Young innovators take the lead in shaping the digital future in Azerbaijan

One of the most dynamic global youth and innovation gatherings of the year is underway in the Azerbaijani capital. Baku welcomed the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Global Youth Celebration 2025, a key pre-event to the upcoming World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC).

The summit brings together young innovators, policymakers, international digital development institutions and leading voices from the technology sector, transforming Baku into a global stage for ideas, innovation, and next-generation leadership.

A Platform for the Digital Generation

The event opened with remarks from Saməddin Əsədov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, and Dr. Kosmas Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau with a message - Youth are no longer the future — they are already key architects of today’s digital era.

Speakers emphasised that the future of digital transformation — from artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity to space communication and global connectivity — must be built with youth, not just for youth.

Technology: from Earth to space

Following the opening ceremony, the atmosphere shifted to an Intergenerational Dialogue Session, bringing together young representatives from all six ITU regional hubs, alongside Azerbaijani participants.

Discussions addressed some of the most pressing global technology topics, including, ethical governance of AI, cybersecurity challenges and resilience, digital inclusion and reducing the connectivity gap, educational equal access for the digital economy, role of youth in future space and satellite communication systems, participants also exchanged ideas on how countries can ensure equal opportunities for young people in the fast-evolving tech ecosystem — from policy frameworks to academic infrastructure and industry partnerships.

Beyond a Conference — Launchpad for Innovation

Throughout the day, delegates explored innovation centres across Baku — including the National Aviation Academy, STEAM Innovation Center, and Azercosmos Space Academy, where hands-on workshops, simulations and expert-led discussions connected theory with real-world application.

This was followed by an Intergenerational Dialogue session, where representatives from six ITU regional offices and Azerbaijan exchanged views.

The event featured interactive sessions, workshops, and dialogues at the National Aviation Academy, the STEAM Innovation Center, and the Space Academy of the Azerbaijan Space Agency (Azercosmos) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

The STEAM Innovation Center hosted an interactive panel discussion with astronauts Alper Gezeravci (Türkiye's first astronaut), Tuva Cihangir Atasever (Türkiye's second astronaut), and Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu (Romania's first astronaut).

For many young participants, this was their first direct experience interacting with aerospace technology, orbital communication systems, and field-level engineering training.

The Space Academy held a seminar for university students on "Establishing Telecommunications Links with the International Space Station (ISS)."

During the seminar, students learned how to assemble their own orbital antennas and establish a live connection with the ISS.

“This isn’t just another tech event — it is a launchpad,” participants said, describing the summit as a rare opportunity to learn, network and design real solutions.

Baku’s Growing Role in the Global Tech Landscape

Baku is strengthening its position as a rising hub for digital innovation, youth engagement and future-focused technological diplomacy.

The ITU Global Youth Celebration 2025 signals more than a milestone event — it reflects a growing global recognition that Azerbaijan is emerging as a platform where digital futures are, imagined, tested, and launched.

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