Leadership & Governance

Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, born on May 2, 1941, in Baku, Azerbaijan, has had a distinguished career spanning both science and diplomacy. He earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from Azerbaijan State University in 1963 and continued his studies at the I. V. Kurchatov Institute of Atomic Energy in Moscow, where he received his Candidate of Sciences degree in 1971. After further research at the University of California, Irvine, he obtained his Doctor of Sciences degree in 1984. From 1971 to 1992, Ambassador Pashayev worked at the Physics Institute of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, contributing significantly to advancements in the field.

Amb. Pashayev’s career took a new direction in diplomacy when he served as Azerbaijan’s first Ambassador to the United States from 1993 to 2006. During this time, he helped shape Azerbaijan's international presence and foreign policy. From 2006 to 2019, he served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. His extensive diplomatic experience set the stage for his next pioneering role—founding Azerbaijan’s first academy for young diplomats. This institution aimed to provide rigorous training in modern diplomacy, equipping future leaders with the skills needed to advance the country’s foreign policy goals.

As the founding Rector of ADA University, Pashayev’s vision extended beyond traditional education. He sought to create an intellectual epicenter that nurtures innovative leaders with a global perspective—leaders who can offer fresh insights and solutions to the complex challenges facing Azerbaijan.

Rector Pashayev is also known for his personal engagement with students, often spotted dining with them at the Student Center or discussing global affairs, life, and his love of jazz music.