The first international conference dedicated to inclusive employment has been held in Baku, APA reports.
The conference was attended by renowned experts from the United States, Ireland, France, Türkiye, and other countries.
During the event, representatives of Azerbaijan's leading government institutions and the private sector also presented their initiatives and successful practices in the field of inclusive employment.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ayten Eynalova, founder and director of the Together and Healthy Public Union, said that employment is not only a matter of social responsibility but also of human capital development, economic efficiency, and ensuring sustainable development.
"Inclusive employment is not merely an initiative of a single organization, company, or government institution; it is our shared responsibility. Sustainable change is possible when state policies, employers' commitment, family support, professional expertise, and civil society initiatives are implemented," she said.
According to Soltan Mammadov, a member of the Labor and Social Policy Committee of the Milli Majlis, numerous measures are currently being implemented by the state, both through legislation and relevant government agencies, to ensure employment policies.
"One of the main directions of our social policy is precisely related to education. Ensuring high-quality education for our children and young people and improving educational standards ultimately contributes to implementing employment policies, which form the foundation of our social policy," he said.
Sabina Babazade, Director of the Public Health and Reforms Center under the Ministry of Health, said that it is essential to create the necessary conditions for the education, rehabilitation, social well-being, and development of children with disabilities.
Polad Rustamov, Executive Director of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations LLC, stated that inclusive employment is not only part of social policy but also an integral component of economic development.
"We believe this is about unlocking potential by creating fair opportunities. Human capital development is linked to the principle of creating long-term value for sustainable social investment. We view inclusivity not as a special opportunity but as an equal opportunity," he said.
Leyla Sadigova, Adviser to the Chairman of the Board of AzerGold Closed Joint Stock Company, said that AzerGold CJSC has provided permanent employment to 2,850 people, including employees of long-term contracting companies.
Gunesh Aliyeva, Head of External Affairs at bp Azerbaijan, said that improving knowledge and skills, protecting the environment, promoting Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage, and supporting community development are among the main areas of bp's activities.
As part of the conference, the Blue Hearts choir and rhythm group performed. The short film "My Story" was also screened.
The conference was followed by an award ceremony honoring partners.
It should be noted that the event was organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Public Health and Reforms Center, the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Regional Development Public Union, and the Together and Healthy Public Union.
The conference's main sponsor is AzerGold CJSC, while bp Azerbaijan, AZAL, and Air Arabia are sponsors.
The event was held with the support of the State Employment Agency, the State Agency for Vocational Education, SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations, and other partner organizations.
The conference continued with panel sessions.
It should be noted that the conference covers October 15–16.
As a reminder, the Inclusive Employment Conference, which brings together renowned experts from various countries, government agencies, international organizations, private sector representatives, academic circles, and civil society institutions, works to strengthen the integration of people with autism and other disabilities into the labor market.
The main objective of the conference is to promote the application of international experience in inclusive employment in Azerbaijan, expand public-private sector cooperation, raise employers' awareness of creating accessible and inclusive working environments, and contribute to increasing sustainable employment opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities.
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