National conference on “Scientific and Practical Challenges of Ensuring State Cyber Sovereignty” held

A national conference titled “Scientific and Practical Challenges of Ensuring State Cyber Sovereignty” was held at the Institute of Information Technology under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The conference was jointly organized by the Institute of Information Technology of the Ministry of Science and Education, the Heydar Aliyev Academy of the State Security Service, the Azerbaijan Technical University, and the Association of Cybersecurity Organisations of Azerbaijan.

AZERTAC reports that speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice-President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Director General of the Institute of Information Technology of the Ministry of Science and Education, Academician Rasim Alguliyev noted that in recent years cybersecurity and cyber sovereignty issues have become one of the key priorities of state policy amid the rapid acceleration of digital transformation processes in the country. In this context, he emphasized that the conference was dedicated to discussing the scientific-theoretical and practical challenges of ensuring state cyber sovereignty, exploring possible solutions, reviewing existing approaches, and presenting the results of ongoing research. Academician Alguliyev highlighted that the adoption of the “Digital Development Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan” and the “Artificial Intelligence Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2025–2028,” as well as the determination of a unified action plan for “Azerbaijan’s new digital architecture,” have further increased the relevance of scientifically grounded approaches and institutional cooperation in this field. Delivering a comprehensive presentation titled “A Sustainable and Secure Digital Architecture as a Guarantee of State Cyber Sovereignty,” the academician noted that the report focused on the need to establish a new digital architecture in Azerbaijan and on developing its scientific and technological foundations in the context of global technological challenges.

In his remarks, Elshad Nasirov, Head of the Heydar Aliyev Academy of the State Security Service, addressed the issue of cyber sovereignty from the perspective of national security and state interests. He stated that the rapid development of digital technologies in the modern era creates new challenges and requirements for the sovereignty of states. According to him, cyberspace has evolved beyond a purely technological domain and has become an important strategic environment influencing political, economic, social, and cultural processes. Therefore, protecting the cyber sovereignty of states has become an integral component of national security.

The speaker also noted that under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, significant steps have been taken toward building a digital state, implementing artificial intelligence technologies, and advancing the digitalization of society. Against this backdrop, strengthening the country’s cybersecurity and cyber sovereignty remains one of the key priorities. He expressed confidence that scientific conferences of this kind play an important role in discussing pressing issues related to cyber sovereignty and in shaping new approaches in this field.

During the event, Davud Rustamov, Head of the National Cybersecurity Center of the State Security Service, provided detailed information about the Center’s main areas of activity, the sectors designated as critical information infrastructure, and the regulatory and legal mechanisms being developed in this area. Referring to the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Azerbaijan dated April 17, 2021, “On Certain Measures to Ensure the Security of Critical Information Infrastructure,” he noted that it was precisely this document that initiated the establishment of a unified and systematic cybersecurity ecosystem in the country. Emphasizing that cybersecurity has become one of the key pillars of state security, he stressed that the topic of the conference is highly relevant and strategically significant in the modern era.

In his speech, Vilayat Valiyev, Rector of Azerbaijan Technical University and Professor, stated that cyber sovereignty has become one of the most important elements of state sovereignty in the 21st century. He emphasized the importance of developing highly qualified human capital in this field and noted that higher education institutions bear significant responsibility in this regard. According to the rector, preparing a new generation of specialists capable of contributing to digital transformation processes is of great importance for the country’s cybersecurity and technological development.

The event also featured speeches by Tural Mammadov, Deputy Head of the Main Department of the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, Rauf Jabarov, Executive Director of the Association of Cybersecurity Organisations of Azerbaijan (AKTA), as well as Osman Gunduz, President of the Internet Development Forum of Azerbaijan and Director of the Multimedia Center. In their remarks, the speakers emphasized that strengthening the protection of state information systems is one of the key directions for ensuring cyber sovereignty. They highlighted that addressing risks and threats emerging in cyberspace requires close cooperation among government institutions, the scientific community, and civil society. It was also noted that in the context of rapid digital transformation and the fast development of artificial intelligence, protecting cyber sovereignty has become one of the fundamental pillars of national security, and consistent measures are being implemented in this direction in the country.

At the conclusion of the opening session, Academician Rasim Alguliyev highly appreciated the opinions and insights expressed by the scientists, experts, representatives of state institutions, and civil society regarding current challenges in ensuring cybersecurity. He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Ministry of Science and Education, the State Security Service, the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, as well as representatives of the civil society sector for their support in organizing the event.

The conference continued its work with thematic panel sessions.