The international forum “SOCGOV 2026: Digital Analytics for Smart Governance” has kicked off today in Khankendi, bringing together local and international experts to discuss the future of social services.

Axar.az reports that the event focuses on the use of artificial intelligence and digital analytics to make social services and state–citizen relations more accessible, efficient, and transparent.

Listed on the official calendar of prestigious institutions, including the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the forum has brought together nearly 300 representatives, including experts and officials, from 12 countries.

The opening ceremony featured the national anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a minute of silence in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Speakers at the official session included Anar Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population; Vedat Işikhan, Türkiye’s Minister of Labour and Social Security; Marcelo Abi-Ramia Caetano, Secretary General of the International Social Security Association (via video address); Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan; and Christian Fillet, Chair of the European Social Network (ESN) (via video address).

The forum featured a panel discussion on AI and data-driven public governance, exploring opportunities, risks and future prospects from public- and private-sector perspectives.

Videos highlighting the activity of DOST Agency and “SOCGOV 2026” were also screened. Further discussions will focus on digital analytics, AI in social services, ethical governance and data-driven decision-making. The forum will also honour the winners of the international “AI4DOST Social Award” competition for innovative AI-based social service solutions.

The choice of Khankendi as the host city is symbolically significant, showcasing the new life emerging in the liberated territories and the development of the “Smart City” concept.

“SOCGOV 2026” is set to provide an important platform for modernizing social services through digital analytics, implementing smart governance models and sharing international best practices.