• 15 November 2024

On November 14, 2024, Education HUB in collaboration with Impact Azerbaijan initiative group successfully hosted its side event, “Empowering Change: Social Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility,” at COP29 in Baku. Held at the NGO State Agency green zone the event brought together prominent voices in social entrepreneurship, corporate responsibility, and sustainable development to discuss innovative approaches for addressing climate and social challenges through impactful business practices.

The event opened with welcoming remarks, followed by an insightful presentation on Azerbaijan's social entrepreneurship ecosystem and establishment impact fund by Mr. Samir Aliyev, an expert with Education HUB. A vibrant panel discussion explored critical themes such as the role of social entrepreneurship in climate action, led by Mr. Vugar Bayramov, Member of Parliament; the intersection of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and social entrepreneurship, presented by Mrs. Gulnara Aslanbayli, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan; sustainable development through social innovation, shared by Mr. Rashad Aliyev of the Caucasus Ventures investment fund; and the role of civil society in supporting social enterprises, highlighted by Mrs. Gwendolyn Burchell, MBE, Founder and Director of United Aid for Azerbaijan.

Moderated by Mrs. Saida Gurbanova, Program Adviser at Education HUB, the event concluded with an engaging audience Q&A session and closing remarks, emphasizing the potential for social entrepreneurship to drive positive, sustainable change. The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative efforts among public, private, and civil society sectors to foster a sustainable, socially responsible future.