AmCham Human Resources and Labor Committee Holds June Meeting on Leadership Presence and Nonverbal Communication

On June 9, 2026, the AmCham Human Resources and Labor Committee organized a meeting titled “Leadership Presence: Beyond Verbal Communication” .The event featured Mr. Anar Heydarov, Business Strategy, Leadership and Global Body Language Expert, as the guest speaker.The session commenced with welcoming remarks delivered by Ms. Samira Shabanova, Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham Human Resources and Labor Committee, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of leadership presence, effective communication, and self-awareness in fostering stronger workplace relationships and organizational success.During the meeting, Mr. Heydarov delivered an engaging presentation exploring the role of nonverbal communication in leadership effectiveness and organizational culture. He highlighted how a leader’s posture, eye contact, gestures, voice, and overall presence can influence trust, motivation, engagement, decision-making, and team performance. Drawing on practical examples and professional experience, he demonstrated how leaders communicate far beyond words and how nonverbal signals can shape workplace dynamics and employee perceptions.The discussion also focused on the concept of leadership presence as a learnable competency rather than an innate characteristic. Participants were introduced to the Leadership Presence Audit (L.P.A.) Model, a practical framework developed by Mr. Heydarov to assess the psychological climate created by a leader’s nonverbal behavior and its impact on organizational outcomes.Throughout the session, participants took part in interactive exercises and discussions designed to increase awareness of their own communication styles and leadership behaviors. The meeting provided valuable insights into the relationship between emotional transmission, organizational culture, and leadership effectiveness.The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which participants exchanged views with the speaker, shared professional experiences, and explored practical approaches to strengthening leadership presence and communication skills in the workplace. The interactive discussions reflected a strong interest in the topic and contributed to a dynamic and insightful exchange of perspectives.AmCham Azerbaijan would like to express its sincere gratitude to Mr. Anar Heydarov for his valuable contribution to the Committee meeting and for sharing his extensive expertise with participants. Through his engaging presentation, practical examples, and interactive approach, Mr. Heydarov provided attendees with meaningful insights into the critical role of leadership presence, nonverbal communication, and self-awareness in today’s professional environment. His thought-provoking perspectives and practical recommendations encouraged participants to reflect on their own leadership styles and communication practices, making the session both informative and impactful. AmCham highly appreciates Mr. Heydarov’s time, dedication, and willingness to contribute to the professional development of the business community. 

AmCham Azerbaijan co-hosted the “Technovation by PMI” Advancing Science and Innovation for Sustainable Economic Transformation

On June 11, 2026, The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) co-hosted globally recognized “Technovation by PMI” in Baku, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to explore the role of science and innovation in shaping the future of economy and industries.“Technovation by PMI” forms part of a broader series of international forums focused on advancing dialogue around innovation, science, and regulation. Discussions highlighted how technological progress, supported by robust scientific research, can contribute to gradual transformation of economies, business models while furthering societal interest. Participants also explored the importance of regulatory clarity and evidence-based policymaking in fostering innovation and ensuring that new technologies can deliver their potential benefits effectively.Welcoming participants to the forum, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev, President of AmCham Azerbaijan, underscored the value of constructive dialogue and collaboration among government institutions, the business community, and international partners in advancing innovation-driven growth. Afterwards, Mr. Huseyn Huseynov, Advisor to the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reflected on Azerbaijan’s ongoing economic development priorities and the growing role of the non-oil sector in driving long-term prosperity. Mr. Alexey Kim, Director of External Affairs for the CIS at PMI, highlighted the importance of regulation and taxation that encourages innovation, creates deeper public-private partnerships, and benefits society at large.The first panel, dedicated to “Economic diversification through the Promotion and Development of the Non-Oil and Gas Sector”, explored the opportunities and policy priorities driving Azerbaijan’s economic transformation. The discussion featured perspectives from both government and industry representatives, including Mr. Elnur Soltanov, Deputy Minister of Energy of Azerbaijan; Mr. Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the Alat Free Economic Zone Authority; and Mr. Fariz Jafarov ,Executive Director of Azerbaijan Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan). The panel was moderated by AmCham IDE Committee Deputy Chairperson, Head of Innovations at Pasha Financial Holding Ms. Tugra Musayeva. The second panel on “Corporate Transformation towards Harm Reduction and Sustainable Growth” examined how companies are leveraging innovation, technology, and scientific advancements to adapt to evolving market demands, enhance sustainability, and create long-term value. The discussion featured Ms. Marianna Kerimova, Transformation and Technology Manager at bp; Dr. Uygar Durgunay, Executive Managing Officer at Acwa; and Ms. Tomoko Iida, Director of Scientific Engagement at PMI. Moderator of the second session was  Mr. Oleksii Kalynichenko, Head of Market Activation and Support for South Asia, Indochina, CIS, and the Middle East & Africa of PMI. “Technovation reflects our commitment to science-led innovation and open dialogue. Evidence-based regulation plays a critical role in this journey—providing the clarity and predictability needed to enable innovation and provide access to better alternatives” commented Mr. Yuri Gordok, Managing Director of the PMI Affiliates in Caucasus. The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Zaur Karimov, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as a hub for forward-looking dialogue and innovation, bringing together global expertise and local perspectives. He also expressed his appreciation to the distinguished speakers, participants, government representatives, and PMI for their valuable contributions and support, noting that the success of the event reflects a shared commitment to fostering innovation, advancing knowledge exchange, and supporting Azerbaijan’s sustainable economic development.The event – attended by more than 150 participants, including senior business executives, government officials, and other key stakeholders, as well as local and international media representatives – is a testimony to the importance and timeliness of this conversation. In 2026, Technovation was already hosted in the USA and Sweden.        

