Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Central Asian International Education Forum opened in Tashkent on 28 October. In an address to participants, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for stronger cooperation between universities across the region, more joint educational programmes and scientific research, and greater exchanges of students and academics, the presidential press service reported.
“Our strategic goal in this area is to turn Central Asia into a region of mutual trust and friendship, a shared intellectual space that brings together science and education, advanced technologies and innovation,” the address said.
Mirziyoyev noted that global challenges are difficult to address individually. Water and energy security, climate change and technological shifts in the labour market require countries across the region to pool their knowledge and resources.
The president cited a World Bank forecast projecting Central Asia’s economy to grow by 5.8% in 2026. He identified the young generation as the region’s greatest asset, noting that its population stands at around 85 million. High-quality modern education, he said, is the most effective way to turn this demographic potential into intellectual strength.
Mirziyoyev also referred to a recently adopted decree consolidating the management of preschool and school education, vocational and higher education, and science into a unified system in Uzbekistan. The reform is intended to ensure continuity across all stages, from acquiring basic knowledge to becoming a specialist or researcher.
The president said attitudes towards many professions would change over the next decade, while entirely new occupations would emerge. The education system must therefore foster independent thinking, creativity, responsibility and lifelong learning among young people.
Key priorities include strengthening the role of teachers, updating curricula, providing career guidance for in-demand professions, and improving links between schools, technical colleges, universities and industry.
The address also highlighted the need to expand opportunities for girls, children in rural and remote areas, and young people with special educational needs. Mirziyoyev described this as an important condition for building a fair and inclusive society.
Other priorities include developing artificial intelligence, digital technologies and modern engineering fields, transforming universities into centres of research and development, and supporting young researchers.
