As its award-winning ASAN Service model reaches a new milestone with its expansion into the Americas, so marking a major global digital governance development, the Republic of Azerbaijan keeps redefining the future of public service delivery.
The State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan (ASAN) reports that 25 agreements for exporting the ASAN Service model have been signed; Colombia is the most recent nation to embrace the creative system. Signed during the World Government Summit 2025, from February 11–13 in the United Arab Emirates, this new cooperation was formalized under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
A Model of Public Service Delivery Excellence
Derived from the Azerbaijani language for “easy” the ASAN Service is a complete one-stop shop for more than 400 government and commercial offerings. Its scope covers real estate and driver’s license issuing as well as civil registry and migration assistance. Mobile services are also provided by ASAN, so guaranteeing fair access to public resources for underprivileged and remote areas.
ASAN has established fresh international standards in citizen-centric governance from its inception. With 28 centers spread around the country, including recent developments into Azerbaijan’s liberated areas including Shusha and Zangilan, the service boasts an especially high citizen satisfaction level of 99.8%.
Strategic Leap into the Western Hemisphere: MoU with Colombia
The MoU signed with public service authorities of Colombia marks a first for ASAN in South America and a more general step into the Western Hemisphere. The arrangement calls for:
- ASAN model implementation in Colombia, catered for its national setting.
- Programmes for interning Colombian civil servants at ASAN offices in Azerbaijan.
- Exchange of knowledge in best practices for citizen services and digital governance.
Strong respect for ASAN was shown by Colombian officials, who also clearly intend to implement the agreement into practical change. This is consistent with earlier ASAN model adoptions in Afghanistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, and others.
Global Stage Recognition
One has not overlooked ASAN’s mounting profile. At the 10th World Government Summit in 2023 it received “World’s Most Advanced Public Service,” surpassing competitors from more than 80 nations. Furthermore named “Best Public Services Concept” by the UN (2015) and acknowledged by StartupBlink as providing the “Best Startup Results in the Caucasus,” it has been named by
Published this year by MPP alumnus Abdulhakeem Abdulkareem, “Balancing tech and human connection: How Azerbaijan is redefining public services,” the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford The article describes ASAN’s hybrid strategy, which combines human interaction with technology, so providing a replicable model for developing nations with inadequate digital infrastructure.
Innovation and Worldwide Attractiveness
ASAN’s strength resides in its mix of customized service and advanced technologies. Though many services are offered through online portals, self-service kiosks, and mobile apps, average wait times are just 17 minutes. Furthermore supporting startups, the model hosts incubation programs and offers services from 30 private sector partners and 15 government agencies, so fostering a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and inclusion.
The deal with Colombia shows ASAN’s worldwide relevance and flexibility. Through encouragement of knowledge diplomacy and public service excellence, it also strengthens Azerbaijan’s soft power.
Anticipating Forward
ASAN will be kept under promotion among UN member states over four continents under a “Contribution Agreement,” with the United Nations, so strengthening its position as a worldwide leader in citizen-centric governance.
The spread into Colombia marks the start of a larger hemispheric influence for ASAN, not only a bilateral cooperation. ASAN is positioned to influence the direction of world public administration as more governments search for effective, open, people-first service delivery models.
Mr. Muhammad Ali Pasha is an Analyst and Expert on Central Asia, South East Asia, China, Türkiye and Middle East. Furthermore, he is a writer and poet.
