Test Title

Test Title

    Stockholm Seminar Discusses Uzbekistan’s Reform Transformation and Central Asia’s Growing Role

    Stockholm Seminar Discusses Uzbekistan’s Reform Transformation and Central Asia’s Growing Role

    A high-level international seminar titled “Reframing Central Asia: Uzbekistan’s Reform Transformation and the Region’s Emerging Strategic Role” was held in Stockholm, bringing together policymakers, diplomats, researchers, and experts from Uzbekistan and Sweden. The event focused on the growing strategic importance of Central Asia in the changing Eurasian landscape, as well as Uzbekistan’s ongoing reforms and its role in promoting regional cooperation, connectivity, and constructive international dialogue. The keynote address was delivered by Sodyq Safoev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy. In his remarks, Senator Safoev presented Uzbekistan’s reform and modernization experience, emphasizing the country’s contribution to strengthening regional cooperation and international engagement. Addressing Swedish policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and experts, S.Safoev highlighted the transformation taking place across Central Asia and the region’s growing role as a space of openness, partnership, and cooperation. He also stressed the importance of expanding practical cooperation between Central Asia and the Nordic countries in areas such as sustainable development, transport and logistics, energy, education, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges. The seminar was opened by Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Sweden, together with Swedish political and policy representatives. The discussions were moderated by prominent Central Asia expert Dr. Svante Cornell. Participants also heard strategic commentaries from leading Swedish experts on regional developments and prospects for strengthening Nordic–Central Asian cooperation. The event generated strong interest among Swedish stakeholders and served as an important platform for discussing the future of Central Asia in an evolving Eurasian environment. Participants noted the increasing international attention to Uzbekistan’s reform agenda and the region’s growing significance as a bridge between Europe and Asia. The Stockholm seminar formed part of ongoing efforts to deepen political, economic, academic, and cultural ties between Uzbekistan and the Nordic countries, while promoting greater international understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping Central Asia’s future.

    UWED Rector Speaks at DIIS/Asia House in Copenhagen on New Uzbekistan's Foreign Policy and Calls for Closer Cooperation with Nordic Countries

    UWED Rector Speaks at DIIS/Asia House in Copenhagen on New Uzbekistan's Foreign Policy and Calls for Closer Cooperation with Nordic Countries

    On 2 June 2026, a high-level international seminar titled “Uzbekistan in a Changing Eurasia: Strategic Balancing, Regional Cooperation and Connectivity” was held at Asia House in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event was organized by the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS) and brought together policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and members of the expert community to discuss contemporary developments in Central Asia and Uzbekistan’s evolving role in regional and international affairs. Among the keynote speakers was Sodyq Safoev, Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. In his remarks, S. Safoev outlined the main principles of the foreign policy of the New Uzbekistan, emphasizing openness, constructive regional engagement, economic connectivity, and pragmatic international cooperation. Professor Safoev highlighted the growing importance of strengthening ties between Uzbekistan and the Nordic countries in the fields of education, research, innovation, sustainable development, and public governance. He underscored the significant potential for expanding academic and institutional partnerships between universities, research centers, and policy institutions across the two regions. The seminar also featured presentations by H.E. Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, and Professor Timur Dadabaev, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at UWED. Their presentations examined contemporary trends in Central Asian international relations, regional cooperation, connectivity initiatives, and the broader geopolitical transformations taking place across Eurasia. The event concluded with a vibrant discussion involving representatives of academia, diplomatic missions, government institutions, think tanks, and civil society organizations. Participants exchanged views on the future of Central Asian cooperation, Uzbekistan’s reform agenda, and new opportunities for engagement between Central Asia and Northern Europe. The seminar served as an important platform for advancing dialogue between Uzbekistan and the Nordic region and further strengthening UWED’s international academic and policy partnerships.

    UWED Hosts Event on the Role and Leadership of Women in Diplomacy and International Relations

    UWED Hosts Event on the Role and Leadership of Women in Diplomacy and International Relations

    On June 3, the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED), in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, held an event on the role and leadership of women in diplomacy and international relations. Representatives from nine diplomatic missions took part in the event, which focused on women's leadership in diplomacy, the importance of an inclusive approach to decision-making, and the obstacles women still face in reaching high-level diplomatic positions worldwide. Opening the event, Renata Vrubel, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan, stressed that gender equality is not only a fundamental right but also a prerequisite for building strong institutions and effective diplomacy. She noted that mentorship, practical experience, and professional networks play a vital role in the successful careers of young women in international relations, emphasizing that direct communication with practitioners is crucial for determining a future professional path. Dr. Gulnoza Ismailova, Executive Director of the "El-yurt umidi" Foundation and Advisor to the Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, remarked that in the New Uzbekistan, ever-expanding opportunities are being created for women to realize their potential and make a worthy contribution to the development of society. She emphasized that leadership should be based not on gender, but on knowledge, potential, strategic vision, and dedication. She also noted the need to consistently continue efforts to support talented women in demonstrating leadership, fostering innovation, and actively participating in shaping the future of Uzbekistan and the international community. During the panel discussion, leading diplomats and scholars candidly shared their professional journeys, discussed the persistent gender barriers in diplomacy, and exchanged views on the skills that are increasingly in demand in today's rapidly changing global environment. One of the most dynamic and engaging parts of the program was the "Speed Networking" interactive session. This session gave female students the opportunity to interact with diplomats through informal conversations. Participants exchanged views on diplomatic work, international cooperation, and the opportunities available to young women in this field. The female students showed great interest in new initiatives connecting them with practitioners. They particularly emphasized the importance of open dialogue on the practical aspects of diplomatic work and professional growth, as well as the opportunities and challenges facing future diplomats.

