The “New Horizon” ("Yeni Üfüq") social project, implemented with the support of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) partners, aims to enhance professional skills and improve access to the labor market for 80 young people from vulnerable backgrounds.
On 23 January 2026, the official launch ceremony and Stakeholder Engagement Forum of the “New Horizon” project were held in Baku. The project is focused on expanding employment opportunities for young people deprived of parental care and ensuring equal rights to development.
The event, hosted at the Hilton Baku Hotel, brought together representatives of government institutions, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and project partners.
The project is funded by SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations (SOCAR MGO) and South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) partners, with implementation entrusted to HBN Group LLC.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Polad Rustamov, Executive Director of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations, stated that the project is an important component of SOCAR’s corporate social responsibility approach, noting:
“Every young person has an equal right to development, regardless of their social status. ‘New Horizon’ is an initiative that transforms this right into real opportunities by supporting the development of professional skills and facilitating young people’s integration into society and the labor market.”
In her remarks, Indira Hajiyeva, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasized the project’s significance in strengthening social protection for young people, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering public–private sector cooperation.
Representatives of partner organizations and relevant government bodies also addressed the audience during the event.
The “New Horizon” project covers 80 young people aged 15 - 18 who have lost one or both parents or are deprived of parental care. Within the framework of the project, participants will receive vocational training, practical employment opportunities, and psychosocial support in the fields of office administration, sales and cashier services, culinary arts, and graphic design. The project will be implemented over a 10-month period.
The event was attended by representatives of the State Employment Agency, Social Services Agency, KOBIA, the Education Quality Assurance Agency (TKTA), parliamentary committees, orphanages and boarding schools, as well as private sector companies from various industries.
Training programs have been developed in line with national vocational standards. Upon successful completion and final assessments, participants will receive official certificates issued by TKTA. In cooperation with the State Employment Agency, employment and stipend support opportunities are also envisaged.
The project contributes to increasing youth employment, strengthening social protection for vulnerable population groups, and supporting the implementation of national priorities under Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth. The primary objective is to achieve an employment rate of at least 80% among project participants.