Speed, public participation, and transparency are key requirements of modern communication and digital diplomacy. Today, the rapid expansion of digitalization worldwide, the development of information technologies, and the growing influence of social media and digital platforms are giving diaspora activities new content and form.
The State Committee on Work with Diaspora currently works with compatriots in more than 70 countries and over 500 diaspora organizations. In line with Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities and the protection of national interests, diaspora organizations are increasingly uniting on digital platforms, enabling faster information dissemination, event organization, and direct communication with international audiences. On important national dates, online campaigns are organized across various digital platforms, rapid responses to disinformation are prepared, historical truths and cultural values are promoted, and systematic communication is established with foreign experts and politicians, News Cover reports, citing Azerbaijan's State Committee on Work with Diaspora.
Online conferences and webinars organized by diaspora organizations and members through social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube allow for the rapid spread of information and timely influence on international public opinion.
It is worth recalling that during the 2020 Patriotic War, Azerbaijani communities abroad strongly united on digital platforms, organizing petitions and campaigns, building connections with foreign parliamentarians and experts, engaging in public diplomacy through virtual events, and contributing to a more balanced narrative in international media. Special attention was paid to selecting target audiences and adapting communication styles for different groups.
Today, with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, several projects are helping to centralize information and bring compatriots together on unified platforms. Guided by President Ilham Aliyev’s recommendation that Azerbaijanis abroad preserve their native language, third and fourth generation diaspora members are joining the “Milli Dilli” online education platform to learn Azerbaijani. This platform connects students and teachers and expands remote learning opportunities through modern communication tools.
In addition, the “Karabakh” online weekend schools, established abroad at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, also use modern communication methods to teach the Azerbaijani language to hundreds of children, young people, and foreigners.
Another example is the “Justice for Khojaly” campaign, through which diaspora organizations, Azerbaijan Houses, Coordination Councils, weekend schools, and individual representatives held over 80 events in 71 cities across 34 countries on the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, using modern communication tools to inform the global community.
Diaspora members are actively involved in producing books, documentaries, and articles about Azerbaijan in foreign languages, strengthening their ability to influence public opinion abroad, and contributing to the formation of an evidence-based narrative grounded in international law on digital platforms.
The State Committee on Work with Diaspora also prioritizes the effective operation of the “Diaspora Organizations Central Portal” (http://www.diaspor.org), aimed at providing free ICT support to diaspora organizations, Azerbaijan Houses, and Coordination Councils. The portal integrates hundreds of websites and enables the rapid, cost-free creation of centralized web platforms. Its data system has been fully migrated to the government cloud.
All these developments show that diaspora organizations today use digital diplomacy as a tool of public diplomacy, capable of responding to challenges and overcoming risks. Digital campaigns, online petitions, and virtual events on social media expand global outreach. A strategic and professional communication approach ensures wider dissemination of messages, strengthens coordination, enables faster responses, and centralizes information.
Considering modern challenges, the Committee’s roadmap includes increasing digital literacy among diaspora communities, developing a unified communication strategy, applying media analytics, AI-based information monitoring, and creating digital lobbying platforms. Long-term strategic plans focus on building a unified diaspora network and shared digital platforms as part of Azerbaijan’s soft power strategy.
The conclusion is that the Azerbaijani diaspora is transitioning from a traditional activity model to a digital diplomacy model. Digital diplomacy, understood as influencing international relations through the internet and social media, makes diaspora activities more flexible, operational, and impactful, ensuring long-term sustainability.
