On October 22, 2026, the opening ceremony of the 8th Eurasian International Conference “Cascade Risks in Earth Dams” (RISK-2026) and the ESRA South Caucasus Workshop on “Assessment and Modelling of Cascading Dam Failure Risks in the Kura River Basin” was held.

The international conference is jointly organized by AMIR Technical Services, Mingachevir State University, the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the European Safety and Reliability Association (ESRA), Tbilisi State University (Georgia), the Southeast Asia Institute for Water Resources and Environment (Vietnam), the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), and Politecnico di Milano (Italy).

The opening ceremony began with a speech by Associate Professor Zaur Imrani, Doctor of Geographical Sciences and Acting Director of the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He welcomed the conference participants, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of earth dams, assessing cascade risks, and strengthening international scientific cooperation in this field, and wished the participants productive discussions.

This was followed by speeches from Professor Vugar Aliyev, CEO of AMIR Technical Services, and Associate Professor Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University. They noted that the conference provides an important platform for exchanging scientific expertise, discussing current challenges related to dam safety, and developing international cooperation.

Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Professor Alovsat Guliyev, also addressed the conference, discussing the protection of water resources, the importance of kahriz underground water systems, and the efficient use of water. He emphasized the importance of preserving traditional water sources and applying scientific approaches in this field. During the event, Professor Guliyev presented a book authored by him to Associate Professor Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University.

At the conference’s plenary session, scientists and experts from various countries delivered presentations on current scientific topics. Professor Lia Matchavariani of Tbilisi State University, Georgia, presented on “Environmental Impacts of Reservoirs: Positive and Negative Aspects.” Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, Chairman of the Council of the Southeast Asia Institute for Water Resources and Environment in Vietnam, delivered a presentation entitled “Environmental Security for Regional Sustainable Development: A Review of Case Study Findings.”

Habil Huseynov, a lecturer and doctoral student at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, presented on “Assessment of Potential Flooding under Different Water Release Scenarios from the Mingachevir Reservoir.”

The main topics discussed at the event included the assessment and modelling of potential cascading dam failures in the Kura River Basin, the analysis of reservoir accident scenarios, flood hazard forecasting, and opportunities for risk reduction.

Following the plenary presentations, Doctor of Geographical Sciences Rza Mahmudov addressed the conference, noting that the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience could contribute to resolving existing challenges in the field. He presented a book authored by him to Associate Professor Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University.

Turkish Professor Necati Ağrılıoğlu also spoke at the conference, highlighting its scientific and practical significance. He presented a book authored by him to Vugar Aliyev, CEO of AMIR Technical Services.

It should be noted that the RISK-2026 international conference, taking place from October 22 to 24, will continue in the city of Mingachevir following its opening ceremony in Baku. The event is significant for promoting the exchange of international experience in earth dam safety, strengthening scientific cooperation, and assessing existing risks across the region.