Azerbaijan, the host country of COP 29, scheduled for November 2024, has committed to working with NOVA University Lisbon on several energy transition programmes.
At first glance, Portugal and Azerbaijan may seem like countries with little in common. However, a closer analysis reveals more similarities than one might think. Portugal is in the far west of Europe, while Azerbaijan is in the far east. Both countries have a population of around 10 million. Interestingly, there are only eight Portuguese citizens officially residing in Azerbaijan, one of whom is Fernando Santos, the famous football coach who is tasked with leading the Azerbaijan national team to Euro 2028.
Azerbaijan is known for its oil wealth. However, as COP 29 – the United Nations Conference on Climate Change – approaches, Azerbaijan is showing a growing interest in promoting a sustainable energy transition in line with global goals to combat climate change.
In this context, NOVA University Lisbon, represented by Vice-Rector João Amaro de Matos, was in Baku from 9 to 13 September to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities for cooperation. Here are some of the highlights of the visit:
- A meeting at the Baku Higher Oil School, where we were warmly welcomed by the Dean, Prof. Elmar Gasimov, and the Director of International Relations, Konul Maharramova. Here, excellent prospects for cooperation with NOVA IMS and NOVA FCT emerged.
- A visit to ADA University, a modern institution with a vision for the future, where we discussed strong possibilities for cooperation in engineering, political science, and management.
- Participation in the Times Higher Education University Impact Forum at the Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, a preparatory meeting for COP29, where Pro-Rector Júlia Seixas also participated as a panel speaker on the importance of SDG 13 – action against global climate change.
In a meeting independent of THE, João Amaro de Matos and Júlia Seixas were also received by the heads of the Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry.
They also visited a secondary school to present NOVA’s international degree programmes, with the aim of encouraging applications.