Furthermore, it aligns with Azerbaijan's broadereconomic goals of diversification, sustainability, and innovation.
As more citizens gain access to these resources, the country willbe better positioned to accelerate its digital transformation,strengthen its workforce, and create a thriving digital economythat benefits all its people. MENAFN15032025000195011045ID1109318311 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article.
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