The launch of IE University’s "AZEMBA" educational program took place with the support of PASHA Holding and SOCAR

On September 21, the opening ceremony of the AZEMBA program—an initiative of the IE Center for Leadership and Innovation—was held in Baku. The program is being launched through a strategic partnership involving PASHA Holding, SOCAR, and Spain’s prestigious IE University, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Economy.

The AZEMBA program aims to contribute to the development of leadership skills, strengthening of human capital, and introduction of international expertise to Azerbaijan. Participants will receive training based on international best practices in areas such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, innovation, leadership, and modern management. The program facilitates the integration of Azerbaijani professionals into the global academic and business ecosystem and helps expand access to advanced educational opportunities within the country. "The commencement of studies for the first cohort of this program marks the next stage in the long-term investment in human capital undertaken by PASHA Holding as part of its people-centric philosophy. We believe that the economic and business landscape of the future is shaped not merely by technology and financial capital, but by leaders capable of managing change, adopting new approaches, and integrating international best practices with local realities. I am confident that AZEMBA participants will leverage the knowledge and experience they gain to foster new mindsets and approaches within their organizations, while also contributing to the sustainable development of our country’s society and economy," said Jalal Gasimov, CEO of PASHA Holding, speaking at the opening ceremony.

"The true value of the AZEMBA program will be measured not simply by the number of graduates, but by how the knowledge, ideas, and fresh perspectives acquired translate into better decisions, stronger teams, and new initiatives. Our expectation is not merely that participants complete an MBA program and obtain a diploma; we look forward to them returning with new questions, new insights, and different approaches to existing ways of working. We believe that the participants will become individuals who contribute to the dissemination of knowledge within their organizations and representatives of a new generation of leadership," said Zaur Gurbanov, Vice President of SOCAR, noting that SOCAR is rapidly and systematically transforming from a traditional oil and gas company into a diversified and integrated energy company.

It is worth noting that the commencement of the program by the first group of participants marks the next stage of the strategic partnership signed between PASHA Holding, SOCAR, and IE University in April 2026. The program received over 850 applications, and following the selection process, 40 individuals were admitted to the first cohort.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, PASHA Holding is one of the country's leading business groups, operating in sectors such as banking, insurance, fintech, real estate, retail, agriculture, and others. With a workforce of over 25,000 employees and assets exceeding 18 billion USD, the holding is also expanding its international operations. Currently, PASHA Holding operates in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkiye, Georgia, Montenegro, and the USA.

SOCAR is a global integrated energy company headquartered in Azerbaijan. The company operates across various segments of the energy value chain, ranging from oil and gas exploration and production to refining, petrochemicals, transportation, trading, and distribution. With an extensive international operational footprint, SOCAR promotes sustainable development while contributing to the energy security of Azerbaijan and its strategic partners.

Source of the news: https://oxu.az/digar/pasa-holding-ve-socar-in-desteyi-ile-ie-universitetinin-azemba-tehsil-proqraminin-acilisi-kecirilib

P.S. Do you have a cool CSR idea and/or looking for a sponsor? Please fill the form on Opportunities page or discuss it via forum