International Conference on Higher Education Reform in Uzbekistan
On December 20, 2024, Tashkent hosted a significant event dedicated to reforming higher education, introducing innovations, and fostering international cooperation in Uzbekistan. The annual conference of the National Team of Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs) was held under the theme "Prospects for the Development of Higher Education in Uzbekistan." This year, the event also marked 30 years of collaboration between the European Union and Uzbekistan in the field of higher education.
The conference was inaugurated by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Qo‘ng‘irotboy Sharipov. In his opening remarks, the EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, highlighted the robust partnership between the European Union and Uzbekistan over the past three decades, emphasizing the successful implementation of numerous large-scale projects under Erasmus+ and Tempus programs.
Aziza Abdurahmonova, Head of the National Erasmus+ Office (NEO) in Uzbekistan, spoke about the Erasmus+ program and its projects in the country, underscoring their role in enhancing the higher education system. She detailed the achievements, best practices, and the impact of these projects in advancing educational reforms.
The conference was attended by rectors from Uzbek higher education institutions, as well as international delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, who shared their experiences as honored guests.
Among the notable speakers was Nozliya Normurodova, Vice Rector for International Cooperation at Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature (TSUULL) and an Erasmus+ expert on higher education reform. She delivered an insightful presentation on the reforms and internationalization of higher education in Uzbekistan. Normurodova highlighted initiatives undertaken by TSUULL, including international collaboration programs, student and faculty exchange, and the university’s growing presence in global scientific and academic networks.
The university’s contributions to social and spiritual development in Uzbekistan were also highly praised. Its efforts to enhance the quality of education and integrate innovations were showcased as exemplary practices within the Erasmus+ framework.
The conference provided a crucial platform for disseminating best practices in higher education and elevating Uzbekistan’s educational system to a global level. TSUULL’s experiences in quality improvement and innovation were recognized as a benchmark for successful implementation of educational reforms.
By bringing together experts, educators, and policymakers, the event reinforced the commitment to further collaboration and innovation in the field of higher education in Uzbekistan.