AmCham Azerbaijan Participated in the 31st International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition as Part of Baku Energy Week 2026

On June 1-3, 2026 the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) participated in 31st International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition – one is the largest event in the energy sector in the Caspian region. This year, 274 companies from 44 countries confirmed their participation in the event, bringing together global energy leaders, government institutions, investors, and industry experts. The event is traditionally supported by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, while the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) serves as the General Partner.AmCham Azerbaijan proudly participated in Baku Energy Week as both an exhibitor and information partner. This role reflects the Chamber’s strong engagement with Azerbaijan’s energy sector and the active involvement of numerous leading energy companies among its membership. Through its participation, AmCham continued to support dialogue, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas among key stakeholders in the energy industry.The official opening ceremony of the 31st International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition, held within the framework of Baku Energy Week, took place at the Baku Expo Center with the participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. The President’s presence once again underscored the strategic importance and international standing of Baku Energy Week as one of the region’s leading energy platforms. Bringing together government officials, global energy leaders, investors, and industry experts, the event continues to play a pivotal role in fostering international energy dialogue, strengthening strategic partnerships, and advancing cooperation across the global energy sector.During the exhibition, Iteca Caspian and Caspian Event Organizers (CEO) marked the occasion of AmCham Azerbaijan’s 30th anniversary by presenting the Chamber with a commemorative gift in recognition of its longstanding contribution to the development of Azerbaijan’s business environment and international cooperation. 

AmCham Azerbaijan Hosted a Conference on Bridging the Gap Between Legal Education and Business Expectations

On June 5, 2026, AmCham Azerbaijan organized a conference titled “Bridging the Gap: Legal Education and Business Expectations”, initiated by the Chamber’s Legal & Compliance Committee.The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Zaur Karimov, Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of strengthening the link between legal education and the evolving needs of the business community. In his remarks, Mr. Karimov also expressed sincere appreciation to the relevant government institutions, the leadership of AmCham Azerbaijan’s Legal & Compliance Committee, academic partners, legal professionals, and all stakeholders who contributed their expertise and valuable input to the organization of the conference. He further acknowledged the invaluable contribution of Azerbaijan’s legal, regulatory, and academic institutions, whose continued collaboration has been instrumental in advancing AmCham’s legal and compliance agenda.The conference was opened with remarks from Mr. Anar Baghirov, Chairman of the Azerbaijani Bar Association, who addressed several pressing challenges facing the legal education sphere. He shared his perspectives on the existing gaps between academic training and practical legal work, underscoring the need for continuous modernization of legal education to better equip graduates for the realities of the profession.The conference featured two panel discussions and an interactive session bringing together representatives from government institutions, academia, legal associations, law firms, and the corporate sector.The first panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Bahar Kavuzova, Chairperson of the AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee, focused on “Expectations from the Next Generation of Legal Professionals.” The discussion brought together Mr. Fazil Hasanaliyev, Head of the Scientific-Educational Center of the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mr. Amir Aliyev, Director of the Training Center of the Azerbaijani Bar Association; and  Mr. Rashad Ibadov, Dean of the Faculty of Law at ADA University. The panel explored the competencies, practical skills, and professional qualities expected from future legal professionals and examined how legal education can evolve to better address the needs of both the public and private sectors.The conference continued with an interactive session titled “The Employer of the Future Meets the Lawyer of the Future,” featuring  AmCham Board Member Mr. Kamil Valiyev, Co-Managing Partner for Azerbaijan at Dentons Baku Office, Mr. Tural Damirov, Treasurer of ELSA Azerbaijan, and Ms. Aynur Aliyeva, Secretary General of ALSA Azerbaijan. The discussion provided valuable perspectives on the expectations of employers and young legal professionals, highlighting opportunities for closer collaboration between educational institutions and the legal profession.The second panel discussion, moderated by Mr. Fuad Gashamov, Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham Legal & Compliance Committee, addressed “Current Challenges in the Professional Development of Legal Professionals.” The panel featured Ms. Leyla Hasanova Shahingoz, Head of Corporate Legal and M&A Department at NEQSOL Holding; Mr. Ilham Huseynov, Director of Legal Affairs Department at PASHA Bank; and Mr. Seymur Niftaliyev, Director of KPMG Law Azerbaijan & KPMG Law Uzbekistan and Member of the Azerbaijan Bar Association. The speakers discussed the challenges faced by employers in developing legal talent, the growing importance of practical experience and specialized skills, and the role of legal education in supporting the professional growth of legal practitioners.The conference concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Kamil Valiyev, who reflected on the diverse perspectives shared throughout the event and underscored the value of open dialogue in addressing the changing needs of the legal profession. He expressed appreciation to the speakers and participants for contributing to a meaningful exchange of ideas and practical insights.

