History
The Public Initiative Center (PIC) was established on 28 December 2011 by a group of prominent public representatives dedicated to advancing civic freedoms, democratic governance, and public participation in Azerbaijan. Among its founders is Dr. Gubad Ibadoglu, a distinguished economist and member of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF).
PIC was created in response to increasing restrictions on civil society, with the mission of mobilizing independent civic actors, strengthening organizational resilience, and protecting the enabling environment for public participation in Azerbaijan.
The Public Initiative Center (PIC) was established on 28 December 2011 by a group of prominent public representatives dedicated to advancing civic freedoms, democratic governance, and public participation in Azerbaijan. Among its founders is Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu, a distinguished economist and member of the National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF).
PIC was created in response to increasing restrictions on civil society, with the mission of mobilizing independent civic actors, strengthening organizational resilience, and protecting the enabling environment for public participation in Azerbaijan.
PIC leads national and regional advocacy initiatives, conducts research and policy analysis, and provides capacity-building programs for civil society actors. In 2019, we served as the lead applicant for an EaP CSF Re-Granting project to promote open governance and predictive analytics across the Eastern Partnership countries.
Despite political obstacles and repeated refusals of state registration, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the Government of Azerbaijan violated PIC’s right to freedom of association, affirming our lawful status.
Organizational Structure
PIC operates through a governance structure that ensures accountability, strategic leadership, and operational independence.
| Advisory Council | Composed of founding members and independent experts who provide strategic guidance, uphold organizational values, and ensure compliance with international civic rights standards. |
| Executive Directorate | Responsible for day-to-day management, project implementation, institutional partnerships, and oversight of staff and consultants. |
| Program Unit | Designs and implements civic development programs, national and regional forums, and advocacy campaigns. |
| Research & Policy Unit | Conducts evidence-based analysis and produces recommendations for legal reforms, public oversight, and open government. |
| Communications Unit | Ensures outreach, transparency, stakeholder engagement, and visibility of PIC’s initiatives. |
| Administrative and Finance Unit | Manages financial sustainability, compliance, and organizational operations. |