UWED Delegation Participated in the International Ombudsman Spring School in Italy
As part of efforts to develop international academic cooperation, strengthen youth diplomacy, and expand practice-oriented legal education, a delegation from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy visited Rome, the Italian Republic, to participate in the International Ombudsman Spring School.
The UWED delegation included Shirin Khamdamova, Associate Professor at the Department of International Law and Public Law Disciplines, as well as third- and fourth-year students of the Faculty of International Law who are members of the UWED Ombudsman Club.
The International Ombudsman Spring School was dedicated to pressing issues related to the protection of human rights, the activities of ombudsman institutions, civil protection, international humanitarian law, intercultural dialogue, and the role of young people in promoting democratic values and legal culture.
As part of the educational programme, participants attended a series of training sessions, lectures, interactive classes, and expert discussions aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of European human rights protection mechanisms, the specific features of ombudsman institutions in Italy and other European countries, and contemporary approaches to ensuring access to justice and protecting socially vulnerable groups.
Particular attention during the training sessions was given to the ombudsman institution as an independent mechanism for protecting the rights and legitimate interests of citizens. Participants became acquainted with Italian practices in the areas of parliamentary and regional oversight, the protection of citizens’ rights in their relations with public authorities, and practical mechanisms for responding to human rights violations.
The programme also addressed the European legal system, the activities of the Council of Europe, international human rights standards, the rule of law, democratic accountability, social protection, non-discrimination, and effective cooperation between state institutions and civil society.
The School brought together students, academics, experts, and young researchers from various countries, including Italy, Germany, France, Türkiye, Pakistan, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Canada, and Spain. Such broad international representation created a unique platform for exchanging academic experience, legal perspectives, and practical approaches to human rights protection.
UWED students actively contributed to the academic component of the programme by delivering presentations on current issues concerning the protection and promotion of human rights in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Their presentations highlighted ongoing legal reforms in the country, the development of national human rights protection mechanisms, the role of international humanitarian law in contemporary crises, the work of ombudsman and social protection institutions, and the importance of legal clinics in promoting legal literacy and ensuring citizens’ access to legal assistance.
The presentations delivered by UWED students provided the international audience with an overview of the ongoing processes of legal modernisation in Uzbekistan. They also highlighted the growing role of young people in strengthening legal culture, protecting human rights, and developing civil society institutions.
Networking activities aimed at establishing professional and academic ties among the participants constituted an important part of the programme. In an open and informal environment, students from different countries exchanged ideas and discussed opportunities for future cooperation, joint research projects, and international youth initiatives.
One of the central events of the programme was the international conference entitled “Civic Protection, Rights and Democratic Innovation,” held at the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament. The conference brought together ombudspersons, human rights advocates, representatives of government institutions and international organisations, members of the academic community, and young leaders from around the world.
During the conference, participants discussed contemporary challenges in the field of human rights protection, the role of ombudsman institutions amid global crises, civil protection, democratic innovation, the responsibility and accountability of public institutions, the protection of socially vulnerable groups, and the importance of youth participation in strengthening the rule of law.
A prominent part of the conference programme was the session entitled “Engaging Young People in the Protection of Rights.” The session focused on involving young people in human rights protection processes, developing legal awareness, and fostering a new generation of leaders capable of advancing the values of justice, responsibility, and respect for human dignity.
Shirin Khamdamova, Associate Professor at the UWED Department of International Law and Public Law Disciplines, and Komronbek Alisherov, a third-year student of the Faculty of International Law, participated in the session as moderators. Their involvement represented an important recognition of the contribution made by UWED representatives to the development of international academic dialogue, youth diplomacy, and human rights education.
At the conclusion of the conference, participants took part in the signing and endorsement of the 2026 Rome Declaration on Human Rights, which reaffirmed their shared commitment to the protection of human dignity, the rule of law, international cooperation, and the active participation of young people in promoting human rights.
As part of the International Ombudsman Spring School, participants also attended an official meeting at the Vatican and took part in a General Audience with Pope Leo XIV. This event became one of the most significant and symbolic moments of the programme, demonstrating the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue, mutual respect, and openness among peoples.
In addition, the participants visited the Senate of the Italian Republic, where they had an opportunity to become more closely acquainted with the work of one of the key institutions of Italy’s parliamentary system. The visit broadened the students’ understanding of European models of parliamentarism, the legislative process, and cooperation among public institutions in a democratic society.
The participation of the UWED delegation in the International Ombudsman Spring School marked an important step in developing the University’s international relations, strengthening academic partnerships, and promoting UWED’s reputation as a leading educational institution in the fields of international law, diplomacy, and human rights education.
The experience gained during the programme is of particular importance for preparing young professionals who are capable of thinking globally, analysing contemporary legal challenges, participating in international dialogue, and making a practical contribution to strengthening the rule of law and protecting human rights.
At the conclusion of the visit, the participants emphasised that the knowledge and skills acquired, together with the international contacts established during the programme, would provide a solid foundation for their future academic, educational, and public activities, as well as for the implementation of new initiatives in the fields of human rights, youth diplomacy, legal education, and international cooperation.
