On October 29, 2018, Swiss State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, Mauro Dell’Ambrogio gave a lecture at the French-Azerbaijani University during his first official visit to Azerbaijan on the topic “From education to innovation in Switzerland”.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Philipp Stalder, the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Switzerland, Khanim Ibrahimova, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Education, Mukhtar Mammadov, Rector of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, Professor Mustafa Babanlı, Cultural Counsellor of the French embassy Johan Schitterer, UFAZ Director, Associate Professor Vazeh Askarov, UFAZ Secretary General Charlotte Payen and UFAZ Coordinator Professor Jean-Marc Planeix attended the lecture amongst others.

Ahead of the lecture, guests got acquainted with UFAZ premises (including chemistry and physics laboratories) and received comprehensive information about the university.

Expressing his gratitude while welcoming the guest at the university, UFAZ Director, Associate Professor Vazeh Askerov mentioned that the lecture will be beneficial for UFAZ students.

Presenting the Swiss Higher Education system, the State Secretary Mauro Dell'Ambrogio emphasized the importance in Switzerland of vocational education and training – a system chosen by nearly 70% of high school students (while the other 30% chose Senior High School training).

State Secretary emphasized the advantages of this system as young people are talented in different ways than only the academic way. Vocational education bases its teaching on self-confidence, pragmatic approach. Furthermore, companies offer apprenticeships that are in accordance with the reality of the labor market. Young people are thus trained for qualified and jobs available just after their education.

State secretary Mauro Dell'Ambrogio also mentioned that Swiss Minister of Finance and other prominent individuals graduated from these type of schools.

Finally, Swiss State Secretary Mauro Dell’Ambrogio answered the questions given by UFAZ 3^rd year students.