AmCham Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee Holds June Meeting on the Future of Financial Cybersecurity in the Age of AI

On June 3, 2026, AmCham Azerbaijan’s Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee organized a session titled “The Future of Financial Cybersecurity in the Age of AI”.The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Vugar Namazov, Deputy Chair of the AmCham Banking, Finance and Insurance Committee, who welcomed participants and underscored the timeliness and significance of the topic amid the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Mr. Namazov also introduced the speakers and set the stage for the discussions that followed.The session featured keynote presentations by distinguished international experts from Mastercard. Mr. Cihan Salihoglu, Vice President, Cyber Advisory at Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, opened the discussions by exploring the evolving cybersecurity landscape in the age of artificial intelligence. He shared insights into emerging technologies, digital trust, cyber risk management, and the transformative impact of AI-driven solutions on businesses, consumers, and financial institutions.The event continued with an executive panel discussion moderated by Mr. Resat Kokcen from Mastercard Eastern Europe. The discussion brought together leading cybersecurity professionals, including Mr. Shahmar Hajiyahyayev from the Innovation and Digital Development Agency; Mr. Elnur Eyvazli from the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Ms. Sona Talibova-Alizade from PASHA Financial Holding; and Mr. Nadir Jabiyev from Unibank.The panelists exchanged views on strengthening cyber resilience, enhancing digital trust, managing risks associated with emerging technologies, and building secure digital ecosystems capable of adapting to rapidly evolving cyber threats. The discussion also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, regulatory considerations, operational resilience, and the future of secure digital transformation across the financial sector.The session concluded with a keynote presentation by Mr. Suheyl Hamavioglu, Director, Cyber Security Products Management at Mastercard Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, who shared regional perspectives on the latest cybersecurity threats, trends, and developments affecting financial institutions. He highlighted the importance of proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and strategic investment in cybersecurity capabilities to address increasingly sophisticated threat environments.The event served as an important platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the significance of collaboration among financial institutions, technology providers, regulators, and cybersecurity professionals in strengthening the resilience of Azerbaijan’s digital economy.The session concluded with an engaging Q&A discussion, during which participants had the opportunity to raise questions and exchange views directly with the speakers. The interactive dialogue generated insightful conversations on the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity risks, and the future of digital trust, allowing attendees to benefit from the speakers’ expertise and practical experience. 

