“Alumni UK Networking and Learning & Development Day” Was Held for Graduates of British Universities In Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The British Council, in partnership with the British Embassy in Tashkent, hosted the second “Alumni UK Networking and Learning & Development Day,” bringing together a vibrant community of graduates from British universities across Uzbekistan to share experiences and pursue professional development.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by the British Ambassador Timothy Smart, British Council Director Michael Holgate, representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, Executive Director of the El-Yurt Umidi Foundation Gulnoza Ismailova, and Rector of the International Agricultural University Munira Aminova. During the event, the significant impact of British education in Uzbekistan was highlighted: over 1,200 students studied in the UK in 2023–2024, while approximately 10,000 students participated in transnational education (TNE) programs.

The first session, “Thriving in a Changing World: Resilience, Uncertainty, and Interconnectedness,” featured presentations by Aziza Umarova, Head of the Implementation Department at the Agency for Strategic Reforms (Chevening alumna, University of St Andrews), Bohodir Ayupov, CEO of IT Park University (University of Surrey alumnus), and Anvar Isamukhamedov, CEO of Paynet (University of Reading alumnus). The speakers discussed the challenges of global uncertainty, the role of youth in sustainable development, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Sukhrab Saliev, practicing surgeon and international healthcare expert (Chevening alumnus, University College London), presented the session “AI, Physical Activity, Pills: Who is Who?” exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, physical activity, and pharmaceuticals in modern medicine. His presentation sparked lively discussions on the future of diagnostics, patient trust, and the role of technology in healthcare.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to alumni initiatives and professional development. The panel “From Idea to Implementation: Transforming Initiatives into Sustainable Projects,” moderated by Umida Nurzhanova, featured Study UK Alumni Award laureates – Orzugul Goibova (University of Bristol), Munira Begmuratova (WIUT), Azizbek Kurbanov (WIUT), Lusine Manukyan (University of Cambridge), and Eldor Mannopov (Durham University) – who shared their career paths after obtaining a British education, leadership experiences, and contributions to technology, finance, youth initiatives, and healthcare.

The concluding panel, “Continuous Professional Development,” moderated by Nodira Isamukhamedova (University of Leeds alumna), focused on lifelong learning and career growth strategies. Participants included Nargiza Kuchkarova (Ministry of Preschool and School Education), Tatyana Bystrushkina (American Chamber of Commerce), Laziz Khujakulov (UNDP), Sirozhiddin Olimov (CEO of Mutolaa), and Shahzoda Nosirova (UZINFOCOM). The discussion addressed approaches to continuous professional development and adaptability in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout the day, participants actively exchanged ideas, built professional networks, and celebrated the achievements of the Study UK Alumni Award laureates. The event concluded with keynote speeches and a call for alumni to apply their knowledge to drive positive change in Uzbekistan.

British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy Smart emphasized the significance of the event: “For me, this is not just an event. It provides an opportunity to see how our alumni apply their knowledge to build careers, inspire communities, and strengthen ties between Uzbekistan and the UK.”

Michael Holgate, Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan, noted: “The global network of graduates from British universities enables the exchange of experiences, mutual support, and the transformation of knowledge into tangible results, innovation, and growth. This event reflects these efforts, paving the way for stronger connections between our countries.”