1. Rector’s conference in Azerbaijan
Why and how to get started
Kauko Hämäläinen
Professor emeritus

2. Recommendations are based on
Comments of two earlier Open seminars
Discussions with people from the Ministry of Education
Interwievs of three rectors and 10 vice-rectors

3. Rector´s conference in AZ
It is really needed
Initiation should come from the Ministry of Education
Coordination group is needed to prepare basic documents
Conference should be independent, own by rectors
People from the ministry can be invited as experts to visit some meetings
One rector or a vice-rector can be present in meetings

4. Why needed WE ARE STRONGER TOGERHER
Help society to solve problems in He
Promote higher education policy in AZ
Promote cooperation between universities
Learn from each others / Platform for discussions
Lobbing interests of the universities

5. How to start
Minister should invite rectors to a meeting to discuss how to proceed
A coordination group could prepare a draft for regulations
Purpose of coopeation and main functions
Criteria for membership
Funding
Management bodies
Selection of a chairman, vice-chairman, secretariat
Regular meetings and possible working groups
Rectors can discuss about the proposal

6. How to proceed Funding: membership fees and donors
Chairman: Appreciated rector
At voluntary basis
At the beginning strong, motivated universities
Private and public together(?)
Permanent secretariat is needed