On November 12, the 1st International Finance, Accounting, Audit and Digitalization Symposium was held at Sumgayit State University. It was organized by Sumgayit State University, Bursa Uludağ University, Khazar University, the Chamber of Auditors of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA), Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan (CEA), Public Oversight, Accounting and Auditing Standards Institution of the Republic of Turkiye (AASI), Union of Independent Industrialists and Businessmen of Azerbaijan (IIBA), Economic Research and Training Center (ERTC) and under the General Sponsorship of SINAM Company. Representatives attended at the symposium from more than 30 prestigious universities in Turkiye and other Turkic-speaking countries, as well as experts working in the fields of economics, finance, and digitalization. The event participants first laid flowers in front of the bust of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev erected in the university lobby. The symposium began with a minute of silence and the playing of the National Anthem in memory of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Then a short video was shown on the topic of Karabakh. The event was opened by the acting rector of the university, corresponding member of ANAS, professor Aminaga Sadigov who welcomed the guests and participants. He congratulated all participants on this occasion, noting that the symposium coincided with November 12, Constitution Day, in our country. He spoke about the historical significance of the Constitutional Act, prepared under the direct leadership of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and adopted through a referendum, and emphasized that it played an important role in strengthening our statehood and forming its legal foundations. Aminaga Sadigov spoke about the achievements in the economic field in our country and noted that these successes are the result of systematic reforms. He also expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and the brotherly Turkish people regarding the crash of the Turkish C130 military cargo plane that occurred yesterday. In his speech, Aminaga Sadigov noted that strong friendly and cooperative relations with Turkic-speaking countries create new opportunities for economic development. He emphasized that digitalization, artificial intelligence, and database management, especially in the fields of finance, accounting, and auditing, are among the most relevant issues today. He noted that holding such international symposia makes a significant contribution to increasing the scientific reputation of the university, expanding scientific and research activities, and deepening regional cooperation, and declared the symposium open and wished the speakers success. Member of Milli Majlis, Tahir Mirkishili emphasized that this symposium is dedicated to an extremely relevant topic. He noted that in the modern era, in the age of digitalization and innovation, new challenges are emerging in the economy. The digital economy brings value, transparency and efficiency to the fore, while finance no longer knows borders. Tahir Mirkishili emphasized that the main objects of finance are money and data, which further increases the importance of information security and proper management. He also noted that accounting is considered the "language" of the economy and the application of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in this field is a requirement of the modern era. At the end of his speech, the MP drew attention to the importance of studying innovation and technology in the modern era. Murat Yaman, Chief Commercial Counselor of the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan, conveyed his greetings on behalf of the Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Professor Birol Akgun. He expressed his pride in being supporters of the Shusha Declaration between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, and spoke about cooperation in all areas and common goals between the two countries. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) under the Ministry of Economy Rufat Atakishiyev, Vice-Rector of Bursa Uludağ University Professor Zekeriyya Ari, Vice-President of the Confederation of Entrepreneurs of Azerbaijan Vugar Zeynalov, Second Chairman of the AASI of the Republic of Turkiye Hayrettin Kurt, Executive Director of the Chamber of Auditors Sabuhi Gulmammadov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of IIBA Organization Rashad Jabirli, Director of SINAM Company Abulfat Rahmanov, Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Science and Education Osman Hajiyev, Head of the Economic Research and Training Center Radil Fatullayev spoke about the scientific and practical significance of the symposium. It was noted that this international event is of great importance in terms of discussing modern challenges in the fields of accounting, finance, auditing and digitalization, integrating scientific knowledge and forming new cooperation opportunities. The symposium continued its work in the sections titled “New Trends and Challenges in Accounting and Auditing in the Turkic World”, “World Experience in Training Professional Accountants and Auditors”, “Application of International and National Standards in Accounting and Auditing”, “Application of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Accounting and Auditing: Comparing Local and International Programs – 1”, “Recent Changes in IFRS and Auditing Standards and New Financial Instruments Emerging in Business – 1”, “Status of Implementation of Changes Made in Tax Legislation in 2025 and Changes Expected in 2026”. Certificates were presented to the participants who made presentations at the section meetings. A tour of the city of Sumgayit was organized for the guests as part of the symposium. It should be noted that the symposium will continue its work on November 13 at Khazar University.