Tashkent: Uzbekistan is further expanding its cooperation with UNESCO in education, science, and culture, reinforcing its commitment to peace and sustainable development through knowledge and innovation.
Uzbekistan joined UNESCO in 1993, integrating its education system, scientific potential, and cultural heritage into the global intellectual community. The establishment of the UNESCO Office in Tashkent in 1996 and the formation of the National Commission for UNESCO marked new milestones in bilateral cooperation.
Over the years, Uzbekistan has aligned its education and vocational training systems with international norms, promoting equality, youth development, and global competitiveness. The country is now taking steps toward joining UNESCO’s Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, which will facilitate diploma recognition, academic mobility, and cooperation with global universities.
Currently, nine UNESCO Chairs operate in universities across Uzbekistan under the UNITWIN Programme, strengthening international research, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development goals. A notable example is the UNESCO Chair in Education for Sustainable Development at Urgench State University, which has organized numerous academic events and research collaborations.
Uzbekistan is also advancing rural development through a €9.6 million EU-funded UNESCO project, “Development of Employment Skills in Rural Areas of Uzbekistan.” Running from 2020 to 2026, the initiative modernizes agricultural education, enhances youth employment, and promotes sustainable economic growth. Pilot colleges and vocational centers have been upgraded with modern equipment, and new specializations have been launched in key agricultural and technical fields.
To further support innovation, Uzbekistan hosts “InnoWeek.Uz,” an international event that brings together researchers, scientists, and youth to explore science-driven solutions for peace and sustainability. The 2024 edition featured the UNESCO-backed forum “Science & Innovation for a Peaceful and Sustainable Future,” emphasizing global cooperation in science and technology.
Through these initiatives, Uzbekistan demonstrates its dedication to building a knowledge-based, peaceful, and prosperous society in line with UNESCO’s mission of fostering peace through education, science, and culture.
