The Declaration adopted at the Forum expressed full support for developing the SOCGOV initiative as an institutional and sustainable platform for international dialogue, experience exchange and partnership on the future of social governance.

An international forum entitled “SOCGOV 2026: Digital Analytics for Smart Governance” was held in the city of Khankendi, organised by the DOST Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population.

Bringing together government officials, local and international experts from various countries, the Forum aimed to assess the prospects for applying artificial intelligence and digital analytics in social services, identify innovative solutions to establish government-citizen relations based on a more accessible, flexible and transparent model, and exchange advanced experience in implementing smart governance models.

At the event, SAİDA (Social Artificial Intelligence of DOST Agency) welcomed the participants as moderator.

At the opening of the Forum, Anar Aliyev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, noted that the event was being held during the days marking the sixth anniversary of the Patriotic War, in which the Azerbaijani Army achieved a glorious Victory under the leadership of President and Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. He drew attention to the social support measures implemented for the families of martyrs and war participants. He stated that holding the “SOCGOV 2026” international forum in Khankendi was of symbolic significance and provided an opportunity to showcase the new life being built in the liberated territories and the smart city concept. Anar Aliyev noted the substantial increases in social payments achieved as a result of five social reform packages implemented in Azerbaijan since 2018, which have involved an additional annual allocation of AZN 8 billion. He emphasised that, in accordance with the instruction of the head of state, the next, sixth social reform package was being prepared to increase social payments.

The achievements in the digitalisation of the Ministry’s services were highlighted. Information was provided on the application of artificial intelligence across four key priorities of the Ministry, covering disability assessment, improvement of employment services, automation of administrative processes, and the development of digital interaction with citizens. The advantages of the DOST concept, initiated by First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, were highlighted, and it was noted that more than 90 per cent of the services provided at DOST centres had been digitalised. It was emphasised that countries such as Moldova, Uzbekistan and Serbia had expressed interest in studying the DOST concept, and that the achievements of the social reforms implemented by the Ministry in recent years had received more than 300 international awards and certificates, including the United Nations Public Service Award.

Anar Aliyev expressed his confidence that the Forum would serve as an important platform for assessing the prospects for applying artificial intelligence and digital analytics in social services, identifying innovative solutions to establish government-citizen relations based on a more accessible, flexible and transparent model, and exchanging advanced international experience.

Vedat Işıkhan, Minister of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye, expressed his confidence that the “SOCGOV 2026” International Forum would make a significant contribution to joint efforts concerning the future of social policies. He noted that the digital transformation of public services was continuing in Türkiye and that the “e-Government Gateway” portal, the country’s main digital platform, enabled citizens to access a wide range of public services quickly and securely through a single point of access. He stated that thousands of services were currently available through the “e-Government Gateway” portal, which had nearly 70 million users. Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye regards digitalisation as a key means of improving service quality and institutional capacity.

Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasised that the “ASAN service” model was a successful example of an innovative governance approach to the provision of public services. He noted that the model contributed to simplifying administrative procedures, optimising service delivery processes and strengthening trust in government-citizen relations. He stated that the work carried out by the DOST Agency to implement digital solutions in social services and strengthen a citizen-centred approach was also commendable.

In his video address, Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association, emphasised that artificial intelligence, data-driven solutions and digital public services created extensive opportunities to make social security more accessible, responsive, inclusive and people-centred. He expressed his confidence that the discussions held at the “SOCGOV 2026” Forum would contribute to new ideas and practical solutions for the future of social security. In her video address, Christian Fillet, President of the European Social Network, also highlighted the benefits that digital analytics, artificial intelligence and data-driven decisions bring to social services, as well as the significance of the event.

At the Forum, a panel session entitled “Innovation Requires Speed, While the State Requires Rules — How Should the Balance Be Struck?” was held under the moderation of Farid Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the DOST Agency. Mihai Gabriel Ciobanu, State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Moldova; Alexandros Varveris Georgios, Director of Greece’s Electronic National Social Security Fund; Laman Ibrahimova, Head of the ASAN Artificial Intelligence Centre; and Nijat Hajikhanov, Data Management Specialist at the Luxembourg National Data Service, shared their views on the topic. The event continued with TEDx-style debates by Khayala Fatullayeva, Head of the Digital Economy Department of the Center for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and Mehmet Ali Varol, Head of the Data Science Group at “Doğuş Teknoloji” Joint-Stock Company of Türkiye, as well as discussions by thematic working groups.

A Declaration of the Forum was adopted. In the document, participants expressed their support for developing the SOCGOV initiative as an institutional and sustainable platform for international dialogue, experience exchange and partnership on the future of social governance. It was emphasised that the use of reliable data, modern analytical tools and evidence-based decision-making mechanisms should be expanded in the formulation and implementation of social policy.

Parallel sessions, special presentations by partner organisations, as well as a joint event organised by ASAN service and Karabakh University, were also held within the framework of the international forum entitled “SOCGOV 2026: Digital Analytics for Smart Governance”.

The delegations of Türkiye and Uzbekistan participating in the Forum visited Victory Park in the city of Khankendi. Minister Anar Aliyev briefed the guests on Victory Park and the Victory Arch complex. The delegations also visited Karabakh University.