Spotlight

QS Insights Magazine: Azerbaijan State University of Economics' vision is to "become one of the world’s best 500 universities" when celebrating its 100th anniversary, according to the website. What are some of the university's recent successes that contribute to this vision?

One of UNEC's key strategic goals is to secure a place among the world’s top 500 universities by its 100th anniversary in 2030. Significant progress has already been made toward this objective. In the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2025, UNEC advanced 68 positions, securing 281st place in Europe, 12th in Western Asia, and maintaining its position as the top university in Azerbaijan. Further reinforcing its global standing, UNEC made remarkable progress in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, climbing 150 positions in Economics and Econometrics to rank within the 351-400 range worldwide. Additionally, it secured a spot among the world’s top 401-450 universities in the Social Sciences and Management broad subject ranking.

The year 2025 has also been marked by another significant milestone - UNEC’s achievement of a prestigious “5 Stars” (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) rating in the QS Stars assessment, a distinction it will hold for five years. This recognition underscores UNEC’s commitment to academic excellence and its status as an internationally recognized higher education institution.

UNEC's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the "UI GreenMetric 2024" ranking, where it is among the top three universities in Azerbaijan, having advanced 360 positions. In the Webometrics ranking, UNEC remains 1st in Azerbaijan, improving globally to 2840th from 2959th. Scientific research remains a priority, with 847 papers indexed in the Scopus database in 2024, leading to a significant increase in citations and raising UNEC's h-index to 26. Among these, 57 percent of the publications received 3,631 citations. Over the course of one year, the h-index increased to 26. Additionally, 92 percent of all articles published in UNEC's history and 96 percent of all citations (excluding self-citations) account for the last 10 years. A total of 683 scientific papers were co-authored with researchers from 123 countries.

QSIM: COP29 was hosted by Azerbaijan last year, bringing global attention to the region's sustainability efforts. How does UNEC plan to build on the momentum generated by the climate summit?

At COP29, UNEC was recognised in the World's Best Universities Rankings: Sustainability 2025, ranking 2nd in Azerbaijan and 1081-1100th globally. This reflects UNEC’s leadership in sustainability through scientific research and public initiatives. In 2024, UNEC led Azerbaijani universities in SDG-related publications in the Scopus database, collaborating with researchers from Turkey, Russia, Spain, and Nepal.

UNEC organised over 200 sustainability-related events under its "Green UNEC" strategy, focusing on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting ecological responsibility. Notable initiatives include the digitalisation of administrative processes and the "One Window" system to reduce paper use. UNEC also launched infrastructure projects to conserve resources and increase environmental awareness.

Post-COP29, UNEC aims to expand the "green campus" concept, introduce educational programs on the socio-economic impacts of climate change, and initiate a "Green Community Engagement" program. The upcoming 7th International Scientific Conference of Researchers in Economics and Management (ISCEMR) in 2025 will focus on the digital economy and sustainable development, reinforcing UNEC’s role in promoting climate literacy and sustainable practices.

QSIM: COP29 also emphasised the importance of international collaboration. What are some partnerships UNEC has formed with international universities or organisations to collaborate on sustainability research?

International collaboration is a cornerstone of UNEC's sustainability efforts. A key initiative is the EU-funded REFRESH project under Erasmus+ Key Action 2, which promotes sustainable economic growth and focuses on renewable energy and climate change mitigation. UNEC partners with several European and regional universities through this project.

UNEC has established specialised research centers dedicated to sustainability, including the Nizami Ganjavi Center for Sustainable Development and Green Economy Research. During COP29, this center participated in discussions on human impacts on the green economy, reinforcing UNEC’s commitment to global sustainability goals.

UNEC actively contributes to global academic discourse through its annual International Scientific Conference on Economics and Management Research. The VI Conference in 2024 expanded on these themes with a broader range of topics, including the "Book of Abstracts," "Green Economy," and "Green Economy and Sustainable Development." Significant discussions also explored "Green and Transformation Economy in the Turkic World: A Roadmap for Transition" and "Sustainable Development and Green Innovation: Managing Risk through Interdisciplinary Approaches and Policy Strategies."