AmCham Azerbaijan and PASHA Bank Hold Joint Session on PASHA Bank’s IPO

The American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan), in partnership with PASHA Bank, hosted a joint session dedicated to PASHA Bank’s upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO), bringing together AmCham members and representatives of the business community to discuss one of the most significant developments in Azerbaijan’s financial sector.The session featured presentations by Mr. Kamil Allahverdiyev, Director of Treasury at PASHA Bank, and Mr. Ramin Abbasov, Head of Local Brokerage Division at PASHA Capital, who shared insights into PASHA Bank’s investment proposition, the current macroeconomic environment, and the evolving landscape of Azerbaijan’s capital markets.During the event, attendees gained a deeper understanding of PASHA Bank’s growth journey, financial performance, strategic priorities, and the opportunities presented by the bank’s IPO. The speakers also highlighted the broader role of public offerings in strengthening the country’s investment ecosystem and promoting the development of local capital markets.The discussion provided participants with valuable perspectives on market trends, investor expectations, and the significance of increasing public participation in Azerbaijan’s financial sector. The event also served as a platform for an engaging exchange of views between industry professionals and members of the business community.AmCham Azerbaijan extends its sincere appreciation to PASHA Bank for its partnership and support in organizing this event and thanks all participants for their active engagement and contributions to the discussion. 

AmCham Sustainable Development and Corporate Impact Committee Holds June Meeting

On June 3, 2026, AmCham Azerbaijan’s Sustainable Development and Corporate Impact Committee (SD&CI), within the framework of Energy Week, organized a session titled “Energy Transition in Practice: Renewables, Green Fuels, and Hard-to-Abate Sectors”.The event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Jeyhun Atayev, Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham Sustainable Development and Corporate Impact Committee, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue on sustainable energy solutions and supporting Azerbaijan’s ongoing energy transition agenda. Mr. Atayev also moderated the panel discussion throughout the session.The session featured presentations by leading industry experts. Mr. Vitaliy Yakovlev, Managing Partner of KPMG Azerbaijan, opened the discussions by sharing insights into the global energy transition landscape, highlighting key market trends, investment opportunities, and the challenges organizations face in translating sustainability ambitions into practical outcomes. He also addressed the role of innovation, policy frameworks, and private sector engagement in accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable energy future.The keynote session continued with Mr. Elchin Targuluyev, Director of the Technology and Innovations Department at SOCAR Green, who discussed recent developments in renewable energy technologies and the growing importance of green fuels in supporting long-term decarbonization efforts. Drawing on practical experience from the sector, he shared perspectives on technological innovation, project implementation, and the opportunities emerging within Azerbaijan’s evolving energy ecosystem.The session concluded with a presentation by Mr. Rashad Osmanov, Geocycle Manager and Director at Binacycle LLC, who focused on the role of circular economy principles and sustainable industrial practices in supporting the energy transition. He shared practical examples of alternative fuel solutions, resource efficiency initiatives, and waste management strategies that contribute to reducing environmental impact while enhancing operational sustainability.AmCham Azerbaijan extends its sincere gratitude to the team at Kolektif House for hosting the event and for their valued support in facilitating this important discussion. Their hospitality and commitment to fostering collaboration provided an excellent setting for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange among participants and speakers.The session concluded with a brief Q&A discussion, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and exchange views on the opportunities and challenges associated with energy transition initiatives.

May Masterclass on Getting into the Top 10 US Universities

On May 24, 2026, an exclusive in-person masterclass titled “Harvard Admissions in Baku: A Masterclass on Getting into the Top 10 US Universities” was organized for AmCham members, with the support of Crimson Education and upon the initiative of the AmCham Education & Vocational Working Group.Guest Speaker of the event was Mr. Benito Rodriguez, Harvard University alumnus and former Harvard Admissions Interviewer.The event commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Leyla Isgenderova, Deputy Chairperson of the AmCham Education & Vocational Working Group, who warmly welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of expanding international educational opportunities for Azerbaijani students. The session was followed by a welcome speech from Ms. Yevgeniya Aliyeva, Academic Advisor at Crimson Education, who emphasized Crimson Education’s commitment to guiding students through the highly competitive admissions processes of the world’s leading universities.The keynote session was continued by Mr. Benito Rodriguez, who shared valuable insights into how top US universities assess international applicants and discussed the latest trends shaping today’s admissions landscape. His presentation covered a wide range of topics, including building strong academic and extracurricular profiles, avoiding common application mistakes, and developing competitive applications for institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Princeton, and other top-ranked universities.The masterclass brought together high school students, parents, school counselors, and individuals interested in pursuing undergraduate studies in the United States, providing attendees with practical guidance and insider perspectives on admissions to top-tier US universities.The event concluded with an engaging interactive discussion and Q&A session, during which participants had the opportunity to directly engage with the speaker on topics including admissions interviews, scholarship opportunities, extracurricular involvement, essay writing, application strategies, and long-term academic planning. The discussion encouraged active participation and offered attendees valuable practical insights into successfully navigating the admissions processes of leading global institutions. The masterclass concluded with closing remarks delivered by Ms. Leyla Isgenderova and Ms. Yevgeniya Aliyeva, who thanked the participants for their active engagement and emphasized the importance of continuing to support Azerbaijani students in accessing world-class educational opportunities and global academic networks. 

