AmCham Annual General Meeting 2024 was held

American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan (AmCham Azerbaijan) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 25, 2024. This significant event featured the elections for the Board of Directors and the President of AmCham.Mr. Ilkin Hajiyev from Sustainera Research and Consulting Services was elected as the Chairman of the General Meeting, while Mr. Yusif Abbasov and Mr. Abdulla Huseynli were elected as the tellers. Mr. Hajiyev introduced the 13 candidates running for 10 vacant positions on the Board of Directors. During the ballot counting, Former President of AmCham Azerbaijan, Ms. Nargiz Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu delivered a comprehensive presentation on the accomplishments achieved during her presidency and concluded with a farewell speech. She highlighted the achievements and initiatives during her tenure and expressed her gratitude to the AmCham community for their dedication and contributions. Ms. Nasrullayeva-Muduroglu also extended her best wishes to the new Board of Directors in their ongoing efforts to fulfill the Chamber’s mission and strategic objectives.The anonymous voting process involved authorized representatives of AmCham Regular Members, all of whom have a strong business reputation and standing in the community. The Chairman of the AGM announced the election results for the new Board members, who will serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026. The newly elected Board members are:Rana Mammadova, Coca-Cola Azerbaijan Dayanat Sadullayev, PASHA HoldingZaur Gurbanov, SOCARZaur Allahverdizade, Baker Hughes Services Representative Office in Azerbaijan and GeorgiaImran Ahmadzada, NEQSOL Holding Kanan Tabasaransky, Smart Solutions GroupKamil Valiyev, Dentons Oscar Bogopolskiy, McDonald’s AzerbaijanNuran Kerimov, Deloitte AzerbaijanBabek H. Aghayev, PROSOL CompanyAmong these elected Board Members, Mr. Dayanat Sadullayev from PASHA Holding was elected as the President of AmCham Azerbaijan.The AGM concluded with a speech by Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, who extended her best wishes to the newly appointed President and Board Members.Click for all the media from the eventClick for the highlights from the event

AmCham Hosted "Meet Your Candidate" Cocktail Reception

Reflecting on a cherished annual tradition, the AmCham "Meet Your Candidate" Cocktail Reception took place on March 7, 2024. This special event brought together the dynamic AmCham community for an evening of networking and engagement, providing members with the invaluable opportunity to connect with candidates running for vacant seats on the AmCham Board of Directors.Amidst friendly and relaxed atmosphere, attendees enjoyed listening to the candidates' speeches while sipping on cocktails, offering a refreshing break from their busy schedules.This year, there are 10 vacant positions on the Board, each vital for representing the business community effectively. Board members dedicate their time and expertise voluntarily to serve for a two-year term (2024-2026), with one member also being elected as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors.A total of 14 accomplished professionals stepped forward, each offering their unique vision and dedication to steer AmCham towards continued excellence. The list of candidates includes:Oscar Bogopolskiy, CEO of McDonald’s AzerbaijanZaur Allahverdizade, Head of Compliance Department for the MENATI and CIS regions and the Head of Baker Hughes Services Representative Office in Azerbaijan and GeorgiaDayanat Sadullayev, Chief of Staff, Member of Executive Committee at PASHA HoldingZaur Gurbanov, Vice-President of SOCARBabek H. Aghayev, Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board of Director of PROSOL CompanyKamil Valiyev, Partner and Co-Managing Officer at DentonsRana Mammadova, General Manager of Coca-Cola AzerbaijanKanan Tabasaranskiy, Founder of Smart Solutions GroupImran Ahmadzada, CFO of NEQSOL Holding & Head of NEQSOL Holding AzerbaijanNuran Kerimov, Managing Partner of Deloitte AzerbaijanShola Aliyeva, Group CHRO, Management Board Member at STP Group of CompaniesShirin Aliyeva, Chief Legal, Ethics and Compliance Officer, Member of Executive Team of Azercell Telecom Azer Babayev, Partner at EY AzerbaijanIgor Yakovenko, General Director of AZEL Systems Bear in mind that the elections themselves will take place at the Annual General Meeting(AGM) to be held on June, 2024.Click for highlights from the event. Click for all the media from the Event.

