Education scoping mission of Great Britain visits Uzbekistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) --An Education Scoping Mission to Uzbekistan took place from 26 to 28 September 2018 in Tashkent.

The delegation was represented by universities, education and consulting agencies from the UK. The main objectives of the mission were to explore opportunities in the Uzbek education sector, and build relations with local partners and government officials.

The visit was organised in partnership with the British Council Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan and gave the delegation an opportunity to meet with key partners and stakeholders in Uzbekistan, including The Ministry of Innovation and Development, The Ministry of Higher and Secondary-Specialized Education, The Ministry of Preschool Education, The Ministry of Public Education, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Key National and International Universities of Uzbekistan.

During the mission, the delegation took part in the Education Forum attended by over 80 participants, with participation of 21 representatives from 14 UK educational organisations. The forum served as a platform to explore new opportunities for UK-Uzbekistan collaboration in the field of education.

In his opening remarks at the Education Forum, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Chris Allan informed audiences about the Chevening scholarship scheme. Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, which provides postgraduates with the potential to become future leaders, influencers and decision-makers an opportunity to study at a UK university.

During the discussions, participants agreed that the national Innovative Education Management programme for academic leaders, run in partnership between the ministry of higher and secondary specialised education and the British Council, brings together a range of UK universities with Uzbekistan, introducing new approaches to quality assurance in higher education and engaging rectors and senior management of all 70 state universities.

Beginning from October 2018, the joint Big Idea Challenge Innovation Competition of the British Council with London Metropolitan University will connect 3500 Uzbek and British higher education students and tutors with a rich vertical enterprise programme. The Education Forum also discussed the forthcoming Creative Spark programme in Uzbekistan, which aims to support universities’ contributions to the development of Uzbekistan’s creative economy.

The visit served as a basis for further development of dialogue between UK and Uzbekistan in education sector.