Baku, February 11, AZERTAC

February 8th marked a resounding success as young people gathered at the first youth-led International Aerospace and Digital Innovations Forum, held for the first time in the region. Azerbaijan has already become a hub for space-related events. The "NASA Space Apps Challenge" held in Baku in October 2024 also provided an opportunity for young people to have a voice in this field. We led a team of over 100 young space enthusiasts, presenting more than 16 initiatives, with two of them nominated for NASA Space Apps Globals.

Aerospace researcher Yusuf Karimli, chairman and founder of the "Ushaqlarimiza Oyredek" Youth Society and the "Youth Aviators Society," as well as the organizer of the International Aerospace and Digital Innovations Forum (IAEDIF'25), shared this in an interview with AZERTAC. Supported by "Azercosmos," "NARGIS Fund," the "British Embassy in Baku," and "Ushaqlarimiza Oyredek," and hosted by the "Youth Aviators Society" at the Space Academy of Azercosmos, IAEDIF'25 brought valuable insights to young participants from across the Absheron region and Baku.

Organizing Board Members of the Youth Aviators Society, two young winners of the "NASA Space Apps Challenge," and high-level expert speakers participated in the Forum. Speakers included representatives from the United Nations, AzerTelecom, the Prosecutor’s Office, IDDA, TISA, Teknofest and Türkiye Teknoloji Vakfı, Sabah.hub, Azercosmos, as well as various large corporations and educational institutions in the country.

The final online panel featured a first-of-its-kind virtual connection with Prof. Huseyn Mirzayev, Dean of the Engineering Faculty at Garabagh University. The event also fostered cooperation, creativity, and critical thinking. Such initiatives aim to cultivate a new generation of scientists, technologists, designers, and engineers while increasing young people's interest in this field in Azerbaijan, Karimli added.

“Before this, we organized events for children in need of special care and underprivileged youth through “Ushaqlarimiza Oyredek.” Currently, several projects are being carried out to advance digitization in Azerbaijan, particularly in STEM fields and aerospace engineering. That’s why we are providing more STEAM training to our young people,” he emphasized.

Yusuf also highlighted his passion and eagerness to further explore aerospace research with his peers, collaborate with industry leaders, and represent Azerbaijan on the global stage in the coming years throughout his undergraduate studies.