On 3-4 July 2026, the International Scientific-Practical Conference entitled "The Regional University Model in the Era of Digitalization", organized by the Zagatala Branch of the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC), commenced its work. The conference is dedicated to the 103rd anniversary of the birth of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the 10th anniversary of the UNEC Zagatala Branch.

Prior to the opening ceremony, the invited official guests and participants visited the monument of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, laid flowers at its base, and paid tribute to his cherished memory.

The conference was attended by Assoc. Prof. Zaur Imrani, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Acting Director and Deputy Director of the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Sarkhan Jafarov, Head of the Strategic Development, Monitoring and Evaluation Sector.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Prof. Adalat Muradov, Rector of UNEC; Firudin Gurbanov, Deputy Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan; Mubariz Ahmadzadeh, Head of the Zagatala District Executive Authority; Elvin Pashayev, Head of the Qakh District Executive Authority; Members of Parliament Asif Asgarov and Jeyhun Mammadov; Prof. Masud Afandiyev, Chairman of the World Association of Azerbaijani Scientists; Prof. Omer Kursad Tufekci, Dean of Isparta University of Applied Sciences; Elgun Valiyev, representative of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport; as well as other distinguished guests. The speakers emphasized the importance of developing regional higher education institutions, advancing digital transformation, fostering innovation, and expanding international cooperation.

Within the framework of the conference, a roundtable discussion entitled "The Impact of Regional Universities on the Socio-Economic Development of the Regions" brought together leaders of the country's leading higher education institutions, representatives of scientific organizations, and delegates from foreign universities. The participants exchanged views on the development prospects of regional universities, university-government-business cooperation, strengthening human capital, and opportunities for international partnerships.

Zaur Imrani participated in the conference as an honorary guest. During the event, he held meetings with the heads of various higher education and scientific institutions to discuss prospects for future scientific cooperation, the implementation of joint projects, and opportunities for collaboration in support of regional development.

According to the conference program, the event will continue with panel discussions, scientific presentations, the signing of cooperation memoranda, the inauguration of new classrooms and innovation spaces, as well as seminars dedicated to the preparation of international grants and collaborative projects.