On May 17, the 1st International Forum of Special Education Professionals was held at the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU). The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ASPU, and the university's Faculty of Preschool Education.

The forum brought together government officials, ASPU leadership, representatives of the educational community, education experts, specialists in the field of special education from various countries, teachers, and researchers.

Prior to the forum, participants visited the monument to the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Victory Corner located at the university. Guests also attended a handicrafts and art exhibition-fair prepared with the support of the Public Union for Social Assistance to Persons with Cochlear Implants, as well as an exhibition showcasing the recent scientific achievements of the faculty members of the Department of Special Education of ASPU’s Faculty of Preschool Education.

Opening the forum, ASPU Rector Professor Jafar Jafarov highlighted the significance of the event for the field of special education, emphasizing its scientific and social importance. He underlined that every member of society has the right to equal access to quality education, and professionals working in this field bear great social responsibility. The rector also noted ASPU’s commitment to supporting international cooperation and scientific-practical initiatives in this area and expressed his confidence that the forum would create new opportunities in this direction.

Speakers included Members of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Valiyeva and Jeyhun Mammadov, Advisor to the Minister of Education Nigar Bagirli, Rector of Baku Slavic University Anar Naghiyev, and Head of the Special Education Sector of the State Agency for Preschool and General Education Anar Khalafov. They discussed the importance of introducing new methods and approaches for the development of children with special needs, the ongoing efforts and future goals in this field, and the opportunities provided by international cooperation.

Associate Professor Naile Huseynova, Dean of ASPU’s Faculty of Preschool Education, pointed out that through such events, the university and its faculty aim to compare and adopt the latest trends in special education, fostering cooperation and experience exchange in the field.

The forum, with the primary goal of further developing the skills of professionals working in special education, strengthening international partnerships, and finding innovative solutions to various challenges, continued its work with panel discussions. The discussions were organized under three key themes: “Use of Digital Resources and Distance Education in the Special Education System,” “Research and Innovations in the Special Education System,” and “Diagnostic Assessment of Children with Special Needs in the Special Education System.”

During the panels, education experts, teachers, and researchers from different countries presented various methods, programs, and experiences aimed at supporting the development of children with special needs, followed by extensive discussions.