"UNEC Successfully Launched Kick-off Metting of REFRESH project"

Azerbaijan Sttae University of Economics (UNEC) recently hosted a presentation of the winning Erasmus+ project, "Green and sustainable global economic improvement at Azerbaijani Universities: renewable energy and climate change mitigation (REFRESH)."

Distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of the European Union to Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy Javid Abdullayev, rectors from Sumgayit State University (SSU), Mingachevir State University (MSU), Lankaran State University (LSU), Azerbaijan Technological University (ATU), and the director of the Azerbaijan National Erasmus+ Office, Parviz Bagirov, participated in the presentation.

Rector of UNEC, Prof. Adalat Muradov, welcomed the guests and provided insights into the project. With a total cost of 703,851 euros, the "REFRESH" project aims to significantly contribute to the tasks outlined in the strategic document "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development." In addition to training national personnel in renewable energy sources, the three-year project involves a consortium of 15 partners, including 6 local institutions, 4 European universities (University of Barcelona in Spain, University of Bologna in Italy, Royal University of Technology in Sweden, Technical University of Denmark), and non-governmental organizations. Rector Mr. Muradov expressed confidence in the project's substantial contributions to Azerbaijan's sustainable development.

Ambassador Peter Michalko praised UNEC's coordinated project, highlighting the global importance of green economy and renewable energy sources. He emphasized the pivotal role of universities in such projects, crucial for training new personnel and urged active participation from Azerbaijani universities in Erasmus+ projects.

Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources, underscored the alignment of renewable energy and green economy with the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development" program. He appreciated UNEC's commitment to vital projects in renewable energy and green economy and assured the Agency's support in this direction.

Parviz Bagirov, Director of the Azerbaijan National Erasmus+ Office, emphasized the project's importance and highlighted the robust cooperation with universities within the Erasmus+ program framework. He commended Azerbaijani universities for having the highest percentage among countries applying to the Erasmus+ project in the region.

The event continued with discussions involving representatives from local and partner universities of the European Union, fostering collaborative dialogue on the socio-economic development, national personnel training, scientific research, and regional university development aspects of the "REFRESH" project.