HEYDAR ALIYEV OIL REFINERY * Baku

HAOR CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP

HAOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are uniquely impactful in Baku and other major cities across Azerbaijan. Our efforts include strategic partnerships with regional corporations to sponsor chess championships, as well as the distribution of modern technological devices to colleges throughout the country.

One of HAOR’s most important Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) is supporting the advancement of science and technology in Azerbaijan. The development of any society is closely tied to its investment in scientific and technological progress.

In alignment with President Ilham Aliyev’s vision to transform oil—often referred to as “black gold”—into human capital, HAOR has become a national leader in educational investment. The company has consistently provided high-quality technological equipment to colleges in Baku and other regions across Azerbaijan, contributing to the country’s growing innovation landscape.

HAOR is also a proud supporter and co-sponsor of the Azerbaijani Chess Championship, traditionally held in Baku and organized by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF). The championship was first held in 1934, during the era of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic. Since 1945, it has become an annual event and continues today as a major fixture in independent Azerbaijan’s sporting calendar.

For the 2025 Azerbaijan Chess Championship League, HAOR continues to serve as a key partner and co-sponsor. Its support includes providing modern and classic chess sets, refreshments for players and spectators, and awards and gifts for winning participants—underscoring its ongoing commitment to youth development, strategic thinking, and cultural enrichment.

HAOR AUTISM AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

As part of its ongoing commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), HAOR proudly launches its Autism Awareness Campaign, aimed at fostering inclusion, understanding, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum across Azerbaijan.

Recognizing that true societal progress includes the empowerment of all individuals—regardless of neurological differences—HAOR aligns its campaign with the principles of neurodiversity and global efforts to promote equity and accessibility. The campaign seeks to break down stigmas, raise public awareness, and advocate for inclusive practices in education, the workplace, and community life.

Key Objectives:

Raise Awareness: Conduct public outreach initiatives, workshops, and digital campaigns to educate communities about autism, its challenges, and the strengths of autistic individuals.

Promote Inclusion: Partner with schools, universities, and employers to encourage the adoption of inclusive policies and environments.

Support Families and Educators: Provide resources and training sessions for parents, caregivers, and teachers to better understand and support individuals with autism.

Celebrate Neurodiversity: Highlight the talents and contributions of autistic individuals through storytelling, exhibitions, and social media spotlights.

Initiatives Underway:

Distribution of autism awareness materials in educational institutions and public spaces

Hosting community forums and panel discussions with autistic advocates and experts

Providing sensory-friendly learning tools to selected schools and centers

Supporting World Autism Awareness Day observances, including co-hosted events with local NGOs

HAOR’s Commitment

Through this campaign, HAOR reinforces its dedication to building an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of ability, is valued, supported, and given opportunities to thrive. By investing in awareness and education, HAOR continues to turn vision into action—empowering communities and paving the way for a more understanding and compassionate future.

HAOR also organizes a series of events in recognition of World Autism Awareness Month, in collaboration with Together and Healthy Public Union. These initiatives span from Baku to five major cities across Azerbaijan, aiming to raise awareness, foster inclusion, and support individuals and families affected by autism.

World Autism Awareness Day 2025: Embracing Neurodiversity for Global Progress

Since the United Nations General Assembly officially declared April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in 2007, the UN has been committed to advancing the rights and freedoms of autistic individuals, ensuring their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. Much of the progress made over the past 17 years has been driven by the advocacy of autistic individuals who have brought their lived experiences into global conversations.

The 2007 resolution (A/RES/62/139) emphasized the importance of increasing public awareness of autism. Today, the global movement has evolved beyond awareness to focus on acceptance, appreciation, and inclusion—recognizing the meaningful contributions autistic people make to their communities and the broader world.

WAAD 2025 Theme and Focus

The 2025 observance, themed “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” explores the intersection between neurodiversity and global sustainability. It emphasizes how inclusive practices and policies can empower autistic individuals and contribute to the broader achievement of the SDGs.

The event brings together a diverse group of global experts, policymakers, and autistic voices for keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Topics include inclusive healthcare, education, employment, and urban development. This year’s discussions spotlight how neurodiversity can inform and strengthen policies that promote accessibility, equality, and innovation across key sectors—helping to shape autism-inclusive cities and communities.

Organizers and Global Reach

The 2025 WAAD observance is organized by the Institute of Neurodiversity (ION), in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Global Communications. Headquartered in Switzerland and active in 40 countries including Azerbaijan and HAOR plays a majore role in all of operations in Azerbaijan cities, ION is a global organization founded and led by neurominorities. It is the world’s largest neurodiversity initiative, advocating for empowerment, equity, and education for neurominorities.

Driving Inclusion and Sustainable Development

Through meaningful dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, WAAD 2025 underscores the need for ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers, implement inclusive policies, and recognize the valuable contributions of autistic individuals to society and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.