On 16 October, the Second Eurasian Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Data Science took place at the Baku Congress Centre.

The forum was organised by Codelandia LLC with the Baku State University as a local academic partner and Ben-Gurion University of Israel as an international academic partner. The event was supported by the Centre for Analysis and Coordination of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Azerbaijan) under the Ministry of Economy, AZAL, and a number of local companies.

Strengthening Collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Welcoming the participants, Gunel Jannatova, Head of Codelandia, stated that the aim of the forum was to strengthen the exchange of experience among regional countries in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), data science, and technological innovation, as well as to promote cooperation towards forming a Science and Industry 4.0 cluster.

In his address, Fariz Jafarov, Executive Director of C4IR Azerbaijan, spoke about ongoing initiatives to build a national AI ecosystem, and highlighted projects implemented by the Centre in the fields of digital economy, the Industry 4.0 Readiness Programme, and human capital development.

Distinguished International Participation

At the opening ceremony, speeches were also delivered by Elchin Babayev, Rector of Baku State University; Farid Osmanov, Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency; Dan Blumberg, Vice-President for Regional and Industrial Development at Ben-Gurion University; and Declan Hogan, Adviser on Digital Transformation to the President of AZAL.

The forum featured world-renowned scientists in data science, including Professor Jian Pei of Duke University, one of the most cited researchers in the field of data mining, and Professor Jin Song Dong of the National University of Singapore, a leading expert on the reliability of AI-driven software systems.

Representatives and researchers from other prestigious institutions — such as Yale University, Columbia University (USA), and Hallym University (South Korea) - also participated in the discussions.

Exploring the Future of AI

Speakers addressed pressing issues related to the application of AI in the economy, healthcare, education, and industry, as well as topics surrounding data management and ethical considerations.

Within the framework of the forum, plenary sessions, panel discussions, and presentations were organised for scientists, policymakers, private sector representatives, and students from various countries.