AmCham Azerbaijan, AccessBank and Neurotime Announced the Winners of the AI Hackathon

On May 23, 2026, the one-day innovation hackathon “Building with AI: From Idea to Working Product,” organized by AmCham Azerbaijan in partnership with AccessBank and Neurotime, was successfully held.More than 600 applications were received for participation in the Hackathon, which took place on May 23, 2026. From this pool of applicants, 60 participants were selected, who were then given the opportunity to develop their ideas into functional products and prototypes within a short timeframe using artificial intelligence technologies.During the Hackathon, participants collaborated in teams to develop innovative solutions using ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, Lovable, Replit, Zapier, various APIs, and other modern AI platforms, and presented their projects to the jury panel at the end of the day. Throughout the process, the teams were supported by experienced mentors.Based on the evaluation of the jury panel, the winners of the hackathon were announced as follows:• 1st Place — Rufina Rahimli, Ibrahim Huseynov, Nuray Gasimzade• 2nd Place — Emil Gallacov, Mahammad Babayev• 3rd Place — Elchin Yusubov, Imran Hajiyev, Huseyn HasanzadeIt should be noted that the total prize fund of the “Building with AI: From Idea to Working Product” Hackathon amounted to 5,000 AZN. The winners received cash prizes in the following amounts:• 1st Place — 2,500 AZN• 2nd Place — 1,500 AZN• 3rd Place — 1,000 AZNThe main goal of the Hackathon was to contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s artificial intelligence and innovation ecosystem, enhance the practical skills of young people and technology enthusiasts, and encourage the development of innovative products. The event also served as an important platform for participants to learn and network.

AmCham Banking, Finance and Insurance (BFI) Committee Holds May Session

On May 21, 2026, the AmCham Banking, Finance and Insurance (BFI) Committee hosted a session titled “Transforming Financial Services: AI, Modelling and the New Banking Paradigm” The session opened with welcoming remarks by Ms. Gunay Jalilova, Deputy CEO of Yelo Bank and Chairperson of the AmCham Azerbaijan BFI Committee. In her opening speech, she highlighted the growing importance of innovation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making in shaping the future of the banking and finance sector.The keynote part of the event featured presentations from distinguished international experts. Mr. Taşkın Osman Aksoy, CEO and Co-Founder of Linktera, delivered a presentation titled “Finding the Signal in the Noise: Reimagining Modelling and Decisioning with Agentic AI and Synthetic Data,” where he explored the transformative impact of agentic AI technologies and synthetic data on financial modelling and strategic decision-making processes. The discussion continued with a keynote speech by Mr. Dave Ferguson, Principal Pre-Sales Solution Architect at SAS, who addressed the future implications of artificial intelligence for the financial services industry. His presentation focused on the opportunities AI creates for operational efficiency, customer experience, and risk management within modern banking ecosystems. One of the central highlights of the event was the executive panel discussion titled “Basel III Unpacked – The Future of Risk-Adjusted Portfolio Management and Pricing.” The panel brought together leading professionals from the banking, analytics, and regulatory sectors, including Mr. Dave Ferguson, Mr. Valeh Nabiyev, Chief Data & AI Officer at Bir ecosystem, Mr. Celil Ertürk Yılmaz, Head of Analytical Balance Sheet Management at Ziraat Katılım Bankası, and Mr.İskender Kaycı, Head of Regulation and Credit Risk at Linktera. The session was moderated by Salih Sertbaş, Head of Analytics and Modelling at Linktera. The panel explored key developments in Basel III frameworks, risk-adjusted pricing methodologies, model governance, and the growing role of AI-powered analytics in portfolio management and financial decision-making.Throughout the event, speakers shared practical insights drawn from their extensive international experience in banking supervision, credit risk modelling, AI integration, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation initiatives. Discussions also emphasized the importance of balancing technological innovation with regulatory resilience and sustainable financial growth. The session concluded with closing insights delivered by Mr. Taşkın Osman Aksoy, summarizing the key takeaways of the discussions and highlighting the strategic importance of collaboration between financial institutions, technology providers, and regulatory stakeholders in navigating the future banking paradigm. The event ended with an interactive Q&A and networking session, allowing participants to exchange perspectives and continue discussions on the future of AI-driven financial services.