Fariz Jafarov

Executive Director of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center (C4IR Azerbaijan).

Fariz Turab oglu Jafarov is one of the leading figures in Azerbaijan in the fields of digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and public administration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Public and Municipal Administration from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, followed by an MBA from Webster University in the United Kingdom, a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from The George Washington University in the United States, and further studies in Adaptive Strategic Management at Duke University. He also completed a double master’s degree program in Artificial Intelligence in Public Services at the University of Milan and the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Fariz Jafarov began his professional career as Head of the Analytical Department at Baku Business School and later served in the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and in various senior positions at the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. From 2018 to 2023, as Director of the E-Government Development Center, he led the implementation of key nationwide digital projects such as ASAN Visa and myGov. His significant contributions to the digitalization of public services and enhancement of citizen satisfaction were recognized with the “Progress” Medal.In 2023, Fariz Jafarov was appointed Deputy Executive Director of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center (C4IR Azerbaijan) and later that year became its Executive Director. Under his leadership, the Center has launched a number of international collaboration projects in artificial intelligence, data science, smart energy systems, and digital skills development. Notably, through his initiative, the 4IR Academy project enabled tens of thousands of people to access advanced digital skills courses on the Coursera platform free of charge, earning the prestigious “AI Innovation Award” at an international forum. Fariz Jafarov has also played a key role in shaping Azerbaijan’s national AI strategy, representing the country on the Council of Europe’s Committee on Artificial Intelligence, and leading strategic initiatives in the application of digital technologies in the energy sector and the development of human capital. His work, which bridges public administration and technological innovation, has made a significant contribution to strengthening Azerbaijan’s position in the global digital ecosystem.