20.12.2024
On December 19, 2024, the Association of Cybersecurity Organizations of Azerbaijan (ACOA) held its annual activity report event for 2024. The event was attended by members of ACOA's General Assembly, ACOA experts, as well as leaders and representatives from ACOA's partner organizations, including higher education institutions and companies.
The event was opened with a welcoming speech by Elvin Balajanov, Chairman of the ACOA Board of Directors, who greeted the participants and presented the activity report for 2024. He highlighted that the number of new membership applications to ACOA had increased compared to the previous year. It was noted that out of 121 applications received during the reporting period, 34 new members were accepted into ACOA, including 12 legal entities and 22 individuals, bringing the total number of ACOA members to 146.
It was reported that ACOA organized 68 various events during the reporting period, including forums, conferences, seminars, webinars, competitions, and training sessions, attracting over 7,000 participants. It was noted that these achievements represent a twofold increase compared to the previous year’s figures.
It was highlighted that over 70 meetings and discussions were held with local and international organizations, institutions, and companies to expand collaboration in the field of cybersecurity. Additionally, to strengthen international cooperation, ACOA organized 9 business trips abroad for its team, visiting countries such as Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
It was reported that 34 seminars/webinars and 20 training sessions were organized in 2024 to support awareness and capacity building, engaging over 4,000 participants. Additionally, it was noted that collaboration with educational institutions had been expanded, with support provided for the establishment and operation of cyber clubs at 18 universities.
It was brought to the participants' attention that ACOA implemented 12 projects in the field of research and development during the reporting period. As part of efforts to strengthen Azerbaijan's position in global cybersecurity rankings, the country achieved its highest-ever ratings in both the "Global Cybersecurity Index" (International Telecommunication Union) and the "National Cybersecurity Index" (e-Governance Academy Foundation). The Chairman of ACOA’s board also mentioned that the Association created the "National Cybersecurity Index" to assess the potential of local companies.
It was also noted that expert committees consisting of ACOA members have been formed to cover various topics, sectors, and technological domains in the fields of cybersecurity, information security, and information technologies. These committees include the "Cyber Threats, Procedural and Technical Issues Committee," the "Education, Awareness, and Human Resources Committee," and the "Solutions, Technology, and Innovations Committee."
It was emphasized that ACOA has established the Cyber Diaspora, a global virtual community and networking platform for Azerbaijani professionals working in the IT and cybersecurity fields abroad. Currently, 20 Azerbaijani professionals based in the United States, Canada, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Lithuania, the United Kingdom, and Poland are members of this platform.
It was highlighted that the "Cyber Summer School" project, implemented by ACOA under the slogan "Innovation in Cybersecurity for Progress and Prosperity," was selected as the winner of the OIC-CERT "Global Cybersecurity Award 2024 ("OIC-CERT Global Cybersecurity Award 2024").
After a short break, the Chairman of ACOA’s board presented the draft of the Association’s 2025 Action Plan to the event participants. It was announced that, in addition to regular events aligned with ACOA's activities, a number of new and special events are planned for the upcoming year.
Members of the General Assembly, as well as representatives from partner organizations, institutions, and companies, gave speeches, acknowledging the success of ACOA's activities in 2024. At the same time, various feedback and suggestions regarding the planned events for 2025 were shared, and several initiatives were proposed.