In Azerbaijan’s culinary world, a young woman is stirring up change with her unique “plant-forward” philosophy. Leyla Valiyeva, the first competitor to represent Azerbaijan in the Cooking at the WorldSkills Competition, has been appointed as a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. As the WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), she has earned respect not only for her culinary excellence but also for her commitment to sustainability through plant-forward cooking and her strong advocacy for gender equality, becoming a role model for youth skills development across the MENA region.

A dream of cooking: From family kitchen to the world stage

Leyla’s love for cooking began in her childhood. “I used to watch my mother cook in our kitchen back in Moldova, and eventually started trying things out on my own.” This early influence gradually made cooking a natural part of her life. By her teenage years, she was already preparing meals independently and sharing her creative dishes with friends. For her, a career in the culinary arts felt like “a natural choice.”

After moving back to Azerbaijan with her family, Leyla seized the opportunity to pursue formal training. She enrolled at the newly established CÀSÀ Culinary Arts Center in Baku, becoming one of the first students to complete the program. Through her strong performance, she earned Level 2 and Level 3 certificates in Culinary Arts from City & Guilds, a UK-based qualification organization. Upon graduation, she stayed on as a Student Ambassador Chef, taking on responsibilities in teaching, public speaking and event management, showcasing her versatility.

It was during her culinary studies that Leyla first learned about WorldSkills through a recruitment brochure. Encouraged by her instructors, she took part in the selection process and was ultimately chosen to represent Azerbaijan in Cooking at WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition. “WorldSkills opened my eyes, as it was my first experience to meet and network with like-minded peers who shared the same passion for work as I did,” she says. These experiences, she adds, helped her build a valuable international network of professionals in her field.

Breaking tradition: The challenges and mission of a female chef

As a female pioneer in Azerbaijan’s culinary industry, Leyla is acutely aware of the unique challenges she faces. In Azerbaijan, traditional expectations often prioritize professions such as doctors or lawyers, while the demanding nature of cooking, including long hours and late-night shifts, can create obstacles for women, particularly those from conservative backgrounds.

Despite these challenges, Leyla remains steadfast in her mission. “It’s been a dream of mine to become a chef and study culinary arts and too important for me to give up on it, especially based on what I went through in the past several years,” asserts Leyla, while adding that she occasionally receives messages on social from other young girls who look up to her. “When I read messages like this, I know that I’m on the right path. And I know that what I do is important, not only for myself, but also for the young generation surrounding me.” she adds.

In addition to her advocacy for women in the industry, Leyla is passionate about sustainable cooking. She specializes in plant-forward cuisine, emphasizing healthy and environmentally friendly food choices. “In Azerbaijan, meat is a big part of our cuisine, but I want to show that plant-based dishes can be just as flavourful and satisfying,” she notes. Her approach aligns with global culinary trends, reflecting a thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation.

Mission of the Global Dream Ambassador: Igniting hope through skills

“I am very proud to become a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai, and it is truly an honor to be recognized,” Leyla said. “This is a very special opportunity, and we are very excited and looking forward to the Shanghai Competition.” Through this platform, she plans to continue inspiring more people to pursue their dreams through skills. “ Skills are something I am truly proud of, and I am very passionate about spreading the power of skills to young people around the world.”

She also expressed her excitement about the scale of the event: “Learning just how big WorldSkills Shanghai will be has been especially exciting. I know WorldSkills Shanghai will bring us wonderful surprises.”

Her message to WorldSkills Shanghai: Looking forward to an inclusive and innovative skills Competition

For the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, Leyla shared her heartfelt wishes: “I wish the Shanghai Competition great success, and I hope all Competitors leave with new friendships and valuable experiences.” She also emphasized the importance of fairness and integrity in the Competition, hoping that every participant will have the opportunity to further refine their skills.

With her unique cultural background, international experience, and unwavering passion for the culinary arts, Leyla Valiyeva — through her role as a Global Dream Ambassador and WorldSkills Champions Trust representative — is using her skills and story to empower young talent in her region. She demonstrates how skills can transcend gender boundaries and help shape a more diverse and inclusive future.

Her story proves that when tradition meets innovation, and when passion aligns with social responsibility, skills can not only transform individual lives, but also drive progress across industries and society.