An event titled “The DOST Model in Building an Inclusive Society: Innovative Social Services for Sustainable Development” was held within the framework of the 51st Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group in Baku.

Organised by the DOST Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population, the event brought together representatives of local and international organisations, experts and other stakeholders to discuss large-scale social protection reforms implemented in Azerbaijan, the evolution of citizen-oriented service delivery and the expansion of inclusive social services.

Deputy Minister Hidayat Abdullayev highlighted recent reforms aimed at modernising the social protection system and improving access to services. He stressed that the DOST model is one of the key achievements of these reforms and also noted the broad application of digital technologies in the social sphere.

Farid Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the DOST Agency, described the DOST model as a unique service platform built on high levels of citizen satisfaction. He emphasised its role in ensuring faster, more transparent and higher-quality social services and in transforming state-citizen relations.

Ahmed Faruk Diken, Manager for Women and Youth Empowerment at the Islamic Development Bank Group, highlighted the global importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and implementing innovative social solutions to promote inclusive development.

Ruslan Mirzaliyev, Director of Baku DOST Centre No. 1, delivered a presentation entitled “Developing Integrated and Data-Driven Social Protection Systems: The DOST Model and the Centre of Excellence for Service and Innovation.”

The event continued with extensive presentations and exchanges of experience regarding the DOST concept, full digitalisation of social services, inclusive employment and social innovation initiatives.