Baku State University (BSU) has completed the four-week preparatory phase of the FUTURE17 SDG Challenge, an international initiative jointly launched by global higher education analyst QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) and the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom.

A meeting was held at BSU to review the results of the initial phase, discuss next steps, and coordinate teamwork. Asiman Ilyasov, Advisor to the Rector for Quality Assurance, highlighted the role of international cooperation in students’ professional development, the practical application of academic knowledge, and the development of innovative solutions to global challenges.

During the meeting, students presented their project ideas and discussed potential implementation challenges and opportunities for collaboration with international partners.

As part of the programme, BSU students are working on 27 projects in cooperation with partner organisations from the United Kingdom, Portugal, Nigeria, Japan, Indonesia, and New Zealand. The projects address key sustainable development issues, including equal employment opportunities, access to education and healthcare, environmental protection, climate change, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, youth engagement, and sustainable agriculture.

BSU mentors support students in developing their ideas and applying innovative solutions. The next phase will involve collaborative research with international teams and the preparation of practical, results-oriented proposals.

FUTURE17 SDG Challenge brings together students and international partners to develop solutions to real-world challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. BSU is one of the programme’s partner institutions.