AmCham Human Resources “HR tech in Learning and Development” Webinar

On May 3, 2024, AmCham’s HR & Labor Committee organized an educating webinar on “HR tech in Learning and development”. The event was led and facilitated by SMART business representatives who are specialized in modern HR solutions.After the opening of the day, Mr.Ievgen Belobrov, Product Owner of SMART HCM & LMS and LMS, talked through their company vision and took the audience through the top priorities for HR Leaders in 2024 one of which is HR technology. After that, Mr.Belobrov talked through the difference between upskilling and reskilling and in which cases, the companies can utilize these approaches to create business value and better employee engagement and development. The session continued what E-learning means, what it covers and how modern world demands this digital approach to employee development. The largest part of the session was dedicated on Individual Development Plans (IDPs) – a learning agreement between the employee and their employer on employee’s goals for growth and development. Its elements, benefits, and monitoring process were heavily discussed. One of the important points made was how IDPs can turn into investment in the employees and the future of the organization. The session was held interactively with different live polls to get event participants’ feedback on different phases in employee development in their companies and people also had the opportunity to ask questions and share insights at the end of the webinar. 

AmCham Executive Director Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli participated in ACE Conference in Washington, D.C., and Miami

AmChams in Europe (ACE), representing 50 American Chambers of Commerce from 48 countries, held its annual U.S. delegation conference from April 22 to 26, 2024, in Washington, D.C., and Miami. Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli represented American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan among the 41 AmCham Executives from 31 countries present in the conference. The ACE Conference serves as a platform to bolster awareness of AmChams in Europe, foster partnerships, and gain insights into the prevailing U.S. business and political landscape. Throughout the event, participants engaged in high-level discussions, met with key decision-makers, and visited government institutions and corporate headquarters.The conference commenced with a dynamic session at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, featuring notable speakers such as Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Marjorie Chorlins, Vice President of European Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and others. Discussions covered strategic insights on various topics, including the U.S. economy, geopolitical risks, and transatlantic cooperation.Notable highlights of the conference included dialogues at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Atlantic Council, where participants gained valuable insights into transatlantic relations and the upcoming U.S. elections. The conference also featured engaging discussions on key sectors for cooperation, including energy, AI, cybersecurity, and defence.In Miami, the ACE delegation explored opportunities for international business and trade with organizations such as the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Royal Caribbean Group. These discussions focused on sectors vital to Miami's economy, including infrastructure, tourism, and technology.As the conference concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation for future collaborations. The event underscored the significance of transatlantic cooperation and highlighted the role of AmChams in fostering robust business environments on both sides of the Atlantic.Gulnara Aslanbayli expressed her enthusiasm about the outcomes of the ACE Conference, stating, "The conference provided invaluable opportunities to strengthen partnerships and gain insights into key issues shaping transatlantic relations. We look forward to building on these discussions to drive growth and prosperity for our member organizations."The ACE Conference in Washington and Miami marked another successful gathering of AmChams in Europe, setting the stage for continued collaboration and progress in the years ahead.

AmCham Azerbaijan held its second event on Stakeholders' Dialogue for Climate Change – Sustainable supply chain practices.

