Perspectives of Cooperation Between Central Asian Universities Within ERASMUS+

On December 19, 2024, a significant event took place at the Tashkent University of Information Technologies named after Muhammad al-Khwarizmi (TUIT) — a roundtable discussion on the topic "Perspectives of Cooperation Between Central Asian Universities in the Development of Higher Education and Joint Projects Within ERASMUS+." The event, organized with the support of the National Erasmus Office in Uzbekistan, brought together delegations from Central Asian countries, higher education experts, and representatives of leading international publishers and companies.

This roundtable served as a platform for discussing key directions in the development of higher education in the region. The importance of the event cannot be overstated, as it contributed to:

• • Strengthening international cooperation among Central Asian universities.
  • Developing joint projects within ERASMUS+ aimed at improving educational standards.
  • Increasing the publication activity of universities and their positions in international rankings.
  • Forming regional consortia to ensure access to scientific information.

Representatives from five Central Asian countries took part in the roundtable discussion:

• • Kazakhstan:
  • Serik Omirbaev, First Vice-Rector of Astana IT University.
  • Banu Narbekov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Abay Kazakh National Pedagogical University.
  • Rauza Mendalieva, Head of the Department of Internationalization of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
  • Kyrgyzstan:
  • Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov, Rector of Osh State University.
  • Mirlan Chinibayev, Rector of Kyrgyz State Technical University and Head of HEREs.
  • Gulnara Isayeva, Coordinator of the National Erasmus Office.
  • Tajikistan:
  • Zarina Kodirova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus Office.
  • Makhbonu Nakatzoda, Professor at Tajik State University of Commerce.
  • Turkmenistan:
  • Gulnabat Gurdova, Head of the Department of International Relations, Ministry of Education.
  • Shokhrat Byasimov, Dean of the Turkmenistan Financial Institute.
  • Habib Khalmamedov, Representative of the International University of Humanities and Development.

The Turkmen delegation highlighted priority areas for cooperation, including the creation of joint educational and scientific projects and the development of information infrastructure to enhance publication activity.

• • Uzbekistan:
  • Bakhtiyor Shukhratovich Makhkamov, Rector of TUIT.
  • Aziza Abdurakhmanova, Coordinator of the National Erasmus Office.
  • Marat Rakhmatullaev, Professor at TUIT and member of HEREs.

International partners also participated:

• • Ahmed Elbadawi, Regional Manager at Wiley.
  • Alexander Kholyukov, Director of “Pulse of Science” Company.
  • Gultekin Gurdal, Founder of Research Ecosystems.

The roundtable provided a unique opportunity to exchange experiences, seek new solutions, and strengthen partnerships in the educational sphere. The outcomes of the event contributed to the development of the higher education system in the region, making it more competitive and aligned with international standards.

Additionally, tomorrow, on December 20, 2024, the Annual International Conference of the National Team of Erasmus+ Higher Education Reform Experts will take place. The conference will be dedicated to the 30th anniversary of EU-Uzbekistan cooperation in higher education within the framework of the Tempus (1994–2014) and Erasmus+ (2014–2024) programs.