Abdullayev: DOST Model transforms social service delivery

The creation of the DOST model has fundamentally changed the format of social service delivery in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Hidayat Abdullayev, stated during panel discussions at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group's 51st Annual Meetings in Baku, Report informs.

The deputy minister explained that in recent years, Azerbaijan has implemented a broad social reform program aimed at improving citizens' living standards, expanding social protection coverage, and transforming public services through innovation and digitalization.

"One of the key elements of this transformation was the creation of the DOST model, which radically changed the way social services are delivered. By consolidating employment, social protection, disability, rehabilitation, and labor‑related services in a single center, DOST introduced a citizen‑oriented, efficient, and transparent approach to public service delivery," he said.

Abdullayev added that Azerbaijan's ambition now goes beyond service delivery itself: "As social problems grow more complex, countries need stronger analytical capacity, more effective use of digital technologies, and better mechanisms for knowledge sharing and policy innovation. That is why the establishment of the DOST Center of Excellence is both timely and highly significant. The Center is designed as a platform for research, innovation, capacity building, and international cooperation. It will help turn practical experience into applied knowledge and promote the exchange of successful social policy solutions among countries and regions."

He expressed confidence that stronger cooperation among IsDB member states will contribute to building more sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready social protection systems: "I believe today's discussions will generate valuable ideas and partnership opportunities."