Within the framework of preparation for the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference, AmCham Azerbaijan is hosting a series of six events titled "Stakeholders' Dialogue for Climate Change." This initiative is designed to foster dialogue, awareness, and collaboration among businesses in Azerbaijan in preparation for the upcoming UNFCCC COP 29 event, to be held in Azerbaijan in November 2024. Building on this initiative, on April 16, 2024, AmCham Sustainable Development & Corporate Impact Committee organized a joint meeting with Procurement Committees on discussing the sustainable supply chain practices for the further growth of the businesses.The meeting was opened with the welcome notes from Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli, AmCham Executive Director, Mr. Jeyhun Atayev, Deputy Chairperson of SD&CI Committee and Ms. Natavan Mamedova, Deputy Chairperson of Procurement Committee, who welcomed guests and gave them brief overview on the “Stakeholders' Dialogue” initiative.Welcome address by Port of Baku Chief Operations Officer, Mr. Eugene Seah and Program Manager for Sustainable Development Initiatives, Mr. Gurban Karimbayli, highlighted the role of ESG-related activities in the implementation of the port's development strategy. Later, Mr. Mahammad Aliyev, Port of Baku Projects Manager, shared an overview of green solutions in the port operations.Afterwards, team members of BP Azerbaijan - Nurlan Mahmudov, Advanced Drilling Fluids Plant Manager and Ms. Narmin Jafarova, Drilling Fluids Analyst, shared their presentation on how to minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency and promote sustainable practices across operations by incorporating circular economy principles into business model.The second guest speaker, Maria Teresa Pisani, Chief of Trade Facilitation Section under Economic Cooperation and Trade Division of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, made presentation on exploration of the benefits for businesses from sustainability practices in supply chain management- with the special focus on global experiences, particularly in developing and transit countries.The presentations were accompanied by the Q&A sessions and after the closing remarks, the meeting participants had the tour to Port of Baku facilities.AmCham Sustainable Development & Corporate Impact Committee meetings, a pivotal part of the series, delve into crucial topics such as understanding the significance of the UN Climate Change Conference for business circles in Azerbaijan, sustainable supply chain practices, role of corporate governance in eco-friendly business operations, global non-financial reporting practices vis-à-vis the Azerbaijani legal framework, legal regulations surrounding Azerbaijan's ESG Agenda, as well as available tax incentives. Additionally, discussions explore the status and prospects of the circular economy in Azerbaijan.It should be noted that AmCham Azerbaijan recognizes the critical importance of businesses in addressing global challenges such as climate change. As Azerbaijan approaches COP29, it is imperative for businesses to understand their role in shaping climate policies, contributing to sustainability efforts, and leveraging opportunities for innovation and growth. February committee meeting aims to elucidate why businesses should actively participate in COP29 and how their engagement can yield mutual benefits. By fostering dialogue and collaboration among businesses, policymakers and stakeholders, the Chamber seeks to catalyze meaningful action towards a more sustainable and resilient future.

AmChams in Eurasia Forge Collaborative Pathways for Regional Prosperity

On March 28, 2024, Leadership representatives from American Chambers of Commerce (AmChams) in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan engaged in an important meeting fostering regional growth and collaboration. Discussions centered on organizing regular regional events and trade missions to stimulate bilateral business opportunities, while also emphasizing knowledge exchange in areas such as public-private dialogue, advocacy, and sustainability. The meeting identified sector-specific collaboration opportunities in energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and tourism, with a focus on advocating for federal support to bolster AmCham membership and engagement. Additionally, engagement in middle corridor initiatives was highlighted to enhance infrastructure development and regulatory alignment.The event underscores the collective commitment of AmChams to drive regional prosperity and growth. 

AmCham Human Resources and Labor Committee's April meeting

On April 2, 2024, AmCham’s HR & Labor Committee organized an engaging event on “Retention and Engagement”. The event started with the presentation of Ms. Cagla Gurdal, Head of Rewards Data Intelligence of WTW, capturing the overview of attraction and retention trends in Azerbaijan.Guest speaker Ms. Elnara Mammadova, BP Vice President People and Culture for the AGT region and Russia, spoke about retaining and engaging talent in a challenging market, sharing practical solutions from bp experience. Ms.Mammadova focused on the importance of setting vision, empowering, creating culture and assessing employee needs.Guest speaker Mr. Mehman Heydarov, Project Leader of Talent Management Department in Kapital Bank spoke about company’s strategy to retain talents. He focused on the role of EVP, on engagement tools applied within the company, highlighting the role of listening, developing and rewarding talents. Event participants had the opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas on retention and engagement strategies. 