UNEC actively supports research on sustainability and the green economy, reflected in several key publications. “Toward a Green and Low-Carbon Future: China’s Energy Strategy” examines China’s energy transition, while “Sustainable Development in the Context of Slovakia and Russia” offers a comparative analysis of sustainability initiatives.

During COP29, the UNEC played a significant role in promoting sustainability and green finance initiatives. UNEC hosted the CASI Sustainable Finance Forum, which brought together nearly 200 participants from government institutions, financial organisations and the private sector. The forum focused on topics such as sustainable finance, carbon pricing, and green financing strategies, emphasising mechanisms to support developing nations in transitioning to sustainable development.

QSIM: Student mobility is crucial in a globalised world. What are the university's key partnerships and programmes that facilitate student exchange and study abroad opportunities for students?

UNEC emphasises student mobility to enhance global perspectives and employability. Key programs include the Erasmus+ Exchange Program and the Orhun Exchange Program, facilitating academic exchanges with leading universities in Europe, Central Asia, and Turkey.

Dual diploma programs allow students to earn degrees from both UNEC and prestigious international universities. These partnerships include institutions such as Montpellier University (France), ICD Business School (France), Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania), Lincoln University (USA), Ege University (Turkey), UBIS (Switzerland), Moscow State Humanitarian and Economics University, and Tashkent State University of Economics (Uzbekistan). A joint master’s program with Western Macedonian University offers further international academic experiences.

QSIM: UNEC is located in Baku, a vibrant and rapidly developing city. How does the university leverage its location to provide students with unique learning opportunities or access to real-world experiences in the local economy?

UNEC is the only university in Azerbaijan offering economics and business programs in four languages: Azerbaijani, Turkish, English, and Russian. Its MBA program, offering 32 specialisations such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Blockchain management and etc, is the largest and most diverse in the country, delivered in collaboration with industry professionals.

The UNEC Business Center and Startup Incubator connect students with the business sector, offering mentorship, office space, and funding opportunities. The UNEC Career Center provides job market preparation through courses, industry meetings, and official internships with government and private institutions.

Additionally, UNEC issues non-academic transcripts to recognise soft skills, enhancing graduates' employability. Through public and private partnerships, UNEC ensures its curriculum remains aligned with Baku's dynamic economic landscape.

UNEC actively collaborates with leading local and international companies to bridge academic knowledge with practical experience. We also maintain strong ties with the banking, retail, and insurance sectors.

QSIM: Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) has joined the Future17 consortium of universities – the first from Azerbaijan. What motivated UNEC to join the Future17 consortium and how will UNEC students benefit from participating in Future17 projects and initiatives?

UNEC joined the Future17 Consortium to advance its goals of innovation, global collaboration, and sustainable development. This partnership allows students to tackle real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Through the consortium, students gain access to international faculty, interdisciplinary research, and collaborative projects with global partners. These experiences enhance critical skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and cross-cultural communication. Practical engagement with industry partners further equips students for the competitive job market. By participating in Future17, UNEC strengthens its international ties and reinforces its commitment to preparing future leaders who can drive positive change locally and globally.

QSIM: Where do you hope to see Azerbaijan State University of Economics' role in the global higher education environment in 10 years' time?

UNEC's key strategic goal is to strengthen its position in international rankings and secure a place among the world’s top 500 universities by its 100th anniversary in 2030. As part of this effort, we plan to accredit all academic programs with internationally recognised accreditation bodies.

Additionally, UNEC is committed to a full-scale digital transformation by integrating advanced hardware and software solutions across its administrative and academic operations. We also aim to obtain digital accreditation seals for all our programs, laying the foundation for high-quality distance education, which we see as inevitable in the era of artificial intelligence.

To further establish UNEC as a sustainable and globally recognised institution, we plan to expand internationally by opening overseas campuses and admission offices in key regions, strengthening our presence in the global education market.