On December 23, the main session of the international scientific conference "Sustainable energy systems and global energy security: challenges and opportunities" was held at Sumgayit State University (SSU). The conference was jointly organized by Sumgayit State University, Kazan State Energy University, Malatya Turgut Ozal University, "Azerenergy" OJSC, Azerbaijan Scientific Research and Design-Search Energy Institute, and the Training and Innovation Center of "Azerishig" OJSC. The conference was attended by scientists from a number of universities and research institutes in Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, employees of partner institutions, representatives of scientific research institutes and industrial enterprises.
First, the participants visited the monument to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev erected in the center of Sumgayit city and laid a wreath in front of it. Then, at the opening ceremony held in the Great Assembly Hall of the university, the dear memory of Heydar Aliyev and our martyrs was commemorated with a minute of silence and the National Anthem was played. Acting Rector of Sumgayit State University, corresponding member of ANAS, Professor Aminaga Sadigov greeted the guests in his opening speech. He emphasized that the conference, organized jointly with partner enterprises, local and sisterly countries' universities, coincides with a significant date - the birthday of the head of state, as well as the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and New Year's Eve. Taking this opportunity, on behalf of the conference participants, he wished President Ilham Aliyev good health, long life, and success in his tireless work for the bright future of Azerbaijan. Professor Aminaga Sadigov noted that the conference was dedicated to a topical topic and drew attention to the strategic importance of energy resources in the modern world from a political, economic, and social perspective. He stated that establishing sustainable energy systems and implementing a purposeful energy policy are one of the main components of the national security of states. He highlighted the importance of using energy resources efficiently and responsibly, noting that decisions made in this area directly impact the well-being of future generations. He said that the demand for energy in the world is currently increasing rapidly. In this regard, the formulation of a sustainable energy policy is of particular importance. After gaining independence, Azerbaijan has become not only an energy producer, but also an energy exporter. He emphasized that during both periods of his leadership of the country, National Leader Heydar Aliyev paid special attention to the development of the energy sector and undertook important projects to strengthen the country's energy security. He noted that currently, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale economic reforms are being successfully implemented in the country and significant achievements are being achieved. He noted that more than one billion people in the world face the problem of energy shortages, while more than three billion people still use wood, coal, and other traditional fuels. He stated that the main way to solve these problems is through international cooperation and global solidarity. At the end of his speech, Aminaga Sadigov emphasized that Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 in 2024 once again confirms that our country has become an important partner in global environmental initiatives and the international climate agenda. He noted that this conference will make a valuable contribution to scientific discussions on the formation of sustainable energy systems and global energy security.
Director General of the Institute of Physics of the Ministry of Science and Education, Academician Arif Hashimov made a speech and expressed his satisfaction with participating in such a prestigious and internationally important conference. He said that considering the wide geographical scope of the conference, it is clear that this is opening new pages in the history of Azerbaijani energy. He noted that SSU is one of the country's leading higher education institutions in the field of energy security and carries out important scientific research in this direction. Arif Hashimov also spoke about the history of Azerbaijan's energy system in his speech. He noted that the main foundation of the energy system was laid in Azerbaijan during the former USSR. The main reason for this is that Azerbaijan is one of the ancient oil-producing countries. It is this factor that has given a strong impetus to the development of the energy sector. He considered the commissioning of the first electric train in our country on the Baku-Sabunchu line as an important milestone in the energy history of Azerbaijan. During his speech, Arif Hashimov recalled President Ilham Aliyev's profound speech at the meeting dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, emphasizing the strategic importance the head of state attached to the energy sector and the important ideas he voiced regarding the sustainable development of this sector. The conference was addressed by Vice-Rector of Malatya Turgut Ozal University, Professor Orhan Gunduz, Director of the Training and Innovation Center of "Azerishig" OJSC Araz Mammadzade, and Deputy Director of the Scientific Research and Design-Search Energy Institute of "Azerenerji" OJSC Aytek Babayeva. The speeches emphasized the importance of inter-university and industry-higher education cooperation, the role of international partnerships in the development of scientific research and innovation, as well as the strategic importance of energy security and the training of qualified personnel in this field. It was noted that such international conferences play an important role in expanding the exchange of scientific ideas and forming joint initiatives. After the opening ceremony of the conference, panel discussions began. Speakers exchanged views on energy policy, energy security, alternative and renewable energy sources, the application of innovative technologies, solving environmental problems, price formation and assessment mechanisms in the energy market, as well as other relevant topics. The conference continued with musical performances by students of Sumgayit State University and the university's anthem. It should be noted that the international conference will continue its work with section meetings for two days.