AmCham's Marketing, Communications and Business Development (MCBD) Committee's March Workshop

On March 29, 2024, AmCham Marketing, Communications, and Business Development (MCBD) committee hosted its March Workshop dedicated to “Redefining Business: Generative AI's Influence on Marketing & Sales Tactics and Product Evolution”. The guest speaker of the workshop was Mr. Emin Aliev, Chief Business Development Officer (CBDO) of Evido. Firstly, Ms. Aysel Suleymanova, Chairperson of MCBD committee, extended a warm welcome to all participants, introduced the guest speaker, and provided a brief overview of the meeting.Afterwards, Mr. Emin Aliev took the stage to deliver an informative speech on “Redefining Business: Generative AI's Influence on Marketing & Sales Tactics and Product Evolution”. During his presentation, Mr. Aliev comprehensively talked about how Generative AI will enhance customer service, marketing, and product development for humans. The workshop was concluded with an engaging and interactive Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to exchange their views and share valuable insights.

AmCham Azerbaijan's Nowruz Celebration Cocktail Reception

On March 14, 2024, AmCham Azerbaijan organized a Cocktail Reception dedicated to Nowruz Celebration. As per usual, the AmCham event brought together CEOs and associates of AmCham member companies, board members and committee chairpersons. Executive Director of AmCham Azerbaijan Ms. Gulnara Aslanbayli officially opened the event, greeting the guests and providing a brief foreword of the event. During her speech, she emphasized the importance of Nowruz in Azerbaijani due to its historical, cultural, and traditional roots.The event featured launching of the AmCham CSR Platform. Head coordinator of the project Ms. Sheyda Mustafabayli delivered a comprehensive presentation covering various insights and guidance on this exciting initiative that serves as a space on collaboration, connecting contributors and project owners to work together on meaningful corporate and social responsibility projects. Following the presentation, the Project Curator, AmCham Board member Mr. Shahin Mammadov, expressed his gratitude to the AmCham team, the AmCham Sustainable Development and Corporate Impact Committee, and all contributors in developing the project. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to foster collaboration and drive meaningful corporate and social responsibility projects. Mr. Mammadov also encouraged the business community and non-profit organizations to actively engage in the platform, share their CSR ideas, and showcase their creative CSR portfolios.Afterwards, the Reception continued with several traditional show programs involving national drum instruments, dance music performance, and a DJ show. Additionally, the reception also featured a special lottery where the guests got an opportunity to win an exclusive prize offered by AmCham Azerbaijan. 

AmCham Legal & Compliance and Human Resources Committee's joint meeting

On March 13, 2024, AmCham Legal & Compliance committee organized a joint meeting along with the AmCham HR & Labor committee dedicated to the topic “Promoting SPEAK-UP as a tool to strengthen business integrity and create safe work environment”.Invited guest speakers of the meeting were Ms. Jamila Islamova, Ethics and Compliance Lead at BP Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey Region, Ms. Sevda Huseynova, Ethics & Compliance Officer at SOCAR Midstream, Mr. Martin Zapata, Academic Programs Senior Officer at the International Anti-Corruption Academy, and Mr. Rafael Abdullayev, Senior Human Resources Manager at NEQSOL Holding.The meeting was opened with the welcome speeches of Mr. Kamil Valiyev, Chairperson of AmCham Legal & Compliance committee and Ms. Chinara Ahmadova, Deputy Chairperson of AmCham HR & Labor Committee. Afterwards, as moderator of the meeting, Mr. Toghrul Ahmadov, Deputy Chairperson of Legal & Compliance committee took the floor and gave a brief foreword of the session. The meeting continued with speeches and presentations by guest speakers where they touched upon SPEAK-UP, its impact on compliance program and its role in mitigating compliance and integrity risks. They also comprehensively discussed the root causes behind people not speaking up and key intervention points, as well as the role of leaders in promoting speak-up culture in organizations and the importance of creating a morally safe work environment that is free from ethical hazards. The session was followed by the Q&A session and closing remarks.