    Faculty of UWED organized a charity event in the Olmachi mahalla citizens' assembly

    Faculty of UWED organized a charity event in the Olmachi mahalla citizens' assembly

    Today, cooperation between family, the mahalla, and educational institutions holds a vital place in the educational process. Their effective interaction is of great importance for the spiritual and social development of the younger generation, as well as for building a healthy society. On June 2 of this year, Khurshida Khodjaeva, Nargiza Khayrullaeva, and Mahbuba Sadykova, instructors from the Department of European and Turkic Languages, organized a charity event in the Olmachi mahalla citizens' assembly, which is under the patronage of UWED. This charity event was held to further strengthen cooperation within the “Family-Mahalla-Educational Institution” framework, support socially vulnerable and low-income families, and widely promote an atmosphere of kindness, generosity, and solidarity in society. During the event, families in need were provided with material assistance in the form of food and funds. This initiative was a practical demonstration of the instructors' social responsibility, their humanitarian qualities, and their active participation in the life of the mahalla. Representatives of the Olmachi MCA and the citizens who received assistance expressed their sincere gratitude to the instructors of the Department of European and Turkic Languages for their attention and practical support. It was particularly emphasized that such good deeds contribute to the further strengthening of cooperation between mahalla residents and the educational institution. This charity initiative was dedicated to the 17 Global Goals adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015, aimed at eradicating poverty, protecting our planet, and ensuring peace and prosperity for all people, specifically focusing on areas such as: No Poverty (SDG 1) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2). It should be noted that charitable and humanitarian events play an important role in strengthening a sense of mutual aid, social solidarity, and responsibility in society.

    UWED Rector Launches Strategic Research and Academic Partnership with Lund University

    UWED Rector Launches Strategic Research and Academic Partnership with Lund University

    Sodyq Safaev, First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Rector of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy, officially inaugurated the UWED–Lund Strategic Partnership for Research and Academic Development during a high-level academic event hosted by Lund University. The launch of the initiative took place in the presence of H.E. Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Kingdom of Sweden, the Kingdom of Norway, and the Kingdom of Denmark, Ambassador of Sweden to Uzbekistan Ingrid Tersman (2016-2021), together with prominent scholars, researchers, and academic leaders from Uzbekistan and Sweden. Opening the initiative, Rector Safayev emphasized the growing importance of international academic partnerships in supporting knowledge-based development, strengthening research capacity, and preparing a new generation of globally engaged scholars and professionals. He highlighted the role of universities as platforms for international dialogue, innovation, and policy-relevant research. The partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for long-term cooperation between UWED and one of Europe's leading research universities. It is designed to strengthen research excellence, doctoral training, international academic networking, and collaborative grant development while expanding educational and research exchanges between Uzbekistan and Sweden. The partnership will include: · Joint international research projects and publications; · Development of collaborative grant applications; · International conferences and research workshops; · Winter and Summer Schools for doctoral students and early-career researchers; · Academic training programs on research management, publication strategies, and grant writing; · Expansion of Nordic–Central Asian academic cooperation networks. The launch conference, entitled “Knowledge-Based Development and Academic Cooperation in Central Asia,” featured keynote remarks by Rector Sodyq Safayev, presentations by Ambassador Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov, Prof. Håkan Hydén, Prof. Patrik Olsson, Prof. Rustamjon Urinboyev, and Prof. Timur Dadabaev, and discussions on future avenues for academic cooperation between Central Asia and Northern Europe. The operational implementation of the partnership will be coordinated by Prof. Timur Dadabaev, Vice Rector for Research and Innovation of UWED, and Prof. Rustamjon Urinboyev of Lund University, who will oversee the development of joint research, educational, and networking activities. The UWED–Lund Strategic Partnership is expected to become a flagship platform connecting researchers, doctoral students, and policymakers from Central Asia, Northern Europe, and beyond, while contributing to the internationalization of higher education and research in Uzbekistan and strengthening academic ties between Uzbekistan and the Nordic region.