President of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA), Dr. Mafu S. Rakometsi,
participated in the International Scientific-Practical Conference organized by the State Examination Center
(SEC) of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.
The conference, themed “Assessment Systems: Trust, Transparency and Innovation,” brought together
government officials, international experts, and representatives from various countries, and served as a platform
for exchanging views on recent developments and emerging trends in educational assessment and examination
systems.
One day prior to the conference, Dr. Rakometsi met with Chairperson of the Board of the SEC, Dr. Maleyka
Abbaszade. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation between the SEC
and the IAEA, as well as opportunities for further collaboration in the field of educational assessment and
examination technologies.
Attending the event as Honorary Guest, President of the IAEA, Dr. Rakometsi, delivered a speech at the
anniversary conference held on April 10, 2026. In his speech, Dr. Rakometsi extended his congratulations to the
State Examination Center of Azerbaijan on its 10th anniversary, commending the institution’s notable
achievements in establishing a transparent, innovative, and reliable assessment system. He emphasized that the
SEC has become a recognized institution within the international assessment community and noted the
importance of strengthening international cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field. Dr. Rakometsi also
highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the IAEA and Azerbaijan’s examination institution, which
dates back to the late 1990s, when the organization operated as the State Students Admission Commission
(SSAC). Since becoming a member of the IAEA in 1999, Azerbaijan’s examination body has actively
participated in the Association’s international initiatives and annual conferences.
Dr. Rakometsi emphasised the importance of the commitment and loyalty of members and the wider
community it serves for the sustainability of the Association. He also recalled Azerbaijan’s successful hosting
of the 33rd IAEA Annual Conference in Baku in 2007 and the 45th IAEA Annual Conference in 2019,
describing these events as important contributions to international cooperation in educational assessment.
The State Examination Center continues to actively participate in IAEA conferences and international
initiatives, while also serving as an institutional member of the IAEA Board. This long-standing partnership
reflects a sustained and strategic cooperation built on decades of joint experience, knowledge sharing, and
mutual engagement in advancing modern assessment practices. It has played an important role in strengthening
institutional capacity, promoting transparency in examination systems, and aligning national practices with
internationally recognized standards. The collaboration remains a key platform for continued innovation and
future development in the field of educational assessment.