Today, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Information Security Testing Laboratory at Baku Higher Oil School — an important milestone for education, cybersecurity, and the future of critical infrastructure protection.

Cybersecurity is not only about systems and tools. It is about people, trust, and preparing the next generation to navigate complexity responsibly in an increasingly digital world.

I was glad to share this moment with distinguished speakers who are shaping Azerbaijan’s digital and security landscape:

Elmar Gasimov, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School;
Ilgar Musayev, Head of the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Davud Rustamov, Head of the National Cybersecurity Center of the @State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Anar Narimanov, Head of Digital Management, Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Ziba Mustafayeva, SPHRi™, SHRM-SCP, Vice President of State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR),
Tural Mammadov CISO of the Special Communication and Information Security State Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan

I am particularly pleased that the outcomes of the Cyber Polygon project — a cyber range platform specialized in the energy sector, with automatic generation of virtual scenarios — will support the activities of this new laboratory. Turning research and international cooperation into practical training and testing environments is essential for building long-term cyber resilience.

This innitiative reflects a shared commitment between academia, industry, and public institutions. The support of SOCAR demonstrates how strategic investment in education and innovation can strengthen both national capabilities and regional cooperation.

The opening of this laboratory is more than a ceremony — it is a step toward a future where cybersecurity, education, and energy resilience evolve together through collaboration.

Looking forward to see how this space will empower students, experts, and institutions to build a safer and more resilient digital ecosystem.

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